Medical Medical Retirement for Depression

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RomeoHotel402

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I'm currently a developmental at a level 9 up down facility, I've completed tower and working on my second of three positions in the radar scope. I've recently began having really bad bouts of depression and anxiety. Obviously I'd love to keep off medication as long as I can but it's inching closer to having to get professional help. Mental health is a high priority than working with depression.

My question is; as a developmental who has completed the 1 year probation period, would I qualify for a medical retirement? Or would I be terminated for medically withdrawling from training?

Any guidance or information would be greatly appreciated.
 
You're correct, mental health is important. I would also like you to consider alternatives to medication. A good exercise routine, yoga, meditation, regular massages or groups for support. Could be a sports group, an online forum..ect.
I know not everyone can "come out of it" as easily as others but having a good stable life alternative is important for any stress we come across in life. I hope you find what you need.
 
I was talking to an old timer, long retired, he mentioned that he would talk with a psychologist in the Netherlands (who spoke English) through Skype and how it helped him massively through a divorce. Just the simple act of talking make him feel much better and helped him through his problems without judgement or any potential conflicts with the FAA. Having that person to listen that could sympathise and empathise meant more than anything else.
 
They only look at medical retirement after all avenues of useful employment are exhausted. So I’d think that if your medical was permanently gone, they’d look for some sort of desk job for you to fill. You’d not be getting good time, but you’d still be employed - and you gotta look after you first. The FAA sure as hell won’t.
 
RomeoHotel402 said:
I'm currently a developmental at a level 9 up down facility, I've completed tower and working on my second of three positions in the radar scope. I've recently began having really bad bouts of depression and anxiety. Obviously I'd love to keep off medication as long as I can but it's inching closer to having to get professional help. Mental health is a high priority than working with depression.

My question is; as a developmental who has completed the 1 year probation period, would I qualify for a medical retirement? Or would I be terminated for medically withdrawing from training?

Any guidance or information would be greatly appreciated.
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I would continue to pursue your qualification and would seek help when you decide you need it, I know people who have had the same issue, got on medications, felt better and went back to work. I wouldn't worry about the ramifications, your life is more important than some job, if you are really interested in a medical retirement I would speak to a lawyer once you get to that point and don't blindly accept another offer letter just because its another job in the system. A lawyer that specializes in federal medical retirements can provide a consultation for free or next to no cost and tell you what your options are.
 
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Just look into a staff support specialist gig. It’d way less hoops to jump through than a medical retirement, and you still make a good salary for (most of the time) sitting in an office doing nothing.
 
Golf delta said:
They only look at medical retirement after all avenues of useful employment are exhausted. So I’d think that if your medical was permanently gone, they’d look for some sort of desk job for you to fill. You’d not be getting good time, but you’d still be employed - and you gotta look after you first. The FAA sure as hell won’t.
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I'm pretty sure you can waive them looking for a job for you. They give you a form to fill out with three options 1. Look locally 2. Reasonable accommodation via reassignment 3. Out process and apply for medical retirement if you qualify. You can select just one, a combination or all options (Im not sure how that works but that's what the paper said).

To OP if you are able to go the staff route look into that. There's also Tech Ops it would be a pay cut at first but it's an option, speak to the PASS rep or tech ops manager directly. You can also ERR to a staff spot but you have to get in contact with the receiving ATM and send them the paperwork and it's basically up to them to push for you. The info is what I got directly from HR.

I never had the mental hurdles you are talking about but when I lost my medical my quality of life improved so much. Sleep and time with family are the two biggest things I missed out while on the rattler and now I wouldn't trade those for the extra money. Take care of yourself first as the Agency won't do that for you.

If you have any questions in the process DM me.
 
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Robert_Boucher said:
I'm pretty sure you can waive them looking for a job for you. They give you a form to fill out with three options 1. Look locally 2. Reasonable accommodation via reassignment 3. Out process and apply for medical retirement if you qualify. You can select just one, a combination or all options (Im not sure how that works but that's what the paper said).

To OP if you are able to go the staff route look into that. There's also Tech Ops it would be a pay cut at first but it's an option, speak to the PASS rep or tech ops manager directly. You can also ERR to a staff spot but you have to get in contact with the receiving ATM and send them the paperwork and it's basically up to them to push for you. The info is what I got directly from HR.

I never had the mental hurdles you are talking about but when I lost my medical my quality of life improved so much. Sleep and time with family are the two biggest things I missed out while on the rattler and now I wouldn't trade those for the extra money. Take care of yourself first as the Agency won't do that for you.

If you have any questions in the process DM me.
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Isn’t medical retirement almost as much as fers 25? What’s stopping people from scamming
 
AB19 said:
Isn’t medical retirement almost as much as fers 25? What’s stopping people from scamming
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I mean, you'd have to get a doctor on board, have them believe you and be willing to write up statements and whatnot verifying whatever you're claiming. Then you'd probably be out of work/not getting paid for months, get separated before you get a decision and run the risk of getting denied and getting jack squat. So, I guess there's nothing stopping them besides the risk that you get booted from the FAA and get nothing
 

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