Mental conditions are included in the standard
The FERS disability regulation includes psychiatric disease within its definition of a medical condition. A mental health diagnosis does not automatically qualify or disqualify an applicant. OPM considers whether the documented condition prevents useful and efficient service in the specific federal position.
Describe function, not just the diagnosis
Evidence may address concentration, memory, judgment, reliability, attendance, or interactions when those matters are relevant to the position and actually affected. Describe what occurs, how often, and which duty or requirement is affected. Examples are planning aids, not symptoms to claim or medical conclusions to copy.
OPM's standard also recognizes a condition incompatible with useful and efficient service or retention even if there is no documented performance, conduct, or attendance deficiency. A good appraisal does not by itself settle the question.
Use qualified, current medical evidence
Give the treating provider your position description. Medical documentation should explain the diagnosis, relevant clinical findings, course of treatment and response, restrictions, and prognosis. The disabling condition must be expected to continue for at least one year from the application date.
The governing regulation describes a licensed physician's statement, supplemented where appropriate by another practitioner. Supporting evidence from other treating professionals can be relevant; follow OPM's instructions for SF 3112C and any additional evidence request.
Do not add requirements that OPM does not impose here
This article does not claim that hospitalization, a particular diagnostic code, workplace trauma, or treatment-resistant depression is required for approval. Nor does it provide statistics about the share of approvals involving mental health. Those unsupported claims have been removed. Treatment decisions belong to the patient and treating professional.
The other requirements still apply
Check service, accommodation and reassignment, timely filing, and the Social Security disability application requirement. Current employees start ORA through HR, while former employees use the former-employee disability option. Eligibility and the adequacy of the evidence are determined by OPM. Do not submit medical details through this staging website.