Most Civil Service Disability Retirement Claims Are Decided Fairly, but Improvements Can Be Made
FPCD-83-1
Published: Apr 13, 1983. Publicly Released: Apr 20, 1983.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) civil service disability retirement program to determine whether OPM has been consistent in applying its eligibility criteria and to assess the reasons for the increase in the number of OPM claims decisions that have been reversed by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Personnel Management | The Director of OPM should use revised claims forms and instructions. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Office of Personnel Management | The Director of OPM should notify applicants of the specific reasons for denial of their initial claims. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Office of Personnel Management | The Director of OPM should carry out the OPM proposed strategy for evaluating and defending disability decisions appealed to MSPB. |
Closed – Implemented
The agency's work plans call for testing attendance at MSPB hearings. Not enough hearings were attended to draw conclusions because of a shortage of agency travel funds. Assessment of the success and expansion decision will be made as soon as the test is completed. Tentatively, results are not worth the efforts to defend.
|
| Office of Personnel Management | The Director of OPM should develop better criteria for deciding mental illness cases, using generally accepted psychiatric principles and practices, and provide psychiatric expertise as necessary. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Appellate procedureClaims processingDisability benefitsEligibility criteriaEligibility determinationsFederal employeesGovernment retirement benefitsMental illnessesHearingsAppeals