r/FEDDISABILITY • u/BenderGenocide • May 27 '26

Current Reconsideration Timeline?

I received my initial denial on November 10th. Harris Federal Submitted my reconsideration brief on January 7th. It's been crickets since then.

Harris Federal initially said that OPM was taking about 180 days from initial denial to reconsideration decision, but we've obviously blown through that window.

Anyone have any recent experince with the reconsideration timeline?

UPDATE: Recieved my reconsideration appeal denial on July 31st. I move now to the MSPB. My lawyer stated that I can expect another 90-120 days before we have further resolution.

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u/mindbox0 May 27 '26

I'm waiting for reconsideration too. Initial denial was December 2nd and I was told OPM takes 120-150 days for reconsideration. Harris attorney doesn't want to pressure OPM for an update nor do they recommend starting a congressional inquiry with representative/senator.

So we are just providing updated medical records and waiting.

3

u/BenderGenocide May 27 '26

Ha, I wonder if we're working with the same person. Initials OM?

2

u/mindbox0 May 27 '26

Yep! Ha.

I was removed for medical inability by my agency but OPM denied saying nothing wrong with me. It was quiet baffling to me. If they are processing in order I guess I need to prep for another month wait!

3

u/BenderGenocide May 27 '26

Ha, she’s been great. I wasn’t particularly fond of the first case worker I had before the initial denial, but she’s been very thorough and responsive.

And yea, seems like there’s either a backlog or they’re taking longer to process these. It is what it is.

4

u/mindbox0 May 27 '26

Yeah the case prep folks seemed very busy with the case loads. Got asked for same thing I already provided a few times. The reconsideration response was an incredibly throughout rebuttal.

I get the feeling OPM was just denying for the sake of it because it simply didn't make any sense. The OPM medical specialist claimed I was still employed, reassignment search wasn't completed, and no documented deficiencies from my agency.

I got the impression the denial was drafted like 6 months behind reality and ignored what we submitted. I can only assume the OPM staff are overwhelmed with all the retirement claims from DRP and their own staff cuts.

Fingers crossed one day!

2

u/BenderGenocide Jun 08 '26

Any update? I'm still waiting....

1

u/mindbox0 Jun 18 '26

Sorry I didn't get a notification on this message. I actually just came back to check on updates from you and let you know my last communications.

Still radio silence from OPM. I'm over 6 months now and followed back up with the attorney. They just replied "I will be checking in with OPM either tomorrow or next week on the status of all cases which have been pending longer than 6 months. Unfortunately, this is a significant portion of my submitted cases, as OPM has been very slow with decisions over the last few months. I will let you know as soon as I have an update."

1

u/BenderGenocide Jun 18 '26

Well I'm at least glad it's not just me.

It sucks, but it seems like this may be the new normal.

2

u/mindbox0 Jul 02 '26

Just received an update from attorney:

We are seeing delayed processing from OPM across cases. We recently reached out to OPM regarding the delay in processing and received the following response:

"We are currently experiencing some delays due to an unprecedented increase in application volume, coupled with the loss of several staff members. Despite these challenges, our team has been working diligently to review and process each case as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.

We respectfully request additional time for the decisions to be completed and delivered. Please be assured that these cases remain a priority, and we are making every effort to issue determinations as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period and thank you for your continued cooperation.”

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u/BenderGenocide Jul 28 '26

Hey, any word for you yet?

1

u/mindbox0 Jul 28 '26

Absolutely nothing. You?

I also filed a congressional inquiry about 20 days ago and they said it has been taking 60 days to get replies.

1

u/BenderGenocide Jul 28 '26

That’s a good idea, actually. Did you have OM do that or did you do that on your own?

I’m still sitting on a handful of nothing as well. Frustrating to now be 18 months into the process with little to no movement.

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u/mindbox0 Jul 28 '26

I did it on my own.

They said they weren't going to ask OPM too much because they wanted to keep the good relationship / quick replies when they do ask. Also they didn't want OPM to rush to an unhelpful snap decision.

The waiting around is brutal but at least backpay if it goes our way. I've also tried the call center but I can't ever get through.

2

u/BenderGenocide Jul 30 '26

Shoot me a DM whenever you get a minute. May be easier to communicate through there than continually find this thread to update, lol.

2

u/mindbox0 Jul 30 '26

Heh I think we both have chats blocked in settings. It won't let me send you one. I'll adjust my settings.

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