Practice Area Descriptions

Railroad Retirement Disability

Railroad workers at not covered by Social Security for the work that they do for the railroad. They are covered by the benefits of the Railroad Retirement Board which is a separate federal agency. The Railroad Retirement Board provides retirement benefits to railroad employees which are similar to those retirement benefits of Social Security. The Railroad Retirement Board also provides for disability benefits if a railroad worker becomes disabled before he or she reaches regular retirement age. A railroad worker is able to receive a total disability from the Railroad Retirement Board if that employee is permanently disabled from all work and has, at least, 10 years (120 months) of credible railroad service. Additionally, a railroad worker can receive an occupational disability from the Railroad Retirement Board if that employee has at least 20 years (240 months) of railroad service and that employee is permanently disabled from his "regular railroad occupation." The Railroad Retirement Board also provides sickness benefits if a railroad worker is temporarily out of work for an injury or illness.

The attorneys at Cranwell & Moore have extensive experience in representing railroad workers in the application process of filing for Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits. If a railroad worker is denied Railroad Retirement disability benefits, he or she has the right to appeal this denial. The attorneys at Cranwell & Moore are also experienced in handling the Railroad Retirement Board appeals. Therefore, if you have questions concerning Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, e-mail Kevin L. Pearson at KLP@cranwellmoorelaw.com or call (540) 344-1000 or toll-free 1-877-632-FELA (3352).