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Stephen Goldenzweig
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Home
About Us
Eric L. Pines
Stephen Goldenzweig
Aaron Wersing
Gavriel Toso
Josh Kahn
Elliott Cin
Gary Poretsky
Justin Schnitzer
Atlanta Office
Baltimore Office
Why Choose Us
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Categories
Disabled Government Employees
Federal Employee Rights
FEHB
FERS Disability
Leave
OPM Disability Retirement
Reasonable Accomodation
Sick Building Syndrome
Social Security Disability
2018
November
U.S. Federal Government Still Effectively Protects Employees with Disabilities
October
Appeals for Title 38 VA Employees
Federal Employees May Request Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation
September
What would disqualify me from FERS Disability Retirement benefits? Part 2
What Would Disqualify Me From FERS Disability Retirement Benefits? Part 1
What is the Bruner Presumption and how does it help me?
August
Weingarten Rights for Federal Employees May Now Be Even Easier to Exercise
Chemical Sensitivities and Federal Employees (Sick Building Syndrome)
Pines Federal Successfully gets V.A. Physician Reinstated to His Position at Title 38 DAB Hearing
Am I Eligible for FEHB Coverage Once I am approved for OPM Disability Retirement?
Why does the OPM Disability Application process take so long?
2017
December
What You Need to Know About the Federal Sector's EEO Complaint Process
How to File an OSC Complaint
June
Need An Attorney?
May
6 Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied
Knowing Your Rights in a Retaliation Case
March
What to Look for in a Federal Employment Lawyer
February
Pretext Part 4: Treating Some Employees Differently Than Others
Pretext Part 3: Irregular Process and Agency Reasons That Don't Add Up
Pretext Part 2: Shifting Explanations and Unbelievable Stories
January
Pretext Part 1: The Real Reason For An Adverse Action
How Important Is The Doctor's Letter For OPM Disability Retirement When I Have A Mental Disability?
How Does Veterans Disability Interact with OPM Disability Retirement?
2016
December
I was rejected for Social Security Disability Insurance. Can I still get OPM Disability Retirement?
Do I need to request Reasonable Accommodation if I want OPM Disability Retirement?
November
Qualifying for OPM Disability Retirement
Denied OPM Disability Retirement? Here's What You Should Do
EEOC's Fiscal Year 2016 Performance Report
Mental Disorders without Objective Medical Evidence
October
Why You Should Include All of Your Diagnoses in the OPM Disability Retirement Application
September
EEOC Defending Reasonable Accommodations in Drug Testing Policy
June
What is a "Qualified" Federal Employee for a Disability Reasonable Accommodation Request?
Reasonable Accommodation and the Federal Employee
How Much Money Does my Federal Agency Have to Spend to Accommodate My Disability?
When Applying for OPM Disability Retirement - Stress the Symptoms!
More Medical Evidence=Better Chance for OPM Disability Acceptance. True or False?
Stretching the Bruner Presumption
How Will Accepting a Light Duty Offer Affect My OPM Disability Retirement Application?
Can I work in a private sector job while I am on OPM Disability?
Leave Without Pay and Back Pay: What to Know About This Dynamic
How long does your OPM Disability process take? How long does OPM take?
May
Can I be on OPM Disability Retirement and OWCP at the same time?
For how long do I have to be unable to work in my position to get OPM?
Help, I am Filing for Federal Disability Retirement and My Supervisor Will Not Help!
What if I am denied OPM? What are my next steps?
Why is the Physician's Statement so Important?
April
From The FERS Disability Victory Files! - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Suffering Several Disorders
I Can't Perform my Job but my Appraisal Tells a Different Story. Do I have a Chance at OPM Disability Retirement?
March
Advantages of Using a VA Attorney Experienced in Representing Doctors and Nurses in Title 38 Cases
February
Helping Your Parent Obtain Fair Disability Retirement for Federal Employees
January
Filing an Appeal in a MSPB Case: What You Need to Know
7 Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Workers' Compensation (OWCP)
5 Mistakes Employers Make in EEO Cases (And How Your EEO Attorney Can Use Them to Help You)
A Quickstart Guide to the OWCP and Federal Workers' Comp Claims
2015
December
Why Title 38 Employees Need Knowledgeable Attorneys Why Title 38 Employees Need Knowledgeable Attorneys
The FERS Disability Victory Files!
