Pines Federal Employment Attorneys

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for OPM Disability Retirement

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees Disability and Employment Rights and Social Security Disability for All, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer and expert in federal disability retirement. Eric provides a step-by-step guide to applying for OPM disability retirement, explaining eligibility, required medical documentation, and how it differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Empowering Workers00:09 – Introduction to Eric L. Pines and today’s topic00:42 – What is OPM disability retirement?01:41 – Understanding SSDI and how it relates to OPM disability04:52 – Medical documentation requirements for OPM and SSDI claims06:22 – How OPM and SSDI claims impact each other07:04 – Working while receiving OPM disability vs. SSDI benefits08:23 – Mental health conditions in OPM and SSDI claims12:31 – How complicated is the application process? Do you need a lawyer?15:10 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Eric Pines
About the Show:
Empowering Workers: Federal Employees Disability and Employment Rights and Social Security Disability for All is a podcast dedicated to helping federal employees and other workers understand their rights in the workplace. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, with expert insights from Eric L. Pines, the show covers crucial topics on disability benefits, employment rights, and navigating complex federal regulations.
 

Representing Title 38 VA Doctors and Nurses

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Empowering Workers, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines about the unique legal challenges faced by Title 38 VA doctors and nurses. They delve into the differences between Title 38, Title V, and hybrid employees, exploring the rights and legal protections available to each group. Eric provides expert insights on disciplinary processes, appeals, and accommodations for VA medical professionals dealing with workplace stress, disabilities, and overwork. If you're a VA doctor or nurse, this episode is packed with crucial information about your employment rights and avenues for legal recourse.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Empowering Workers
00:09 – Introduction to Eric L. Pines and today’s topic
00:45 – Differences between Title V, Title 38, and hybrid employees
02:18 – Why most attorneys don’t understand Title 38 laws
02:29 – The origins of Title 38 and its impact on employment rights
05:04 – Pros and cons of Title 38 employment
06:21 – The disciplinary process for Title 38 vs. Title V employees
09:37 – Accommodations and support for VA doctors and nurses
11:46 – Addressing workplace stress and overwork in VA hospitals
14:19 – Advice for VA doctors and nurses facing mental health or physical challenges
About the Show:
Empowering Workers is a podcast dedicated to discussing the rights of federal employees, disability protections, and social security disability. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring insights from leading employment law expert Eric L. Pines, each episode aims to provide critical information to help workers navigate complex legal issues.

Common Mistakes That Federal Employees Make When They Are First Making Their Accommodation Requests

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines discuss the common mistakes federal employees make when requesting workplace accommodations. With recent policy changes affecting federal employees, it's more important than ever to understand your rights under the Rehabilitation Act (ADA for federal employees). Eric shares insights on the interactive process, how to effectively communicate accommodation requests, and what steps to take if a request is denied or delayed.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction to the Show
Overview of Empowering Workers and introduction to Eric L. Pines
[00:47] Common Mistakes When Requesting Accommodations
Not submitting a formal written request
Assuming full-time remote work is a protected right
The importance of demonstrating how an accommodation allows essential job functions
[03:56] What to Do If Your Request Faces Delays
Following up with agencies
When to escalate and file a claim
The importance of legal representation in prolonged cases
[05:27] Steps to Take If an Accommodation Request is Denied
Asking for reconsideration
How often you can request accommodations
Strengthening your request with medical documentation
[07:16] Effectively Communicating Your Needs
How to articulate why an accommodation is necessary
The role of a doctor’s letter in the process
Avoiding pitfalls that could lead to job termination
[10:52] Legal Recourse for Failure to Engage in the Interactive Process
What to do if an agency refuses to engage
Understanding "effective accommodations" vs. "preferred accommodations"
Filing an EEO case for failure to accommodate
[13:30] Best Practices to Avoid Common Pitfalls
Researching the Rehabilitation Act and ADA
Leveraging resources like the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
When to consult an attorney for assistance
[14:30] Conclusion & How to Connect
Visit pinesfederal.com for legal assistance
Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the podcast
About the Show:
Empowering Workers: Federal Employees Disability and Employment Rights and Social Security Disability for All is a podcast dedicated to helping federal employees navigate their employment rights, accommodations, and social security disability benefits. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, the show features expert insights from Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer.

