You probably know that if you’re applying for Federal Disability Retirement, you need to be able to show that you have a service deficiency because of your medical condition. But what exactly is a service deficiency?
You have a valid service deficiency if your performance, attendance, or conduct are suffering due to your medical condition. It’s up to your supervisor to document these service deficiencies in your 3112B form.
Let’s look at two examples for each of the three deficiencies showing what counts as a supportive service deficiency and what doesn’t.
Performance
Example 1 – Not Helpful
Anna is a nurse for the VA. She experiences headaches frequently, but she can treat them effectively with over-the-counter medication. Her ability to perform patient care, charting, and administrative duties is unharmed by her headaches. Since Anna is able to control the headaches, her supervisor doesn’t note any service deficiencies in her performance.
Anna’s headaches wouldn’t be considered a service deficiency since her ability to perform the essential functions of her job is unhindered.
Example 2 – Helpful
Matt is a nurse for the VA. His chronic back condition has worsened over the years. Now, his doctor has limited him to not sit or stand for longer than 10 minutes at a time and has recommended no lifting. Because of this, Matt isn’t able to do a major part of his job and his supervisor records that he has a deficiency in performance.
This recorded service deficiency will help to prove to the OPM that Matt’s claim for Disability Retirement is strong.
Attendance
Example 1 – Unhelpful
Bob is an engineer for the FAA. His supervisor records a deficiency in attendance because Bob has taken some unapproved time off to travel.
Even though Bob struggles with a chronic illness, his time off was not connected to his illness, so this service deficiency isn’t supportive.
Example 2 – Helpful
Helen is an air traffic controller for the FAA, and she struggles with PTSD which causes her frequent debilitating panic attacks. Her supervisor records a deficiency in attendance since Helen has had to take extended leave because of doctor’s appointments and the inability to work during panic attacks.
This recorded deficiency in attendance is supportive of Helen’s claim for Disability Retirement because it shows that Helen’s condition is preventing her from doing her job fully.
Conduct
Example 1 – Not Helpful
John is a federal firefighter applying for Federal Disability Retirement, and his supervisor has recorded a deficiency in conduct because of workplace harassment. John’s medical conditions are unrelated to his workplace misconduct.
This service deficiency is unhelpful.
Example 2 – Helpful
Maria is an analyst for the DOD, and she struggles with narcolepsy. Her supervisor has recorded a deficiency in conduct because Maria frequently falls asleep at work. Maria’s doctor was able to show that her sleeping at work was directly caused by her medical condition.
This is a helpful example of a conduct deficiency because it proves to the OPM that Maria isn’t able to do her job because of her medical condition.
As you can see, it’s important to have a recorded service deficiency related to your medical conditions. This is one of the main ways you can show the OPM you really need Disability Retirement.
If you’re wondering if your medical conditions might qualify you for Federal Disability retirement, schedule a free consultation, or reach out to your case manager to discuss the details.
