Virginia Retirement System members frequently ask us if their specific health condition(s) qualify them for VRS disability retirement benefits. A VRS disability claim is not based solely on your medical diagnosis.
Whether or not your claim for VRS disability retirement benefits will be approved depends upon a variety of factors unique to your case. These factors include, but are not limited to, your diagnoses, your medical treatment records and test results, the opinions of your treating healthcare providers, your symptoms and limitations, and the physical and mental requirements of your job.
In general, to receive VRS disability retirement, you must be able to prove:
- You are mentally or physically unable to effectively perform your job duties;
- Your incapacity is likely to be permanent;
- You should be retired, and
- Your disabling condition, if it existed at the time you became a VRS member, has substantially worsened.
You have the burden of proving your case.
If you are thinking about stopping work and applying for VRS disability retirement benefits we would be happy to speak with you. We can discuss your health conditions and your medical treatment. We can explore how the symptoms and limitations that result from your health conditions affect your ability to perform the essential functions of your work. We can tell you the key issues you need to discuss with your doctors. We can help you decide if applying for VRS disability retirement benefits is the right path for you. Call us today at 1 (855) 873-2604.
