Federal Disability Retirement FAQs

Lawyers Answering Frequently Asked Questions About OPM Disability Retirement for Federal Employees

When medical challenges interfere with a federal employee’s ability to perform their job, disability retirement through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may provide long-term financial support and continued access to essential benefits. Many federal workers who are dealing with physical or mental health conditions may be uncertain about whether they qualify or how the application process works. At The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we assist federal employees in navigating every aspect of OPM disability retirement. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive:

What Types of Conditions May Qualify for OPM Disability Retirement?

To qualify for OPM disability retirement, a federal employee must have been diagnosed with a medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year and that prevents them from completing essential work in their current position at a federal agency. Conditions that may support a disability retirement application include:

• Degenerative disc disease or orthopedic injuries
• Chronic back or joint pain
• Multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
• Cardiovascular disease or stroke-related impairments
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Severe vision or hearing loss
• Diabetes with complications
• Cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy or other forms of treatment
• Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder

The key issue is not the diagnosis itself but whether the condition substantially interferes with the employee’s ability to carry out the core functions of their position.

Can Mental Health Conditions Be the Basis for Disability Retirement?

Yes. Mental health conditions can be valid grounds for OPM disability retirement, provided that the condition is medically documented and prevents the employee from effectively performing the duties of their federal job. Eligible mental health conditions may include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Adjustment disorders

To support a claim, medical evidence from a licensed mental health professional must detail the diagnosis, documenting how the condition limits the employee’s capacity to perform job-related tasks. The inability to manage stress, interact appropriately with coworkers, or meet attendance requirements may be critical components of a qualifying claim.

Can I Apply for Disability Retirement If I Cannot Travel to Work?

Yes. A medical condition that prevents a federal employee from commuting to and from the workplace because of physical limitations, mobility issues, anxiety, or related symptoms may support a disability retirement application. If the employee has been able to perform some or all of their job functions remotely but is being required to return to the office, or if a required relocation would disrupt their ability to receive treatment for their condition or address other ongoing needs, OPM may approve a claim.

Do I Have to Be Totally Disabled to Qualify?

No. OPM disability retirement does not require that the employee be totally disabled or unable to work in any job. The standard is whether the employee is unable to perform the essential duties of their current federal position and whether the agency cannot accommodate the condition or reassign the employee to a similar position within the commuting area.

Federal workers may still be capable of working in other jobs or industries, but if their medical condition prevents them from continuing in their current federal role, they may qualify for benefits.

What Is the Difference Between FERS and CSRS?

The federal government operates two retirement systems:

• FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System): Most federal employees hired after 1987 are covered under FERS. To qualify for disability retirement, they must have at least 18 months of creditable service.
• CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System): Employees hired before 1987 may be covered by CSRS. The minimum service requirement under CSRS is five years of creditable civilian service.

While both systems provide disability retirement benefits, the calculation methods differ. Under FERS, benefits are coordinated with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and SSDI benefits will be subtracted from FERS annuities. CSRS may be calculated differently.

What Benefits Are Available Through OPM Disability Retirement?

Under FERS, disability retirement benefits include:

• Monthly Annuity Payments: When an employee retires before age 62 and is not immediately eligible for voluntary retirement, the annuity they will receive during their first years is generally calculated as 60 percent of their average salary during their three highest-paid years of work, minus 100% of any Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. After the first year, the benefit is reduced to 40% of the high-three average salary, minus 60% of SSDI payments.
• Recalculation at Age 62: At age 62, the annuity is recalculated as if the employee had worked until retirement, based on their projected service.
• Health and Life Insurance: In many cases, retirees will be able to continue receiving health insurance coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program and life insurance through Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).

What Happens if My Condition Improves or I Start Working Again?

OPM disability retirement benefits are subject to ongoing eligibility reviews. Benefits may be terminated if:

• Medical evidence shows that the employee has recovered and can return to their prior position.
• The employee is reemployed in a federal position at the same grade or pay level they held prior to retirement.
• The employee earns an outside income above 80% of the current rate of pay for their previous federal position.
• The employee fails to provide required medical updates during OPM reviews.

Contact Our OPM Disability Retirement Attorneys

At The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we assist federal workers throughout the disability retirement process, helping ensure that their claims are submitted correctly. If you have any questions about OPM disability retirement benefits, or if you want to know more about how we can assist you during your claim, schedule a free consultation by calling 866-460-0994 or filling out our contact form.