Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be disabled?
Disabled means that due to an injury or illness, you no longer are able to perform your job as you had always performed it. (For more specifics, consult with a disability attorney.)

What is the first thing I should do when and if I become disabled?
The first thing to do is to seek medical care. You and your doctor can determine whether your illness or injury results in permanent disability. The second thing to do is seek an attorney experienced in disability law.

What documents should I bring to my initial meeting with an attorney from DeHaanBusse LLP?
You should bring your current Medical Records, which will illustrate the nature of your medical disability as well as your job description.

Why is a letter from my doctor saying I am totally disabled, not enough to win my disability benefits?
A letter from your doctor will not in and of itself guarantee success for your claim for disability benefits. Depending on the facts of your case, you will most likely need the combination of medical and vocational evidence.

Will I automatically get my FERS/CSRS disability benefits since my Social Security benefits were already approved?
No. Approval of disability benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA), is not binding on your FERS claim.


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FERS Question of the Week

QUESTION: Can I collect Workers’ Compensation and FERS disability at the same time?

ANSWER: No, you cannot collect both benefits at the same time. However, you should review both benefits programs to see which pays out more. If you elect to collect Workers’ Compensation, it still is a good idea to file for FERS since the FERS deadline firmly is one year after separation from service. At least your FERS application will be on file at OPM should you chance your mind about which benefits to collect.

Disability Criteria Under FERS/CSRS

For federal employees seeking to make a disability claim under the FERS/CSRS disability retirement system, sometimes just knowing whether you are eligible to make such a claim can be confusing and complicated.

And although the terms defined in the FERS Disability Manual are meant to help you determine disability eligibility, sorting through those definitions can be annoying, at best, and impossible, at worst, when you are struggling to deal with an illness or injury.