October
From The FERS Disability Victory Files! - Social Worker with Multiple Sclerosis
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
September
From The FERS Disability Victory Files! - Quality Assurance Specialist Suffering from Several Disorders
From The FERS Disability Victory Files! - Contract Specialist with Several Disorders
August
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
July
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
Medical Inability - No Thanks
Medical Inability to Perform
SHIFTING AT ECAB
June
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
May
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
7 Questions to Ask a Title 38 Attorney Before Hiring Him or Her
April
SCHEDULE AWARDS FROM OWCP: AN INTRODUCTION
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
VETERANS BENEFITS AND FEDERAL WORKERS COMPENSATION
March
From The FERS Disability Victory Files!
MRA+10: How You Can Use it to Your Advantage in Your OPM Application
Understanding the OPM Disability Retirement Process: Who are the Best Candidates for Claims?
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
February
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
7 Examples of Cases That a VA Attorney Can Help You Win 7 Examples of Cases That a VA Attorney Can Help You Win
Many OWCP Recipients Should Apply for OPM Disability also!
GETTING CONDITIONS ADDED TO AN OWCP CLAIM
January
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
2014
December
GAMES APPELLATE REVIEWERS PLAY: HOW TO WIN YOUR RECONSIDERATION!
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
V.A. Title 38 Doctors and Nurses Need Special Legal Protection
What is the Bruner Presumption and How Can it Help You Get Federal Disability Retirement
What's Special About our Firm's FERS and CSRS OPM Disability Representation
The Federal Employees Guide to Protecting Your Employment While Out of Work for an Extended Illness
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
Reasonable Accommodation vs. OPM Disability
FMLA Strategies for Federal Employees - Part IV
Excessive Leave vs. Medical Inability to Perform
Federal Removal Charges: Excessive Leave vs. Medical Inability to Perform
From The OPM Disability Victory Files!
October
GAMES APPELLATE REVIEWERS PLAY: RECONSIDERATIONS
September
From the OPM Disability Victory Files!
August
OPM Disability Retirement - FMLA and/or Sick Leave or Tough it Out?
OWCP RELATED: MANAGERIAL HEADACHES 2: OTHER ACHES (ORTHOPEDIC)
June
Q: Will OWCP pay my legal fees? Do you represent employees on a fee contingent basis?
Despite Common Thought OWCP Workers Compensation Occupational Disease are More Common than Traumatic Injuries
May
Q: What is the Structure of the Federal Employees Compensation Program?
V.A. Whistleblower and Client of Firm Gets National Attention
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEE SUCCESSFULLY FIGHTS ALLEGED VIOLATION OF LAST CHANCE AGREEMENT AND GETS REINSTATEMENT
April
Our Latest Five OPM Disability Acceptance Clients - 5 Clients Accepted!
Federal Workers Compensation Workers Rights and Medical Evidence
March
FEDERAL WORKERS COMPENSATION AND WORKERS RIGHTS
Federal EEO, MSPB, SSDI, OPM Disability and OWCP Interplay
January
Whether a Federal Employee is Providing Useful and Efficient Service, that is the Question!
Postal Service Controverts OWCP Claims to Save the Agency Money!
2013
December
V.A. Title 38 Nurse Has AIB Charges Dropped and Record Cleaned!
Intake questions I ask my Federal Employee Clients (Disability Related)
Why am I Federal Employee Attorney who Concentrates on Federal Employee Disability Representation
November
The Disabled Federal Employee and Tangled Web of Federal Rules and Regulations
October
Question for You the Federal Employee
The Trials and Tribulations of the Federal EEO Process and Finding Someone to Give You an Honest Assessment
What is Standard Form 3112E?
What is Standard Form 3112D?
