A federal employee can qualify as disabled for one benefit and still be denied under another. Eric Pines explains why every disability system plays by a different set of rules.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
June 29, 2026 at 2:31 PM
A federal employee can qualify as disabled for one benefit and still be denied under another. Eric Pines explains why every disability system plays by a different set of rules.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
A good settlement should sting a little - on both sides. Eric breaks it down.
Click the link in bio to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the link in bio to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
July 30, 2025 at 2:30 AM
A good settlement should sting a little - on both sides. Eric breaks it down.
Click the link in bio to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the link in bio to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Speed depends on cooperation from the applicant. Delays happen when forms and reports are not returned on time.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
March 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Speed depends on cooperation from the applicant. Delays happen when forms and reports are not returned on time.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Eric Pines shares how legal counsel strengthens any mediation. Experience brings clarity when emotions make decisions harder.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
December 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Eric Pines shares how legal counsel strengthens any mediation. Experience brings clarity when emotions make decisions harder.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Your disability annuity isn’t guesswork—it’s math. Eric Pines explains how the “high three” years decide your paycheck for life.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
November 14, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Your disability annuity isn’t guesswork—it’s math. Eric Pines explains how the “high three” years decide your paycheck for life.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Performance records can decide a remote work dispute. Eric Pines points out that strong evaluations while working from home can support a powerful legal argument.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
April 10, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Performance records can decide a remote work dispute. Eric Pines points out that strong evaluations while working from home can support a powerful legal argument.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
A federal employee may still keep working with accommodation while qualifying for legal protections. Eric Pines explains how disability definitions shift depending on the benefit being requested.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
July 6, 2026 at 2:30 PM
A federal employee may still keep working with accommodation while qualifying for legal protections. Eric Pines explains how disability definitions shift depending on the benefit being requested.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Social Security disability is one of the hardest benefits to qualify for because it looks at every type of work. Eric Pines explains why federal disability retirement uses a completely different standard.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
July 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Social Security disability is one of the hardest benefits to qualify for because it looks at every type of work. Eric Pines explains why federal disability retirement uses a completely different standard.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
A doctor may hesitate to help because they expect hearings, testimony, and legal pressure. Eric Pines explains why clearly describing the OPM process can make medical professionals more comfortable offering support.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
September 1, 2026 at 2:30 PM
A doctor may hesitate to help because they expect hearings, testimony, and legal pressure. Eric Pines explains why clearly describing the OPM process can make medical professionals more comfortable offering support.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Mental health disability claims can be harder to prove because the limitations are not always visible. Strong written findings from a qualified medical professional can give OPM the evidence it needs to evaluate the claim.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Mental health disability claims can be harder to prove because the limitations are not always visible. Strong written findings from a qualified medical professional can give OPM the evidence it needs to evaluate the claim.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Thousands of medical pages may not clearly explain why an employee can no longer perform the job. Eric Pines shares why a focused medical letter can make the evidence easier for OPM to understand.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 24, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Thousands of medical pages may not clearly explain why an employee can no longer perform the job. Eric Pines shares why a focused medical letter can make the evidence easier for OPM to understand.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Waiting until a disability claim is already in trouble can limit the available options. Eric Pines explains why early guidance can help employees avoid mistakes before filing or dealing with the agency.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Waiting until a disability claim is already in trouble can limit the available options. Eric Pines explains why early guidance can help employees avoid mistakes before filing or dealing with the agency.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Missing work without explaining the medical reason may leave an important gap in the employee’s record. Clear communication helps the agency understand that absences are connected to a documented health condition.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 20, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Missing work without explaining the medical reason may leave an important gap in the employee’s record. Clear communication helps the agency understand that absences are connected to a documented health condition.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Requesting a reasonable accommodation can become an important part of an OPM disability case. Eric Pines explains why employees should document whether accommodation was denied or simply could not solve the problem.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Requesting a reasonable accommodation can become an important part of an OPM disability case. Eric Pines explains why employees should document whether accommodation was denied or simply could not solve the problem.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Filing for OPM disability without strong medical support can put the entire claim at risk. Eric Pines explains why a licensed medical professional’s clear written support should come before the application.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Filing for OPM disability without strong medical support can put the entire claim at risk. Eric Pines explains why a licensed medical professional’s clear written support should come before the application.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
OPM disability does not require proof that someone can never work again. Eric Pines explains that the key question is whether the employee can still perform the essential duties of the current position.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM
OPM disability does not require proof that someone can never work again. Eric Pines explains that the key question is whether the employee can still perform the essential duties of the current position.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Free advice is not always the same as a complete and unbiased case review. Eric Pines explains why a detailed analysis should focus on the employee’s best next step, even when hiring a firm is premature.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Free advice is not always the same as a complete and unbiased case review. Eric Pines explains why a detailed analysis should focus on the employee’s best next step, even when hiring a firm is premature.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
A supervisor’s comments can influence how OPM views a disability application from the beginning. Eric Pines advises employees to create a clear and respectful record of how their condition affects attendance and performance.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM
A supervisor’s comments can influence how OPM views a disability application from the beginning. Eric Pines advises employees to create a clear and respectful record of how their condition affects attendance and performance.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
A federal employee may want to keep working, but the agency may claim no accommodation is possible. That conflict can open the door to both an EEO claim and an OPM disability plan.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM
A federal employee may want to keep working, but the agency may claim no accommodation is possible. That conflict can open the door to both an EEO claim and an OPM disability plan.
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Eric Pines explains why OPM disability retirement is not fast, and waiting too long can create risk. Building the application early can protect the employee if the agency refuses to help.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Eric Pines explains why OPM disability retirement is not fast, and waiting too long can create risk. Building the application early can protect the employee if the agency refuses to help.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
When medical limits make commuting unsafe, working from home may be more than a preference. It may be the accommodation that allows the employee to keep doing the job.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM
When medical limits make commuting unsafe, working from home may be more than a preference. It may be the accommodation that allows the employee to keep doing the job.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Eric Pines says settlement is not always about money. Sometimes the real win is getting the paperwork and agency support needed for disability retirement.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Eric Pines says settlement is not always about money. Sometimes the real win is getting the paperwork and agency support needed for disability retirement.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Eric Pines shares why these cases are not always about choosing one path. A federal employee may need to fight for accommodation while also preparing for retirement protection.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Eric Pines shares why these cases are not always about choosing one path. A federal employee may need to fight for accommodation while also preparing for retirement protection.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Eric Pines says some cases need protection on both sides: fighting to keep the job while preparing for disability retirement. That backup plan can matter when an agency refuses to accommodate.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Eric Pines says some cases need protection on both sides: fighting to keep the job while preparing for disability retirement. That backup plan can matter when an agency refuses to accommodate.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
A strong accommodation case can still take time, and time can put income, leave, and job status at risk. That is why settlement strategy may become part of the larger plan.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
August 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM
A strong accommodation case can still take time, and time can put income, leave, and job status at risk. That is why settlement strategy may become part of the larger plan.
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines
Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/ericpines