Need help! CBP hiring process

[tonyben]

I was sent a packet 3 weeks ago asking for supplimental information about back pain that I indicated on my application. I was told tha I had 4 weeks to have docotrs give approval that I could continue with the process. I sent it to the VA and my wife called the other day to check up on the status. She was told a letter was sent saying they didn't have enough information to give approval of disapproval for the position.

I have never been seen by anyone other than a chiropracter. I guess I need to have the forms filled out by him or get an extension on my required documentation. What I need are the specific physical description and requirements for a CBP officer so that he can read and state that I can perform the duties.

Does anyone know where I can get that form or physical description online? I'm not talking about the physical description for taking the physical test, but a more detailed description of daily physical duties. I have to have get them in by the 24th and I am hoping the Minneapolis hiring center will get back to me promptly but I am not taking any chances. Has anyone ever known if they grant extensions?

Unfortunately, this is my only chance to get into federal law enforcement since I am turning 36 next month and I won't be able to wait for another hiring cycle and be in the FLETC by the time I'm 37.

Thanks in advance for any and all help received.

Tony.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

You will need to check to make sure they'll accept the info from a chiropractor. Most often, they want info from a M.D.

[tonyben]

Hmm.... Well, hopefully they will accept it. Maybe it will show that it isn't very serious if I haven't had a doctor look at it since I received my disability rating. I don't take any medication for it at all. Just back adjustment mayge 3x a year.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Look, you do what you think you should do. They've directed you to get medical clearance. Unless they specifically state that they allow Chiros, you'll have to see an MD. If you just assume or hope that they will and they don't, you'll be booted from the process. There are plenty of other people applying that they can choose from.

[tonyben]

I totally understand what you are saying, just thinking out loud. I'll just have to keep calling and if they won't accept his input, I'll try to get an extension and maybe have a physical therapist get me in on an urgent appointment. I know they don't have any openings for about a month. The situation is what it is. If I don't get the recommendation in time, I'll just have to accept that federal law enforcement is not in my future.

[sakic]

The package you recieved had very specific instructions on what to do. You will have to see an orthopedic surgeon. There is a package for the doctor to read. In that package, your job duties are described and the doctor will determine if you are physically capable of doing the job. The doctor will then type a letter according to a checklist that CBP provided you in that packet.

I had the very same thing happen to me. I see a chiropractor regularly and had to get verification that I wasn't physically unable to do the job.

Take a look at the package you got and follow the instructions.

[BP348]

Just a guess but I would say that you're going to have to see a M.D.

Approval or disapproval from a chiropractor is not going to cut it.

[tonyben]

Thanks for the input gents. I'll keep you posted.

[tonyben]

Talked to CBP today. They are granting me an extension and will accept a packet filled out by my chiropracter.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Well, that shocks the **** outta me! When I tested for BP back in the day they only accepted physicians.

My, how things have changed....

[tonyben]

I was pleasantly shocked too!

[1depd]

You say you have a disability rating. If that is a VA disability rating for a service connected disability that should make you a preference eligible veteran (assuming an honorable discharge). If you are a preference eligible vet you don't have a hiring age limit.

[tonyben]

You say you have a disability rating. If that is a VA disability rating for a service connected disability that should make you a preference eligible veteran (assuming an honorable discharge). If you are a preference eligible vet you don't have a hiring age limit.

I don't?! :eek:

That's great! I was misled then.

According to my test score (scored a 94) and military, college transcripts, I qualify as a GS-7 if I am selected.

I was indeed discharged under honorable conditions and I collect 30% disability. 9 years of Marine service.

Correct me if I am wrong, but can't I piggyback off my military time for retirement?

[1depd]

When CBPO's received the 12(d) retirement OPM had just come out with a final ruling on Isabella v. Dept of State. The two or three announcements following the July 12(d) implementation did not allow for the age waiver (even though it was mandated by law). The final ruling on Isabella was issued July 2, 2008 (we received 12(d) July 7, 2008) and the law has been on the books since, I believe, the mid 90's. OPM did not issue a memo for all agencies to follow the guidance provided in the Isabella case until August of this year. The logic used by the MSPB that the 37 year maximum hiring age is hard to argue against. As long as people are doing the job and they are over 37 years old then being under 37 years old can't be an essential requirement for the job. It would essentially require an agency to have all personnel retire at 37 years old not be hired by 37. Here is a link to the memo issued by OPM: CHCOC

You can purchase your military time for civilian government retirement. You pay 3% of your military base pay for your time in the military. Unfortunately the only benefit you would receive is an extra 9% added to your retirement, you would still have to work 20 years. If you are bored and want to take the time to figure out how much you would have to pay, you'll find it is very cheap. I will make my military deposit for ten years service back within a year of retiring. If you already receive a military retirement you can only purchase your military time if you give up your retired pay. Your military time also counts toward leave accumulation, whether you make the retirement deposit or not. So you would earn leave as if you had been a fed civilian for 9 years.

[tonyben]

Very good info. Much appreciated!