What is Standard Form 3112B?
What is Standard Form 3112C?
September
What is Standard Form 3107-Schedule D?
What is Standard Form 3112A?
What is Standard Form 3107-1?
What is Standard Form 3107?
What forms do I need to submit to OPM in order to apply for FERS disability retirement?
Am I required to apply for Social Security Disability?
How much will you charge to prepare my application for FERS (or CSRS) disability retirement?
How long will it take OPM to process my CSRS or FERS disability application?
August
HELP! My Doctor is Taking FOREVER to Complete SF 3112C!
May
The V.A. Wrongly Denied Reasonable Accommodation Request for Service Chief to Telework
April
The Trials and Tribulations of Federal Disability Retirement Paperwork
The Role of the Supervisor Statement in an Application for Federal Disability Retirement
FMLA Leave and EEO Issues
March
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Should Consider a Number of Factors When Considering Disability Retirement
The Law Offices of Eric L. Pines, PLLC Wins Reconsideration Appeal for Client Suffering from Severe Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arth
Houston VA Nurse Tech Gets Her 7 Day Suspension Removed, Over $10,000 Back Pay and Attorney Fees
The Types of Damages Available in a Federal Discrimination Case
Reasonable Accommodation Does Not Apply to Looking After a Disabled Spouse
February
How Long Should An Application for Federal Disability Retirement Take?
Federal Disability Retirement and SSDI or Social Security Case Law Changes
Federal Workers Claiming Their Employer Failed to Make a Reasonable Accommodation Must Have Requested One
January
The Advantages of Federal Disability Retirement
Obesity Can Be Grounds for Disability Retirement
2012
December
Why light duty might not always be a reasonable accommodation for federal disability purposes.
Accommodations and Disability Retirement, No Conflict
July
Will the federal government compensate me if I am "forced" into disability retirement as a result of a hostile work environment?
Part VII - Reasonable Accommodation and its Interplay with OPM Disability The Rehabilitation Act/ ADA
Win! Pines Federal Firm (The Law Offices of Eric L. Pines, PLLC) Overturns DAB - 14 Day Suspension with Full Back Pay
May
Does my Federal Agency Consider Me Disabled? : Part VI - Is my Agency Required to Accommodate Me?
April
Does the Federal Government Consider Me Disabled? : Part V - Reasonable Accommodation
Does the Federal Government Consider Me Disabled? : Part IV Reasonable Accommodation
March
Does the Federal Government Consider Me Disabled? : Part III - Essential Functions and Reasonable Accommodation
February
Wrongfully Terminated Veterans Administration Employee Gets Job Back
Does the Federal Government Consider Me Disabled? : Part II
I am a Federal Employee with a Medical Condition - Am I considered "Disabled"?
2011
October
MSPB Appeal: When will the Board mitigate a federal employee's removal charge to a disciplinary suspension?
2010
November
Federal Disability Retirement: What medical conditions can the MSPB consider if you are denied?
October
MSPB & EEOC: What are Requests for Interrogatory and how does the Federal Employee use them in discovery?
September
MSPB: Can an Agency remove me for medical inability to do my job?
Federal Disability Retirement: Can I use medical evidence after my separation to support my disability retirement application?
August
Pines Firm Successfully Litigates Reinstatement for VA Canteen Employee with Backpay
MSPB: Federal Employee's removal mitigated to 30-day suspension
March
Federal and Postal Employee Disability Retirement: Can the MSPB order OPM to reimburse my attorney fees?
Federal Disability Retirement: Mental Health Conditions and late-filed Disability Retirement Applications
Federal Disability Retirement: What happens when your medical condition prevents you from timely filing an MSPB appeal for disab
Federal Disability Retirement: Can absence, alone, be enough to qualify a Postal or Federal Employee for CSRS or FERS disability
Federal Disability Retirement: How does a Postal or Federal Employee meet their burden of proof at the MSPB?
Federal Disability Retirement: Do I need to hire an attorney for my disability retirement application?
