Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.
Q:
What are the specific policies on using sick leave prior to retirement for CSRS with over 30 years of service? Would a doctor’s note be adequate? It seems to be a better deal to get a full salary rather than retirement salary for sick leave.
A:
You may use sick leave for medical appointments, medical incapacitation, to care for a sick family member, to attend a funeral of a close family member or to arrange an adoption. An agency can require a doctor’s note for an abuse of three days or more. An agency may also require a doctor’s note for a shorter absence if it tells the employee in writing of such a requirement. An agency may require that the doctor’s note be of sufficient detail that it actually describes a medical incapacitation.
Bill Bransford is managing partner of Shaw Bransford & Roth PC.
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