Supporting VA Doctors and Nurses: A Guide to Representation, Reasonable Accommodations & Disability Retirement

Episode Summary
In this episode, Eric Pines discusses key issues related to the representation and accommodation of VA doctors and nurses (Title 38 employees), covering topics such as reasonable accommodations, disability retirement, and the unique challenges these professionals face. Eric explains the different types of VA employees and their rights, as well as the processes involved in requesting accommodations and handling denials. He also shares his firm’s approach to advocating for VA employees, offering resources and insights into how employees can navigate the system to protect their rights.
 
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:30] Introduction to the episode and guest, Eric Pines.[00:31-01:45] Eric explains the differences between Title V and Title 38 employees, focusing on VA medical professionals.[01:46-02:53] Hybrid Title 38 employees explained.[03:00-05:25] Discussion on accommodation requests for VA doctors and nurses, with examples of common accommodations.[05:26-06:45] Eric talks about the overwhelming workload for VA medical staff and the impact on their wellbeing.[06:46-08:20] How Title 38 affects employment rights for VA doctors and nurses, and the limits of their protections.[08:21-09:40] Explaining the Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB) and how it handles disciplinary actions for VA medical professionals.[09:41-12:07] Steps for requesting reasonable accommodations at the VA and the interactive process.[12:08-13:34] What to do if a reasonable accommodation request is denied.[13:35-15:40] Examples of successful accommodations secured by Eric’s firm.[15:41-18:43] How Eric's firm helps VA employees through various services, including educational resources and case reviews.
 
About The Show
Empowering Workers is a podcast that provides valuable insights and practical advice for federal employees facing workplace challenges. Hosted by legal experts, the show covers a range of topics including workers' rights, disability accommodations, employment laws, and the unique legal protections available to federal workers. Each episode features in-depth discussions with experienced attorneys and professionals who offer actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of federal employment, from dealing with harassment and discrimination to understanding the intricacies of medical leave and retirement options. The podcast is an essential resource for federal employees seeking to understand and protect their rights in the workplace.

Cracking the Code: Navigating OPM Disability and Social Security Disability Claims

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Empowering Workers, host Kevin Rosenquist chats with Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, about navigating the complexities of OPM Disability and Social Security Disability claims. Eric shares insights into the nuances of these systems, the unique benefits available to federal employees, and the importance of having legal representation to ensure a smooth and successful claims process. Whether you’re a federal employee or anyone seeking Social Security Disability, this episode is packed with invaluable advice.
 
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:09] Intro to Empowering Workers podcast.
[00:09-00:52] Host Kevin Rosenquist introduces Eric L. Pines and the episode’s focus.
[00:52-01:56] Eric’s background and inspiration for specializing in disability law.
[01:56-03:29] Overview of OPM Disability and Social Security Disability benefits.
[03:29-06:03] Why OPM Disability is a "spectacular benefit" and its financial advantages.
[06:03-07:39] Real-world example of leveraging disability benefits while working part-time.
[07:39-09:24] Misconceptions about legal representation in disability cases.
[09:24-11:26] The attorney's role in creating a compelling, complete application.
[11:26-12:56] Challenges in the process for federal employees and the value of legal help.
[12:56-14:26] Addressing nuances in federal disability forms and agency coordination.
[14:26-16:19] Appeal process for denied claims and how attorneys can assist.
[16:19-16:55] Final advice: don’t navigate this complex process alone!
 
About The Show
"Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability, and Employment Rights, and Social Security Disability for All" is a podcast dedicated to helping federal employees and all Americans navigate the complexities of employment and disability rights. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring nationally recognized federal employment lawyer Eric L. Pines, the show breaks down critical topics such as OPM disability retirement, Social Security disability claims, workplace accommodations, and legal representation. With practical insights and real-world advice, this podcast empowers listeners to better understand their rights and options, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for themselves.

