Question of the Week: If OPM Denies My Disability Retirement Application, Do I Get Another Chance?
A: If OPM denies your application for disability retirement, you may feel disappointment and discouragement. However, if you get an initial denial, you can request a reconsideration of that decision.
The Office of Personnel Management must receive your reconsideration case within 30 days of the date of your initial decision letter. You also can submit additional documentation or information in response to OPM’s initial decision. If you are not able to provide the additional information within that period, you can ask for an extension. The extension would allow you an additional 30 days and OPM must receive that request within that first 30-day time limit.
Once OPM receives your appeal, a new Legal Administrative Specialist is assigned. That LAS will review the previous decision and any new evidence provided. They will either uphold the initial denial or overturn it and issue an approval.
**If you receive a denial at the initial level, already separated from your agency, and don’t request a reconsideration, you have lost your chance to appeal. However, if you are still on your agency’s rolls, and you are denied, you may file for federal disability retirement again. Learn more about Reapplying for Federal Disability Retirement.
