Individuals with mental disabilities, such as Anxiety, Depressive Disorder, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, rarely come along with a medical file of irrefutable diagnostic evidence of the existence of said conditions. There are no X-rays or laboratory tests that will provide black-and-white proof of these diagnoses, leaving the burden of the decision up to the treating physician.
When faced with a patient displaying symptoms of mental disability, the medical provider will have to rely on incisive questioning and the patient’s subjective report of symptomology, along with skilled observation of the patient’s manner, reasoning, and a host of other superficial indications to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis.
A federal employee with a mental disability who is applying for OPM Disability Retirement must be aware that OPM will attach great value to the Physician’s Statement to determine eligibility. While the typical modus operandi of OPM is to study objective medical evidence as a deciding factor, in cases of mental disability, the doctor’s written certification is carefully considered.
This is why it is so important for those with mental disabilities to ensure that their Physician’s Statement is rock-solid and holds sufficient detail and description to convince OPM of their eligibility. While the doctor’s opinion is essential for applications in general, here it would be deemed vital. Contact Pines Federal at 800-801-0598 or office@pinesfederal.com to discuss how we work with your doctor to draft a comprehensive and compelling Physician’s Statement for a winning OPM Disability Retirement application!