Filing Delay Leads to Loss of Federal Death Benefits
Even though a spouse of forty years was entitled to her husband’s federal death benefits, her estate could not claim them when the widow died before she was able to sign the paperwork.
Author: Susan McGuire Smith
Modified Divorce Ruling Handed Down Before Retirement Must Be Considered In Deciding Survivor Annuity
In yet another case involving the current wife and ex-wife fighting over a federal retiree’s survivor’s annuity, the appeals court finds error in handling by OPM and MSPB and bounces the case back for another round. See why.
Dog Bites Mail Carrier and Supervisor is Removed
A supervisor with 44 years of service who failed to follow agency policy when a mail carrier was bitten while on duty ends up losing her job based on this and several other misjudgments in carrying out her supervisory responsibilities.
Unprofessional, Uncivil and Somewhat Boorish
According to the appeals court, “somewhat boorish” actions of supervisors at Merit Systems Protection Board were the “ordinary tribulations of the workplace,” and did not add up to an actionable hostile work environment.
Volunteer Jury Duty Leads to Firing
A fired Navy employee who tried to avoid relocation to D.C. by volunteering to serve on a grand jury has lost in her third round before the appeals court.
Practice Makes Perfect
This is yet another case where a retired employee’s failure to designate his wife-in this case his fifth-to receive a survivor’s annuity means she gets nothing.
Breach of Settlement Agreement May Lead to Monetary Damage Award
The Merit Systems Protection Board is not the only forum to challenge OPM’s breach of its settlement agreement with a fired employee. He now gets his day in the claims court to seek monetary damages according to the appeals court.
What Does the Merit Systems Protection Board Have in Common with Federal Health Care Enrollment?
A balky website for filing appeals with the MSPB is turned aside as an excuse for missing the filing deadline by both the Board and the appeals court. The employee is therefore out of luck in trying to challenge her removal.
Disrespect for WWII Vet Leads to Firing
A VA employee is fired for verbal and physical abuse toward an elderly patient.
Integrity Issues Lead to a Suspension That Leads to a Five-Grade Demotion
The first time around the agency mitigated a proposed removal to a 2-week suspension. This time it mitigated a proposed removal to a demotion. The employee unsuccessfully argued double punishment, but the MSPB and the appeals court say “not.”
