Q. I have been on workers’ compensation since December 2010. I had back surgery in May 2011 and had another this spring. I am going to fill out the Office of Personnel Management paperwork for medical disability retirement and want to suspend that benefit and remain on workers’ comp because it’s more advantageous. Once I convert to OPM retirement, will the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs still be responsible for my medical needs and medication, or do all OWCP benefits stop? I have nine years of federal service and do have Federal Employees Health Benefits, but I’m not sure how much more of OWCP I can deal with.
A. Once you have converted to FERS disability, OWCP’s responsibility for your medical and medication needs ends.
