Author: Sponsor

Legal Insider: OPM disability retirement since DOGE

By Sponsor

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John Berry, Esq. & Kara Osborne, Esq.

With the changes that have come to the federal government in light of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), we have seen an increase in federal disability retirement applications to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) lately. Given the efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, it appears that DOGE may actually not be opposed to increased disability retirement filings by federal employees.

What is OPM Disability Retirement?

OPM disability retirement is an entitlement for federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). This program allows federal employees who are unable to perform their essential job functions, due to a disability, to receive a retirement annuity early. The disability does not have to be work-related. However, the disability must have arisen or worsened while the employee was working for the federal government. In order to qualify, a federal employee in FERS must have: (1) at least 18 months of full-time service, (2) a disability expected to last at least one year, and (3) the inability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. This linked article provides tips for federal employees considering OPM disability retirement.

Issues that have Recently Come Up for Disability Applicants

A number of recent issues have caused the increase in OPM disability retirement applications. Many federal employees have previously worked under Reasonable Accommodations (RA), which allowed remote work. While many of these RAs have been honored, many have not. Some agencies have tried to reduce the amount of telework in these existing RA agreements. Individuals are understandably concerned about returning to the office only to have all of their RA-related telework taken away. Other federal employees also had telework agreements in place outside of the RA process. These remote work assignments enabled many federal employees with severe medical issues to continue working for the federal government. Since the government’s commitment to remote work has changed, as a result of OPM and DOGE efforts for a full return to the workplace, many federal employees with disabilities have started to consider OPM disability retirement as an option.

Individuals Struggling with Disabilities May Have Had Enough

Another reason for the increase in OPM disability retirement applications is morale. Many federal employees devote themselves to their position out of pride. The latest developments with Reductions-in-Force (RIF), the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), and other issues have led to a serious morale issue for many federal employees. Many federal employees who have had serious disabilities have continued to work despite debilitating medical issues. Many federal employees have now come to the conclusion that they shouldn’t struggle with a severe disability any further. As a result, many individuals have decided to seek disability retirement due to a lack of appreciation.

Potential Pitfalls

There are some other disability retirement potential pitfalls that federal employees face with respect to the DRP and other departure incentives. One of these issues includes an unwritten rule where many agencies have been advising federal employees that if they take a DRP and then apply for OPM disability retirement, they may find themselves receiving a negative decision. There is nothing written about this issue yet, but federal employees should at least consider this possibility.

Quicker Processing by OPM

OPM also appears to be processing OPM disability retirement claims faster. While nothing has been specifically written about faster OPM processing times, we have received notes from several clients that disability retirement cases seem to be moving faster. OPM may have been given guidance to speed up the processing of disability retirement claims.

Seek Legal Guidance Before Filing a Disability Retirement Application

Given the unique criteria that OPM uses to decide OPM disability retirement applications, it is important to speak to experienced counsel before filing a claim. Getting legal advice early can help you decide whether or not a particular disability claim stands a good chance of being granted. Getting advice early can also help individuals gather important materials to support their OPM disability retirement claims before they apply. The process can be complex and is not as straightforward as OPM often describes.

Contact Us

Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in OPM disability retirement applications and reconsideration appeals. If you need legal assistance regarding a federal employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or our website to schedule a consultation.

Start a new journey for National Bike Month with Brompton Bicycle

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There’s a Brompton for every type of bike rider.

Did you know May is National Bike Month? Riding a bike as a mode of transportation offers many benefits for both you and your community.

Every time you choose to commute by bike instead of car, you help reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere, while giving your body time for active movement.

That means cleaner air for all to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family—as you increase your energy and stamina by bike for those plans!

In honor of National Bike Month, we’re inviting you to visit our Brompton Junction store in Georgetown (1214 Wisconsin Ave NW) for a complimentary test ride. You’ll receive a free tote bag at the end of your ride to store the essentials on-and-off your bike.

Brompton Bicycle is the world’s leading folding bike manufacturer. Each Brompton bike is handmade in London featuring the ability to fold and unfold in under 20-seconds. Available in a variety of electric and non-electric models, there’s a Brompton for every type of bike rider, from beginner to expert.

Plus, Brompton is a certified B Corp, meaning we’re among a select few committed to advancing purpose-driven sustainability efforts for a healthier world.

Riding during National Bike Month is an easy way to incorporate cycling into your daily routine. Try taking a bike next time you go on a grocery run or for brunch with friends.

Small actions like these make a big impact over time—on both the environment and your health.

