Q. I’m 52 years old with 24 years of federal service under FERS. We are in a BRAC situation (installation closes on Sept. 14) and I am eligible for the offered Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments. Can I take the VERA and still continue with my attempt to get disability? Can I take the VSIP and still continue with my attempt to get disability? The paperwork I need to sign for the VSIP said that I give up the right to file for disability. But I don’t know if that also applies to VERA. The VERA/VSIP window closed on March 17 and I won’t know the results of a disability claim before that date.
A. While you are barred from accepting a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment, you can accept an offer of early retirement under the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and still pursue disability retirement.
