OPM's Medical Call-Up Review: What Disability Annuitants Need to Know
TFDR Editorial ·
What Is a Medical Call-Up Review?
After your FERS disability retirement is approved, OPM conducts periodic reviews to determine whether your disabling condition continues to prevent you from performing useful and efficient service. This process is known as the "medical call-up review" and is required by federal regulation.
When Does It Happen?
OPM typically conducts medical call-up reviews during the first few years after approval. Under 5 U.S.C. § 8451, OPM may require a medical examination at any time to verify continued disability, though reviews are most common within the first 5 years of receiving benefits.
What OPM Requires
When you receive a medical call-up questionnaire (Form RI 30-1), you must respond within 90 days. OPM requires:
- Current clinical findings from a recent physical examination, including diagnostic test results
- An update on your condition since retirement, including current prognosis
- An assessment of the specific medical condition(s) that led to your retirement, including plans for future treatment
- A clinical assessment of risk regarding your ability to perform duties of a similar position
Critical Deadlines
The 90-day response window is not flexible. If OPM does not receive the questionnaire and requested medical documentation within 90 days, they may suspend your annuity payments until the information is received. This makes timely response essential.
How to Prepare
Maintain an ongoing relationship with your treating physician(s) and keep your medical records current. When a call-up review arrives, schedule an appointment with your physician promptly to obtain the required documentation. The documentation must be on the physician's or facility's letterhead and signed by the treating physician.
Employment Questions
The questionnaire also asks whether you have recovered sufficiently to return to work and whether you have been employed in the last 12 months. Answer these questions honestly — intentional misrepresentation carries penalties of up to $10,000 in fines or imprisonment.