Of all the services I offer, the Complete Package provides the highest, most comprehensive level of support. I walk you through each and every step of the application process for FERS Disability Retirement (FDR), and I assemble and submit your final claim package to the appropriate agency. The Complete Package gives you complete peace of mind, because you know that every component of your claim is fully supported by an FDR expert.
Who Would Benefit From This Service?
Are you feeling completely overwhelmed? Are you finding the application process frustrating and confusing? Does your disability prevent you from being able to focus, concentrate, write, or type?
If this describes you, then let me take the wheel! You'll be glad you did.
I walk you through every step of the process. I custom-tailor my approach to your unique needs and goals. I help you overcome unforeseen obstacles and avoid common pitfalls. Think of me as your FDR GPS!
What's Included?
The Complete Package includes all the following services:
1. Standard Form (SF) 3107: Application For Immediate Retirement
This 4-page form is non-disability specific in that it consists mostly of questions about your federal employment history and your post-retirement benefits preferences. I provide you a PDF-fillable copy of the form via email with some initial instructions. You and I then review the form together, section by section and item by item, to ensure that the information is accurate and complete. Once the document is finalized, I provide instructions for printing and mailing the original hard copy to me for inclusion with your application package.
2. SF 3112A: Applicant’s Statement of Disability
I draft this 2-page form on your behalf based on the information and documentation you provide. This is your personal statement of disability. Not only is it imperative to describe the nature and severity of your disabling medical condition(s) accurately and completely, but it is also vital that SF 3112A is consistent with SF 3112C. In other words, there should be no discrepancies (i.e., facts, dates, etc.) between your statement and your doctor’s statement. Once drafted, you will have the opportunity to review SF 3112A and notify me of any questions, comments, concerns, corrections, or suggestions you may have. Once the document is finalized, I will provide you instructions for printing, signing, and mailing the original hard copy to me for inclusion with your application package.
3. SF 3112B: Supervisor’s Statement
This 2-page form is completed by your supervisor. It contains questions about your attendance, performance, and conduct, which allows OPM to evaluate the degree to which your medical conditions prevent you from being able to perform your essential functions. Ideally, you and I should review this document before it is submitted to OPM to ensure that it does not contain any errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies that could harm your FDR claim. However, depending on your employment status, we may not be able to obtain a copy of SF 3112B until after your disability claim has been submitted to OPM. Either way, I will thoroughly review SF 3112B with you. If I identify any errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies, I will work closely with you and your agency to revise and submit the updated document to OPM.
4. SF 3112C: Physician’s Statement
The most important component of your disability claim, by far, is the statement provided by your medical practitioner. Without a strong, detailed testimonial from your doctor, it is highly unlikely that OPM will approve your claim. With your practitioner’s permission, I write a draft of the Physician’s Statement based on the information and documentation you provide me. I guide you through a series of questions that allow me to gather all pertinent facts about your disabling medical condition(s). Depending on the nature of your disabilities, I may also ask you to provide copies of supporting medical documentation (for example, MRI reports, operative reports, hospitalization summaries, etc.).
As instructed in form SF 3112C, the draft statement includes all the following: a history of your disabling medical conditions; a list/discussion of past and present medications; a list/discussion of past and present therapies and/or treatments; a list/discussion of hospitalizations; a list/discussion of relevant operative procedures and/or diagnostic tests; a detailed account of your symptoms and physical and/or mental limitations; your prognosis; and your medical restrictions. Most importantly, the draft includes a detailed discussion of the causal relationship between your disabling medical conditions and your inability to perform one or more essential functions of your federal position of record.
Your practitioner will then use the draft as a guide to compose his/her own statement. I will provide you and your practitioner instructions for printing, signing, and mailing the final draft of the statement to me for inclusion with your FDR application package.
5. SF 3112D: Agency Certification of Reassignment and Accommodation Efforts
This 2-page form is completed by your agency and describes any efforts the agency has made to accommodate and/or reassign you. Ideally, you and I should review this document before it is submitted to OPM to ensure that it does not contain any errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies that could harm your FDR claim. However, depending on your employment status, we may not be able to obtain a copy of SF 3112D until after your disability claim has been submitted to OPM. Either way, I will thoroughly review SF 3112D with you. If I identify any errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies, I will work closely with you and your agency to revise and submit the updated document to OPM.
6. SF 3112E: Disability Retirement Application Checklist
This 1-page form is completed by your agency to provide OPM an overview of the documents contained in your application package. Ideally, you and I should review this document before it is submitted to OPM to ensure that it does not contain any errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies that could harm your FDR claim. However, depending on your employment status, we may not be able to obtain a copy of SF 3112E until after your disability claim has been submitted to OPM. Either way, I will thoroughly review SF 3112E with you. If I identify any errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies, I will work closely with you and your agency to revise and submit the updated document to OPM.
7. Application Assembly and Submission
Once I have received all the above forms from you, your medical practitioner, and your agency, I will assemble your entire application package. I will send you a secure link, which will allow you to view, download, and save an electronic copy of your application. You will review the entire package and let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, corrections, or suggestions. Once we agree on the content of the final package, I will send a hard copy of your claim to the appropriate federal agency (which will depend on your current employment status) via certified mail.
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If you’re interested in finding out more about this service, including pricing and payment options, contact me via the below form for a free 30-minute consultation!