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I medically retired from Civil Service in May 1999. I had the federal job just over 5 years, but bought in my military time so ended up with 21 years for retirement purposes. I had already been medically retired once from the Army in 1986 for a number of problems. At the time my combined rating was 70%. While I was working my job I reinjured my back, falling off a ladder. After I spent some time in the hospital, I returned to work with limitations and could not actually do my job. It took about four months before my co-workers started complaining that I was getting paid for sitting on my butt, and they had to do my work, I was a computer specialist, and my job required me to install wiring, and equipmenet for the post network, as well as assist customers with their email accounts. I could not longer do any physical work, and I was not suppose to walk stairs, (my shop was in the basement). My division supervisor offered to move me to another position, but CPO would not sign off. So I had to request disability retirement. They are required to look for a job that you can do before they retire you but I really don't think the do. I submitted my VA doctors statement, a Army doctors statement and a ciropractors statement, I was retired within two weeks. I received my notice of retirement in the mail on a Saturday, and went to work on a Monday. The CPO did not have a copy of my notice of retirement so I gave them a copy and at 1:00 that day I was sent home. After my retirement I requested TDIU, my disability was increased to 80% and TDIU was awarded by Nov 99. I was also required by law to file for social security disability, it was turned down. I appealed and appeared before the administrative law judge. I did not hire a lawyer. I was told I could postpone the hearing and get a lawyer I stated to the judge, no that won't be necessary because you are going to find me too disabled to work. He asked me why he would think that, and I said. " I've been found unable to work by three US Government agencies, The Army, Civil Service, and the VA. I provided a copy of my TDIU letter and he said to me I've seen enought, you should received my decision in the mail in about two weeks, I suggest you might wnat to go purchase some new fishing gear. About a month latter I received a letter stating your case has been favorably decided, then the back pay was in the bank in a couple of days. My SSD was dated all the way back to 1998, I never understood why and when asked was told it was normal for them to go back at lest a year. I never wanted to retire, I loved my job I was a GS 11. I took a serious pay cut. I wish I had been able to get another position. I am 100% now, with oxygen, anda wheelchair, but I still think about returning to something meaningful, Hell just because I can't move around quickily doesen't mean I can't sit behind a desk. But now it is just a pipe dream who is going to hire me? Hell I can't even get a volunteer position, one look at me and noone wants the libility. If you think you can still work you should because in the end you may be sorry if you retire. Sitting at home gets old, especially if your young like me 54. Best of luck what ever you decide to do.

Oh, depending on what your total income is your civil service disability retirement could be tax free. Mine is and I didn't file any taxes until this year becasue of the "rebate", but I learned that if I had filed even thought I had no taxable income I would sill able get the earned income credit. So now I will file every year just to get the $250-$300 .