Federal Disability Retirement: Seeking Reinstatement of Benefits
Disability Retirement: Can obesity form the basis for an application for disability retirement?
February
Federal Employee Disability Retirement: When to apply for disability retirement.
January
Federal Disability Retirement: OPM must consider the "whole" medical situation.
MSPB: MSPB Whistleblower Decision breathes life back into Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA)
Federal Disability Retirement: What types of accommodation should the Agency consider before certifying my application to OPM?
Federal Disability Retirement and MSPB: What is the "set-aside" rule?
MSPB and Disability Discrimination: Agency's failure to accommodate a federal employee can be sufficient to establish potential
Federal Disability Retirement: What does a postal worker or federal employee do when OPM says it will grant disability retiremen
Federal Disability Retirement: Where can a federal employee or postal worker research OPM decisions on disability retirement?
Federal Disability Retirement: The collective effect of multiple medical conditions on a the federal employee or postal worker a
Federal Disability Retirement: Can a postal worker or federal employee file a second application for disability retirement?
2009
December
Federal Disability Retirement: Important timelines in the Federal Disability Retirement Application and Appeal Process
Federal Disability Retirement: Why we don't use the Medical Authorization on SF-3112C
Federal Disability Retirement: Can I get disability retirement with a mental health condition?
Federal Disability Retirement: Going back to work for the Feds and collecting your CSRS or FERS retirement annuity.
Federal Disability Retirement: Where do I find a doctor to support my application for disability retirement?
Federal Disability Retirement: I can't get my supervisor statement - what do I do?
Federal Disability Retirement: Is the MSPB the end of the line?
Federal Disability Retirement: What does and does not constitute accommodation by the employing Agency?
Federal Disability Retirement: OPM and OWCP Benefits
Federal Disability Retirement: Can work-related stress be the basis for a disability retirement application?
Federal Disability Retirement: If I am denied Disability Retirement by OPM, can I refile?
Federal Disability Retirement: Can I still apply for disability retirement if I miss the deadline to file?
November
Federal Disability Retirement: Bruner presumption is not a "guarantee".
MSPB: Leave Based Adverse Actions against the Federal Employee
MSPB: Elements of a Charge of Failure to Follow Leave Procedures
EEOC: Basic Elements of a Reprisal Claim for Federal Employees
MSPB: Charges of AWOL (Absent Without Leave)
MSPB: Enforcement of Settlement Agreements made during an MSPB Appeal
MSPB: Due Process in Adverse Action Appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board
MSPB & EEOC: What are Requests for Production and how can the Federal Employee use them in MSPB or EEOC discovery?
October
MSPB: How the credibility of witnesses can affect your MSPB appeal.
This post is part of a continuing series describing the general discovery tools available to Federal Employees who are Appellant
MSPB & EEOC: What are Requests for Admission and how does the Federal Employee use them in discovery?
September
MSPB & EEOC: What is Discovery and How can the Federal Employee use it?
MSPB: Federal Employee Firefighters and Retirement Credit for firefighting positions
MSPB: Probationary Federal Employees, Appeal Rights, and "Tacking"
Fed. Circuit: MSPB must give considerable weight to Mental Health conditions as mitigating factor.
May
MSPB: Removals for "Excessive Use of Leave"
March
Federal Employees: Will the ADA Amendments Act affect OPM Disability Retirement claims?
MSPB & EEOC Damages: What Damages are available for discrimination claims?
EEOC: AJ Issues Finding of Discrimination as Sanction Against Agency.
January
MSPB: What is the VEOA (Veterans Employment Opportunity Act)?
2008
December
Federal Disability Retirement: I've been approved for Social Security disability, but denied Disability retirement - what next?
Federal Disability Retirement: FERS/CSRS and light duty accommodations
Federal Disability Retirement: OPM Denied my Disability Retirement Application - What Next?
November
Federal Disability Retirement: Administrative Judge reduces OPM schedule for repayment of overpaid disability retirement benefit
Federal Disability Retirement: How much will my disability retirement annuity be?
