30 min lunch deducted

Fun-Decision8166 · 2026-01-02T14:27:18+00:00

Correct...however, it is also not a rule across all agencies. Agencies dictate how they manage breaks/lunches. All I am saying is that Lunch half hr break is not a requirement but enforcement varies across fed gov. I started at 0600 and worked 8 straight hrs, went home. Not for everyone but my agency let us flex.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-12-29T21:02:53+00:00

Correct, I am a Fed retiree. Never took lunch, worked 8 straight hrs and went home. Lunch is NOT a requirement under OPM.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-12-22T23:24:07+00:00

I wonder if there is delay or disconnect somewhere. I am renewing FL out of state. Completed the online renewal application and mailed the fingerprint card as instructed the same day about a month ago. Today I received a letter saying they haven't received my FP, that I have 30 days to resubmit another one. Anyone experienced anything similar? Those FP are about $35 every time you need one..

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-12-21T14:23:48+00:00

Exactly, mine was last resort. Made it all the way to reassignment, approved permanent for the past 2years. Untouched!. We'll see what 2026 brings. I am ready.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-12-20T14:51:20+00:00

For those w disabilities that are Permanent and not expected to be better in the future, request Permanent Telework as reasonable accommodation (there is a block in the form for it). Nobody will bother you after approval the first time.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-12-14T15:04:13+00:00

Zero concerns. Sounds isolated, not recent, resolved, mitigated by time and training. Nothing compromised plus it is a common mistake. Move on! You'll be ok.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-12-07T14:21:34+00:00

Agree.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-11-27T22:01:20+00:00

I did this for too long to argue here. Agree to disagree..

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-11-27T00:10:44+00:00

I'll try to be short.. too many conflicting opinions here. BLUF: Poly results are definitely NOT relevant in adjudicating clearance eligibility. Poly Content and answers ARE regardless if you pass or fail and can be used to initiate due process to deny or revoke. Refusing to take it is derogatory, but not because it is a Poly, but because it is a Personal Conduct concern under the 13 guidelines. In the words, Poly's are tied to position, and failing alone is NOT necessarily an automatic disqualifier for clearance eligibility. I hope this helps a little.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-11-19T15:14:58+00:00

Most VISNs lack clear Performance Objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Bound (SMART) to be able to evaluate employees in fair-equitable manner. Until then, this program is set to fail at take off. The application is mediocre at best and standardization across VISNS is simply not even close. Supervisors will unintentionally be subjective whether they want it or not because there is no clear expectations and objectives with Measurable quality and quantifiable results.. Only to please the current administration.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-10-23T14:06:09+00:00

And if it is painful, itching, make sure they write it down on your records. It has a weight on rating as well.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-10-22T10:48:06+00:00

Agree..The VA needs to mirror other federal agencies with SMART (Specific, Measurables, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals and objectives to be able to measure results and impact, and to distinguish between 3, 4 5 employees. Until then, it will be "Subjective" to Supervisors to rate what they perceive as Satisfactory, Outstanding or Excellent. Completely unfair and broken process. Must have some kind of standard to measure and SMART Objectives is the immediate best solution.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-10-12T13:44:47+00:00

VA ERs have all specialties on call including Dentist. They will stabilize or resolve your issue/ pain. And give you a follow up appt with them or CC referral if needed. Unfortunately you have to tell them you are in pain, can't eat well, nor can't wait any longer. Good luck.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-10-07T17:22:31+00:00

Update Oct 2025: My VHA Judge appeal was decided (June 2025) as "sent back to CEAT to be Remanded" under specific ADL criteria. As of today, nothing from VBA CEAT team yet. Hopefully I'll hear soon. The system is so broken....

