ptsd 100% Pt, Current Civil Service; Would/can I Benefit From Ssd?

[Inthewind]

I'm once again overwhelmed and confused, as I was when I started my claim for increases in 2010. So, HADIT is where I come to find answers, so I'm hoping someone can help out.

I've been searching for threads that may fit my situation for a couple of days and couldn't find anything, so I figured I'd just start a new one.

My particular info:

I was found 100% P/T September last year. I have a 70% PTSD/Depression rating along with 30% asthma and multitude of 10-20% ratings for cervical spine/lumbar spine/knees/flat feet etc.

I'm 52 and currently a FERS civil servant GS-13 (Analyst) coming up on my 10th year of civil service (June 2014) after 24 years of AD. I'm really having issues at work (Concentration/dealing with others/anger/pain due to my neck and back issues) and I've been out often enough that I use my sick leave as fast as I accrue it.

I'm trying to get it right in my head and not make a decision that will make me and my family take a huge hit financially.

The one option I was considering is a reduced annuity and just retire early. If I retire on the MRA (Minimum retirement Age) + 10, which for me is 56 years old, or another 4 years. My annuity is reduced by 5% a year for every year under 62 (So a 30% reduction). I'm not too sure I can hold out another four years. Then someone mentioned SSD. They also mentioned Federal disability but that seems even more difficult then a VA claim or SSD.

So, in regards to SSD:

a.) would I be eligible to apply if I'm still working? or would I need to stop working before I apply?

b.) Would I be shooting myself in the foot by applying now? Or would it be worth it to endure at all costs (Assuming I could) for a severly reduced annuity? I figured it to be about $750 a month before taxes. If I don't/can't then do I lose everything I've put into my FERS except my TSP?

c.) If I do wait and retire under MRA+10, then is SSD out of the question?

d.) Does SSD offset any of my current VA disability or Military retired pay? Or is that only if I am on Federal retirement?

Again, getting any of this straight has been proving to be impossible, so any help or advice would be appreciated.

[john999]

You should retire on FERS disability. FERS disability is the easiest disability to get. I got it 12 years ago. If you are 100% P&T then you are eligible to apply for FERS disability and SSD. If you retire under FERS the only offset is to your FERS if you get SSD until age 62. If you are P&T for a mental condition you should not even be working! You can apply NOW for FERS disability. You must apply for SSD at the same time. I applied for OPM, SSD and TDIU all at the same time. I eventually got all. I got SSD, OPM and TDIU in that order. You can message me for more info. Others here worked for the feds and are 100%.

John

[Berta]

John999 is definitely the Guru here on these types of questions. He will set you straight.

I have a question for you....are you getting CRDP or CRSC?

Maybe the AD confused me.

Glad to see ya back here inthewind. Your handle makes me think of Bob Dylan.

[john999]

"How many roads must a man walk down before they call him a man"

"The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind" OR

Where is my money, man?

It's in the wind, dude.

[Inthewind]

Cute! Its actually a reference to how I feel when I'm on the Harley...In the wind...

So, Berta, I'm retired since 2004 and yes, I'm CRDP. I'll PM you John.

[StreetWalker]

I retired from the USPS at 51 just over a year ago. I filed for SSDI and OPM disability retirement. I was awarded SSDI in less than three weeks. It took almost seven months from application to first check due to the 5 month waiting period. OPM DR took about 10 months for approval and first payment. I also applied for TDIU at the same time. TDIU was denied in January and I have reopened the claim with new evidence. In a way I'm glad I was turned down for TDIU because we discovered that I had a fairly advanced prostate cancer. With my current 70% rating from the VA, my SSDI and OPM DR I'm bringing home more money than I was while working myself into the wreck I am today.

[john999]

I was fired from USPS at age 51. They really thought they were screwing me but they threw Bro Rabbit into the briar patch. I also make twice what I did when I worked as a rehab clerk for USPS. I applied for OPM, SSD, TDIU, Worker's Compensation and I had a disability insurance policy. At first I got SSD and Worker's Compensation. Then I was approved for OPM but deferred in lieu of workers compensation. When I got TDIU I had to choose between the WC and TDIU. I chose TDIU. I even got two schedule awards for permanent injuries to my shoulder and hand from WC. Now I survive on SSD, VA, OPM and my disability insurance (private). They should not have fired me because I still get treatment from OWCP 12 years after retirement.

StreetWalker

I have no doubt you will get you 100% or TDIU. Good luck with the prostate cancer.

Inthewind

I am very sure you can get OPM disability. If you don't get SSD right away it just means you get more OPM. SSD only effects your OPM. When you hit 62 the OPM/SSD offset goes away. I am FERS and I get about $1200 a month minus health insurance which you may or may not need. The FERS annuity is really just grocery money after insurance and taxes. I think with you military retirement pay and VA, SSD and OPM you should do quite well. Does your spouse work? Do you have kids in college?