New and Improved ADA? The Americans With Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008
August
Federal Disability Retirement: Medical Evidence
July
MSPB: Full Board reverses removal of Dept. of Veterans Affairs employee
June
MSPB: Settlement Agreement in Constructive Retirement Case
May
MSPB: What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?
March
MSPB: Medical Testimony and Evidence in a Coerced Retirement Case
January
MSPB and EEO: Burdens of Proof
MSPB and EEO: What is a "mixed case"?
MSPB: Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.
Federal Employee EEOC: Discussion of the Burdens of Proof in a Federal Employee EEO complaint.
2007
December
MSPB: What is a coerced retirement?
Federal Employee EEOC: Third-party and Bystander Sexual harassment.
The Prejudice against Mental Health.
November
MSPB: What is a constructive suspension and can it be appealed to the MSPB?
September
MSPB: What is a Performance Improvement Period (PIP)?
Federal EEO: EEOC Awards USPS employee $8,000 in failure to accommodate case
August
MSPB: 3 Major Orders from your MSPB Judge
MSPB: What does it mean for the MSPB to lack jurisdiction over your appeal?
OPM Retirement and Powers of Attorney
Telecommuting for Federal Employees: An idea whose time is here.
Congress looking at more Family Friendly workplace.
Federal Disability Retirement: Bruner Presumption
June
Federal Disability Retirement: 5 Steps to Prove Eligibility for FERS Disability Retirement, Step 5
Federal Disability Retirement: 5 Steps to Prove Eligibility for FERS Disability Retirement: Step 4.
Federal Disability Retirement: 5 Steps to Prove Eligibility for FERS Disability Retirement: Step 3
Federal Disability Retirement: 5 Steps to Prove Eligibility for FERS/CSRS Disability Retirement: Step 2
Federal Disability Retirement: 5 Steps to Prove Eligibility for FERS Disability Retirement: Step 1
May
10 Ways to Lose an MSPB Appeal: Don't use a theme.
Federal Disability Retirement: 5 Steps to Prove Eligibility for FERS disability retirement.
10 Ways to Lose an MSPB Appeal: Fail to submit relevant documents prior to the hearing.
10 Ways to Lose an MSPB Appeal: Don't give an Oral Reply.
Fed Circuit: Indefinite Suspension can't go on forever.
How to lose your MSPB Appeal: Use the hearing as a tool for revenge.
Some examples of Material Relied On in adverse actions
10 Ways to Lose an MSPB Appeal: Ignore a reasonable settlement offer.
How to lose an MSPB appeal: attack Agency witness as liars.
How to lose an MSPB Appeal: Don't File your appeal on time.
How to Lose an MSPB Appeal: Don't request the Material Relied On.
10 Ways to Lose an MSPB Appeal.
Here's a link with helpful information about MSPB misuse of credit card charges.
The oral reply - the most important part of your MSPB appeal.
MSPB Charge: Burden of Proof in charges of Falsification.
April
What is Discontinued Service Retirement for Federal Employees?
MSPB's Mediation Assistance Program
MSPB: Can a medical illness be good cause for untimely filing?
Federal Disability Retirement: Can Federal Employees Appeal an OPM denial of disability retirement?
March
MSPB: Can the appellant recover attorney fees?
MSPB: Credit Card Misuse Charges
Federal Employees: Can management tell your co-workers you have a disability?
Federal Circuit: USPS Breached Settlement Agreement with Former Employee
MSPB and EEOC: Can the Agency make a Federal employee take leave indefinitely?
Deciding Official in MSPB removal case fails to consider Douglas factors.
MSPB: What is the charge "Failure to follow instructions"?
MSPB: What is "Harmful Error"?
MSPB: Who can appeal to the MSPB?
MSPB: Burden of proof in performance actions.
MSPB: Understanding the MSPB Appeal Process
MSPB: What is the difference between an "Adverse Action" and a "Disciplinary Action"?
MSPB: What are the Douglas Factors?
MSPB: Burden of proof in charges of misconduct.
January
MSPB analysis: Recent trends in "lack of candor" charges.
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