Real Estate Fresh Finds: May 7, 2025

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This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

Featured Property of the Week: 4301 Ord St NE

4301 Ord Street Ne

“Estate sale located in the sought-after Lily Ponds NE neighborhood. Bring your vision, color palette and convert this solid brick rambler into your dream home! Situated on a fully fenced, large corner lot with expansive views of Kenilworth Park. Features four bedrooms, two full baths, a large living room with a fireplace, hardwood floors, a formal dining room, and a spacious eat-in kitchen. Finished lower level with a full bath, two additional bedrooms, a large entertainment room, a bonus sitting area, and a large utility room. Exterior features an attached garage, carport, French doors leading to an enclosed breezeway. Steps from Kenilworth Recreation and Aquatic Center. Situated off of 295, close to the National Harbor, the Wharf, Nationals Stadium and Downtown DC. Priced to sell!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is an 8BR/10FB/3HB Kent estate built in 2016 with nearly 13k total square feet across 3 levels and features a 4-car garage, theatre room, sauna, exercise room/dance studio, wine cellar, billiards room, library, luxurious primary suite with 3 walk-in dressing rooms and a sitting room, multiple terraces and a rear loggia with a lap pool, pool pavilion, lounge and secluded lawn—all for just under $20M.
  • Prime Petworth Location! Bring your vision—and your contractor—to this stately home with endless potential, located just steps from Sherman Circle Park. This home is not only an end unit, it faces away from the others in the row giving a real feel for privacy.
  • This home is a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom rowhome nestled on a quiet street in the desirable Brentwood/Woodridge neighborhoods. With three bedrooms and one full bath on the upper level, and a fully updated lower level featuring a fourth bedroom and second full bath, this home offers flexibility for modern living.
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 6BR/4BA end-unit Victorian rowhome in Brookland that “offers incredible potential in an unbeatable location,” which is currently set up as 3 different units that’s perfect for “an investor, a renovator, or a visionary homeowner.

98.7 WMZQ and The Bullpen Present the 98.7 WMZQ Bullpen Country Concert Series!

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LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS AT THE BULLPEN!

The 98.7 WMZQ Bullpen Country Concert Series is bringing big-name country acts and ice-cold beer to DC all summer long!

Presented by 98.7 WMZQ:

  • May 1: Kicked off with a packed show from Thompson Square with Dalton & The Sheriffs
  • June 26: LANCO with Dalton & The Sheriffs
  • July 24: Eli Young Band with Dalton & The Sheriffs
  • Sept 11: Kip Moore with Dalton & The Sheriffs
  • Sept 18: Easton Corbin with Dalton & The Sheriffs

PLUS – Join us for even more live music at The Bullpen all summer long

Our Tribute Series lineup keeps the party going with epic tribute performances:

May 8: Queen Legacy

May 29: Red NOT Chili Peppers

July 10: The Dancing Bears

July 17: Joshua Tree

July 31: The Springsteen Experience

Come early and stay late – The beer’s cold and the music’s loud!

Grab your tickets here and gear up for a great summer at The Bullpen!

From federal shifts to friendly competition: How DC Fray is building community

By Sponsor
Fraylife+

So, the federal workforce is shrinking, offices are emptier than ever, and your co-workers’ dogs now know more about your daily life than your neighbors do. It’s weird out there.

But one DC-based company is betting on something radically simple to bring people together: fun.

DC Fray (you know them—they run all those kickball games you see at the Mall) is rolling out a massive lineup of summer sports leagues across the city, and yes, they’re doing it with one goal in mind: making fun possible.

And the best part? You don’t need a team. Or even a clue how to play. And if money is tight your first league as a new Fraylife+ member is free… Ok… they’ve got our attention.

Seriously. You can just sign up solo, get tossed onto a team of other free agents, and suddenly you’ve got 10 new group chat friends. If you’re rolling with a couple friends, Fray keeps you together. And if your office softball team actually is ready to leave the group chat—great, full teams are welcome too.

First League Free? Yes, Really.

If you’re new to their membership program they’ll even hook you up with your first league free if you sign up for their Fraylife+ even if you’ve already played a league with them before. (The program comes with a bunch of year-round perks and discounts too, FYI)

Lets think of DC Fray and Fraylife+ as your social life’s best cheat code only with sneakers and water bottles.

What’s Playing Around DC

With the full summer line up including over 100+ leagues Here’s a sample of some of their most popular leagues popping off this summer across the District:

https://dcfray.com/leagues/?state=49&activity=99

Softball week days and weekends on Capitol Hill, National Mall, and Navy Yard

Flag Football on the National Mall

Soccer on various days across Shaw, Navy Yard, Capitol Hill and The National Mall

Volleyball on various days in Dupont, National Mall, and Capitol Hill

https://dcfray.com/league/bocce-noma-su25-wed-3rd-st-art-garden/

And that’s just scratching the surface. They’ve got leagues in every quadrant, for nearly every sport, and they’re all designed for the “fun-first” crowd—not the “I played varsity in college” types (though they’re welcome, too… as long as they chill).

A Little Less Office, a Lot More Community

As the traditional 9-to-5 fades and “WFH” becomes the norm, it turns out people still crave good old-fashioned human interaction. Fray’s leagues are filling that gap for a lot of folks—helping Washingtonians trade Slack messages for sideline chats, and spreadsheet burnout for post-game happy hours.

Because let’s face it: friendships don’t always happen on Zoom. Sometimes, they happen after someone boots a kickball into traffic.

Sign-Ups Are Open (and Filling Up Fast)

Leagues start in late June and early July, and they always fill up. So if your social calendar is looking a little meh, here’s your shot at turning it around—with a team shirt and a whole lot of new names in your contacts.

Check out all the options at dcfray.com/leagues.