health issue scenario

[PessOptimist]

Suppose a fed over 62 yo were to have a health issue that is permanent yet allows the worker to do the job as it exists at the present time. Employers do not know about the issue but will likely find out during the annual physical late next year.

Further suppose the health issue does not meet social security requirements for disability benefits.

OPM rules clearly state that after investigating reasonable accommodation the employee will retire at the FERS computation for age and years of service with no additional compensation.

How should such an employee proceed with investigating options?

[konakathy]

Suppose a fed over 62 yo were to have a health issue that is permanent yet allows the worker to do the job as it exists at the present time. Employers do not know about the issue but will likely find out during the annual physical late next year.

Further suppose the health issue does not meet social security requirements for disability benefits.

OPM rules clearly state that after investigating reasonable accommodation the employee will retire at the FERS computation for age and years of service with no additional compensation.

How should such an employee proceed with investigating options?

I'm not sure if this article will help said employee with their predicament.

I'm curious as to why the employer would find out about the employees health condition at the annual exam? Isn't the
employees health condition confidential?

Anyway, I hope this article will help in some way. Best wishes to that employee.

Federal & Postal Disability Retirement: A Reflection of Lifes Changes (http://www.myfederalretirement.com/public/1295.cfm)

[alevin]

Are you saying that said Fed can still do the job as it currently exists, without reasonable accommodation, at the present time? but that reasonable accommodation may be needed at some point within the next year? and that said Fed believes the employer would be unwilling to provide reasonable accommodation? seems the next move at that point would be to file a grievance and contact union representative.

[PessOptimist]

I'm not sure if this article will help said employee with their predicament.

I'm curious as to why the employer would find out about the employees health condition at the annual exam? Isn't the employees health condition confidential?

Anyway, I hope this article will help in some way. Best wishes to that employee.

Federal & Postal Disability Retirement: A Reflection of Lifes Changes (http://www.myfederalretirement.com/public/1295.cfm)
This all has to do with conditions of employment and passing the physical next year. The physical is mandatory and paid for by the employer for that reason and results are provided to the employer. Some years the results are provided to the employee, some not. Different issue, low bid contract etc. Employee can get the results from the employer no problem if the provider never sends them to the employee.

Are you saying that said Fed can still do the job as it currently exists, without reasonable accommodation, at the present time?
Yes

but that reasonable accommodation may be needed at some point within the next year?
Possibly likely

and that said Fed believes the employer would be unwilling to provide reasonable accommodation?
Unknown, depends on current politics and who is acting manager at the moment (long story)

seems the next move at that point would be to file a grievance and contact union representative.
Union rep has been made aware. Has offered no advice at this time. All medical opinions are not received. Disability may worsen. Fed employee is wondering at this point how to proceed. Advise bosses about possible future problems? Talk to HR? Say nothing until condition worsens if it does? Submit a CA-1 though it is a life medical condition and not work related? Lots of questions and no real course of action right now.

[burrocrat]

does said employee's pecker still work? if so i say screw it for all its worth. and then some.

if not, try to get a prescription for personal lubricant because you can't deduct over-the-counter vaseline expenses any more.

[PessOptimist]

I will have to ask her oops I meant said fed on Monday.

[konakathy]

If the employee has to go through Workers Comp.,document everything and keep every little scrap of paper associated with the case. Then hire a good Workers' Comp. lawyer. You're gonna need one dealing with those bastards.

[alevin]

CA-1 is for work-induced injury, not for general health condition, I personally wouldn't play that card if its not documentable that the condition occurred on the job, because of the job.

And I wouldn't borrow trouble by alerting employer ahead of actual problem becoming apparent, personally. what would be the point? HR works for employer, will protect employer interests, keep that in mind.

How many years does said FERS-Fed have in on the job? eligible for regular retirement a year from now? 62+10? 62+20?

[PessOptimist]

62+17 but extremely greedy for that 62+20 1.1% multiplier.

[burrocrat]

I will have to ask her oops I meant said fed on Monday.

instead of waiting to ask monday morning, you might be better off just telling her friday night.

[alevin]

Grievance process a year from now might drag things out a bit longer, get said Fed closer to 20, even if doesn't make it quite that far, as long as reasonable accommodation is a grievable option. as far as Friday night lights, I defer to the expert on the subject ;).