Burning Question: Can you take sick leave whenever you feel like it?

Suppose you're feeling under the weather, and you simply can't make it into work. You can use your sick leave to take a day off, no questions asked, right?

Not exactly, writes OhMyGov's "Bureaupat," who handles HR-related questions at the site. "Whether you are an employee in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System, sick leave may be granted by the supervisor for absences for illness, injury, medical or psychological appointments and/or treatment, adoption of a child, or certain circumstances involving contagious diseases in accordance with applicable laws and/or regulations."

And while most supervisors are pretty flexible, if a manager has a reasonable suspicion that an employee is abusing sick leave, he or she can ask for proof of illness in the form of a doctor's note.

Situations in which you may be required to provide documentation of illness include: unscheduled absences longer than three work days, any sick leave if you're officially restricted in your use of leave, or if you're suffering from a chronic condition that doesn't necessarily require medical treatment.

Can my supervisor make me get a doctor's note when I'm sick?
(OhMyGov)

Burning Question is a recurring feature that looks at key issues and compelling stories being explored at other publications and social media sites.