Disability Retirement Physician's Statement

Jennifer Duke
August 5, 2016
A man in a white medical coat holds a red stethoscope in his right hand while his arms are crossed

A Physician's Statement must contain specific information. The statement must be on the doctor's letterhead and detail the following:

  1. The employee's comprehensive medical history, including details regarding the employee's symptoms and history, past and current physical findings, results of lab studies and tests completed for the condition, results of any therapy completed for the condition, and medical documentation demonstrating specifically how or why the employee is unable to perform their job duties. In addition to this information, physicians should include discussions of the employee's compliance with treatments and therapies, if applicable
  2. Copies of reports of all applicable diagnostic tests or exams
  3. A diagnosis of the employee's condition
  4. An assessment of the employee's potential to recover and an estimate of the expected date of full or partial recovery or remission. It is important to note that this date must be at least one year from the date of application; and
  5. A statement of any restrictions that have been imposed on the employee's activities, including the reason for the restrictions and how long the restrictions are expected to last.
A man in a blue shirt's hands signing paperwork on a dark desk

While these requirements are listed on the Physician's Statement Form, it is not uncommon for a physician's statement request to result in a doctor's office providing a stack of medical documentation and no other supporting information.

While this information can be submitted, it is best to ensure that all of the requested information is provided. If you are applying for disability retirement and having trouble obtaining your medical records, or having difficulty with other parts of the application, the federal employee attorneys at Melville Johnson, P.C. may be able to help. Contact us today using the form below to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you.

This blog and web site published by Melville Johnson, P.C. should not be used as a substitute for seeking competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney. Readers of this information should not act upon any information contained on this blog or website without seeking professional counsel.
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