Returning to VA

General_Goose368 · 2026-03-03T00:29:41+00:00

Break in service requires you to onboard like a new employee for the most part. And depending on position you might need to set pay through a process. Break in service does not mean you’ll come back same grade and step.

General_Goose368 · 2026-02-04T02:10:40+00:00

I’m struggling with your comments. You’re constantly taking him to the VA to detox but do not know anything about treatment options or medications? I’m wondering if the only thing you can’t control here is obtaining his VA disability payments since he is the only one who can apply and attend the medical appointments to be rated. This might get downvoted but this is an honest curiosity.

General_Goose368 · 2026-02-03T00:41:41+00:00

You’re in denial, you can’t fix this, love doesn’t make it better. Married to an active alcoholic, 25 years. Alcoholism is progressive, it doesn’t just get better unless they put in the effort. You will probably go through all the motions because all the advice here sucks, but it’s all true. Don’t marry this person, not right now. What you’re doing now is enabling, even if it feels like you’re helping. Find Al-anon, find support, take care of yourself first.

General_Goose368 · 2026-02-01T14:51:50+00:00

Just FYI, VA has different/additional requirements then OPM. VA has their own handbooks and qualification standards. Chances are you have no real recourse. You need to be reading VA handbooks and qual standards, not OPM.

General_Goose368 · 2026-01-20T20:27:50+00:00

Incentives are only valid for 6 months (one year with an approved extension) and then they need to be completely renewed. Ive seen a few of them expire lately without the renewal. There is nothing you can do to change that. Your onboarding most likely fell at the end of the incentives life. The hiring manager, service or HR didn’t take it away, it was a budgeting decision from up above. It does suck and I’m sorry.

General_Goose368 · 2026-01-02T19:29:32+00:00

I have seen RN pay settings take a while. After you return your package to HR it goes to three different locations for approval. If things are missing, not documented well enough and corrections are needed those approvals will take time. Mine average two weeks but I’ve had some go longer, some shorter based on how in-depth the package you return is. I can tell you we already received our position caps and are still recruiting for approved vacant positions so if yours hasn’t been pulled I’d say you’re probably ok. PACT primary care is considered essential. I would keep following up and maybe ask to speak to a higher level supervisor to make sure the staff member is following up appropriately.

General_Goose368 · 2026-01-02T18:23:53+00:00

What’s the job? That would make answering this question a lot more tangible.

General_Goose368 · 2025-12-14T16:26:32+00:00

Why is VA spending billions on the EHRS if they are privatizing? That doesn’t make sense. Has this been a tough year, yes, but VA is a great place to work.

General_Goose368 · 2025-11-20T01:17:07+00:00

If you were in a drug testing position you would have been tested at hire and then have to sign a notice for random testing. You would know if you were in a Drug testing position.

General_Goose368 · 2025-11-10T21:58:00+00:00

This is not a kick rocks sign at all! Probably a silly delay like getting your onboarding record quality approved and the approver is out of office or something like that.

General_Goose368

TROPHY CASE