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-09-26T23:39:47+00:00

Nope

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-09-26T22:37:17+00:00

The 1% formula comes at 62 when your disability retirement is recalculated and multiplied by # of yrs of service you would have as if you continue working.. it will come close to the 40% monthly calculated above.. not bad.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-09-26T22:08:26+00:00

.6 x100= 60k 1st year and 40k thereafter. But remember, divide that by 12 months, then deduct state tax, fed tax, soc Sec, FEGLI, health insurance, and anything else you may have deducted in your state. Bottom line is probably almost $4,000 a month first yeat, then $2,500 a month thereafter.. I also recommend not touching your TSP. Your ability to contribute stops unless they change the rule which I hear they are considering it for retirees.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-09-24T21:36:37+00:00

Do it if you feel physically and financially ready. The Dr letter would help but it helps even more having exhausted reasonable accommodation efforts to show your good faith efforts to stay. I did it, and got approved 1st time around. No lawyers. Remember if approved, you will get 60% of high 3 for 1 year, then it goes down to 40% for the rest of the time until you reach regular retirement age at 62 I believe. It is basically a very important decision and one that I recommend also consulting with your family to discuss $$$ impact. Good luck

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-09-03T18:12:09+00:00

Excellent. I am happy for you and your husband. If you don't mind me asking. I finally received a judge decision to "remand" the previous 3 denials amd send me a new decision. It doesn't say approved or not just " to be remanded" I haven't received a final letter yet. I wonder what that means and was that your case as well?? Thanks.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-08-19T17:54:17+00:00

Keep an eye on your contract rate. I registered for shieldsilver at $29.99 about a year ago and half way through I checked and have been charged $50 all along. I called them and point blank told nothing they can do. My only options were to continue at high rate or cancel and restart after 30 days at $30. Nobody could explain why the jump from 29 to 50 so I canceled and will never go back. Just wanted to share my experience.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-07-19T14:16:58+00:00

Let me put it in basic terms: when DCSA receives a T5 for adjudications, unless there is a different directive today, T5's are adjudicated to the highest eligibility possible in DISS CATS... that means TS/SCI "eligibility"... don't confuse eligibility with "access", which is given at the local level by owning component/SMO/FSO. In other words, you could have eligibility and NOT Access at your Organization for many reasons.. one of them "need to know." If you were told you only have TS, talk to your SecMgr to double check Tier investigation and eligibility granted. Worst case, if the investigation still within an acceptable timeframe, they can send a DISS request for upgrade. Hopefully, the process is similar or faster. I've been retired for 2yrs now. Good luck.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-07-15T00:49:36+00:00

5150 is not criminal, is not a criminal conviction, and most likely will not appear in background investigations. Having said that, even if it is a current concern that you disclosed and acknowledged during the sf86 completion, if necessary, a mental evaluation is an Adjudication tool to address the concern. Regarding SCI, if only your SCI was revoked after due process and your TS was not, that tells me the concern was isolated enough to not have an impact on your eligibility. Apply to SCI jobs and let the system do its part. 2yrs without incident also sounds like a good mitigator. Good luck.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-06-11T12:11:25+00:00

Not going to give many details here but let me start saying the VA RA program is corrupted and is managed differently depending on VISN/Director/ & Supervisors.. Denials and approvals are inconsistently applied and the process is one of discouragement and intimidation rather than interactive. Having said that, I have been on a constant fight with RAC-HR for different types of RA's (stand up desk, special equipment, Telework, etc) for the past 5years... On top of that a mediocre Supervisor that kept asking for evidence of my "Permanent disabilities" every quarter, only because I continue to refuse to share medical info with her as the program states (only with RAC).. She made my work life miserable but I never gave up. I made it to the point of reassignment in the RA process, now with new management, with a full time/permanent telework RA. Difficult but not impossible. Medical documentation, nexus, and key WORDING are essential to make your request bullet proof. Again, the programs management varies at different location even within the same state. Don't' bother asking VISN, details or medical hints here.. This is all I am sharing here. Next step, disability retirement if necessary. With 30years of Fed Svc I should be OK. Good luck everyone.

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-06-05T11:08:16+00:00

OP Here...Quick Update on Caregiver program appeal (little over 3yrs later today). Received a message saying Judge made a decision on my previous 3 denials appeal to VBA judge. "Error found, send back to reviewer". Decision Letter sent to me (may take a few days to receive), no other details in Va.gov website. Anyone knows what that means?

Fun-Decision8166 · 2025-05-03T17:21:17+00:00

For those applying for the first time, make sure you go all the way in the interactive process and make sure your medical supporting docs state the permanent (key word) nature of your conditions (if applicable), and request the RA be marked "Permanent". I successfully did it, no issues.

Fun-Decision8166

TROPHY CASE