What If I Can’t Go Back to My Old Job Because of My Injuries?
This is one of the most common — and stressful — questions federal employees ask. When your injury prevents you from returning to the job you once performed, the next step isn’t always obvious. The answer depends on your medical restrictions, your agency’s ability to accommodate you, and the rules that govern federal workers’ compensation.
Let’s break down what actually happens.
Can your agency separate you after a year?
Yes. If you’ve been off work for a full 365 days because of your workers’ compensation injury, your employer can terminate you.
But that isn’t the end of the story — you keep preferential rehiring rights to that job. The door closes, but not completely.
What if your doctor won’t clear you for your old job?
This is extremely common. Many injured workers are medically restricted from returning to full-duty positions. Your doctor completes forms outlining your limitations, and those restrictions carry medical weight.
If those restrictions are accepted, your agency has an obligation to try to offer you a light-duty position that fits within what your doctor says you can safely do.
What if your agency can’t accommodate you?
This happens more often than people expect. Agencies frequently don’t have modified positions available.
If your employer cannot meet your restrictions, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation — a program that helps you train for a different line of work. Some people successfully transition into new careers; others choose different routes.
Are there retirement or disability options?
Yes. Depending on your age, service time, and medical condition, you may qualify for:
Social Security Disability,
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) disability,
OPM disability retirement, or
general federal retirement options.
Choosing the right one requires understanding your medical limitations, your federal service history, and the financial implications of each program.
So what should you do next?
The truth is, this situation is deeply individual. What’s best for you depends on:
your doctor’s restrictions,
what your agency can offer,
your federal contributions and service record,
your injury severity,
and your long-term career or retirement goals.
This is the kind of case Shapiro Federal handles every single day. A review of your file can clarify your options and help you choose the path that protects both your health and your livelihood.
Every Schedule Award and compensation case is unique. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) does not publish fixed timelines or guaranteed outcomes. Benefits depend on your medical evidence, impairment rating, and OWCP’s review process. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. For guidance on your specific claim, consult with an experienced federal workers’ compensation attorney.