Federal Disability Claims 101: Early Intervention Can Make All the Difference

Episode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability and Employment Rights, and Social Security Disability for All, host Kevin Rosenquist talks with Eric Pines, a renowned federal employment lawyer, about the basics of federal disability claims. They explore common challenges federal employees face when applying for disability benefits, strategies to overcome denials, and the essential documentation required for a successful application. Eric also discusses the potential financial benefits of disability retirement, the timeline for approval, and advice for navigating the process effectively.
 
Timestamps:
[00:01-00:10] Introduction to Empowering Workers and the episode’s focus on federal disability claims.[00:10-00:44] Host Kevin Rosenquist introduces Eric Pines, a federal employment lawyer and expert in disability claims.[00:44-01:07] Discussion kicks off: challenges federal employees face when denied disability coverage.[01:07-01:55] Overview of the disability application process and its intersections with reasonable accommodations.[01:55-03:21] Strategies for overlapping disability claims and discrimination cases; importance of a strong initial application.[03:21-05:46] Key documents required for federal disability claims, including the doctor’s letter, Social Security application, and OPM forms.[05:46-07:40] Navigating lengthy processing times and handling interim periods of unemployment or limited work.[07:40-08:27] Financial benefits of federal disability retirement: salary percentages, pension contributions, and health benefits.[08:27-10:42] Advice for staying employed or requesting light-duty assignments during the claims process.[10:42-12:41] Role of medical documentation in the approval process and why denials often occur.[12:41-14:28] Addressing common reasons for denial and how definitions of “disability” vary across agencies.[14:28-16:23] Final advice for handling denials, the value of legal representation, and the life-changing potential of successful claims.[16:23-16:49] Closing remarks and encouragement to connect with Pines Federal for support.
 
About the ShowEmpowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability and Employment Rights, and Social Security Disability for All is a podcast dedicated to helping federal employees and workers nationwide navigate the complexities of employment and disability rights. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring insights from Eric Pines, a renowned federal employment lawyer, the show covers topics such as reasonable accommodations, disability retirement, social security benefits, and workplace discrimination. With practical advice, expert guidance, and actionable solutions, the podcast aims to empower workers to protect their rights and make informed decisions about their careers and benefits.

Ensuring Equal Access: Advocating for Federal Employees’ Accommodation Rights

Episode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability, and Employment Rights, host Kevin Rosenquist talks with Eric Pines, a federal employment lawyer specializing in disability accommodations and Social Security claims. They explore Eric’s career journey and his passion for advocating for federal employees’ rights, particularly in workplace accommodations and disability cases. The discussion covers practical advice for federal employees on navigating the accommodation process, understanding legal protections under the Rehabilitation Act and ADA, and handling denials or potential retaliation. Eric also shares insights on the importance of early legal intervention and strategies to foster collaboration between employees and employers.
 
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:30] Introduction to the show and host Kevin Rosenquist.
[00:31-01:02] Meet Eric Pines: A leader in federal employment law.
[01:03-02:28] Eric's career journey and passion for disability rights.
[02:29-04:51] The importance of workplace accommodations for employees and agencies.
[04:52-06:31] First steps for employees requesting accommodations.
[06:32-07:43] Legal eligibility for accommodations.
[07:44-09:48] Documentation and proof for accommodation requests.
[09:49-11:00] Initiating the accommodation process with supervisors or HR.
[11:01-12:19] Common accommodation requests: Work-from-home and medical leave.
[12:20-14:19] Addressing employer concerns and navigating pushback.
[14:20-15:39] Responding to accommodation denials and filing complaints.
[15:40-16:10] The importance of early legal advice and maintaining good relationships.
[16:11-16:59] The unique role of Eric Pines’ firm in assisting federal employees.
 
About The Show
Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability and Employment Rights, and Social Security Disability for All is a podcast dedicated to advocating for federal employees and individuals navigating disability and employment challenges. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert insights from attorney Eric Pines, the show dives into critical topics like workplace accommodations, employee rights, and social security disability claims. With actionable advice and compassionate discussions, each episode empowers listeners with knowledge and tools to overcome legal and professional hurdles.