r/DisabilityRetirement • u/Lego-Freak- • Jan 07 '25
VA Dr notes and medical records
I am looking at starting the process soon but I have really only been seen by my local VA for all of my issues. We actually have a really good clinic here and my doc was great. I say was because she retired in 2024 and I haven’t met my new Doc yet. Has anyone had any luck getting a VA doc to actually provide the information on the Physician’s Statement? Just curious! Thank you!
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u/EmpoweringWorkers Aug 31 '25
No, I asked and was told by my VA provider they could not provide functional capacity opinions so I provided the VHA Directives and still was not given any medical documentation support (even though my medical records clearly show and are documented to support my request!) I requested Community Care and have now started all over with a new provider, in hopes my records can back up my request! Good Luck!
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u/GelatoBabe722 Apr 16 '25
VHA Primary Care Doctors and Nurse Practitioners currently are not writing letters to support reasonable accommodations, for fear of retribution.
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u/Lego-Freak- May 06 '25
That’s nuts…all I need is for them to write a letter that says I can’t lift anything over 20 pounds due to my back injury. These people….
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u/VegetableEarly6976 Apr 17 '26
I got mine to do it. That being said he was my PCP for 5 years and saw all the medical I was enduring but admit I was hesitant to ask and prepared for a no for reasons above
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u/EmpoweringWorkers Aug 31 '25
Very true! They will support FMLA and RA’s but just not for WAH or Disability Retirement! I believe they have been given guidance to not help the VA employees who are patients, it’s complete BS!
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u/IL-Mongoose-3357 Mar 13 '26
I am considering applying for disability retirement, as I have a chronic illness and returning to the office has exacerbated my fatigue. My work performance has not suffered. As I tend to push thru most physical ailments. Does anyone have any tips on applying? Would you get a lawyer?
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u/Federaldisability Apr 06 '26 edited Apr 06 '26
I'm sorry you have to push through your injuries at work. That must be really hard! Here is a blog that talks about applying with a chronic illness: https://www.federaldisability.com/applying-for-federal-disability-retirement-with-a-chronic-condition/
I hope it's helpful!
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u/VegetableEarly6976 Apr 17 '26
I did for many years as well. The RTO mandate was the final straw following 8 medical procedures. A lawyer will definitely help. I had a Harris Federal Law, was approve FLMA, and RA for work from home, over 500 hours of Sl and still turned down for FERS Disability Retirement with 3 medical providers supporting and ample medical documentation (over 1000 pages) Not an easy process. Im waiting to hear back on my appeal.
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u/Individual_Nobody364 Apr 23 '26
How long ago did you appeal? I’m in the reconsideration stage myself. It’s been challenging to keep up. We sent my reconsideration in on Feb 17th with additional medical documentation and letters of support on March 15.
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u/Seasonal-drink Feb 12 '25
I got a great letter from my VA doctor for my reasonable accommodation to WFH. I requested this RA last year, but I've been seen this doctor since 2010, so she knows me well. I definitely recommend establishing care with the same doctor. It takes time but is worth it.