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     Whether we like to admit it or not, we all operate, in all segments of our lives, from a certain "paradigm" (reference Thomas Kuhn, Structures of Scientific Revolutions), or "world-view".  When it comes to Federal Disability Retirements, the majority of Federal and Postal Workers who comes to me have a pre-formed, generally negative attitude about the chances of getting it.  This is because they have heard too many horror stories; or... Read More

     It is often a good idea to understand the process of Federal Disability retirement, in order to effectuate the best approach in winning a case.  Remember, for instance, that in all likelihood, the Applicant will not be speaking with the Benefits Specialist at the Office of Personnel Management; even if you call them (and I never recommend calling too often, for there is the "irritant" factor, which may -- thinking in purely pragmatic terms -- result... Read More

     Is it necessary for a Federal Disability Retirement Applicant to cite relevant case-laws and statutory authority when filing for disability retirement?  Or, should the medical evidence be sufficient?  Certainly, there is no statutory requirement that "the law" be referenced when filing for disability retirement.  And, further, it is normally not a good idea for a non-lawyer Federal or Postal employee to refer to case-law or... Read More

     Every Federal and Postal employee has a unique historical background, especially with respect to his or her medical condition; how the medical condition was incurred; how the medical condition progressed, deteriorated, and degenerated one's physical abilities, until that person came to a point where he or she could no longer perform the essential elements of one's job.  Each person has a unique story to tell, and indeed, some of the historical background is... Read More

     There is still some confusion with respect to the relevance of preexisting medical conditions, or medical conditions which were incurred while working, or outside of the workplace, and the impact of such medical disabilities upon one's right to file for disability retirement under FERS or CSRS.  This confusion is evident from some of the questions I have been recently asked.  Remember that preexisting medical conditions are irrelevant to filing for... Read More