; and (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) relating to adverse personnel actions, as provided by the Public Service Reform Act ; ; and (B) in section 7121(c), by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: (3) any adverse personnel action under the Public Service Reform Act ; . (g) Whistleblower protections (1) In general During the period described in subsection (c)(1)(B), the Office of Special Counsel may make a recommendation to the applicable agency head or deciding official (as described in subsection (c)(2)) regarding whether an adverse personnel action proposed against an individual was in retaliation for making a disclosure described in section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code. (2) Appeal (A) In general An individual in a covered position who is subject to an adverse personnel action and who claims that action was taken for a reason prohibited under paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, may appeal that action to the United States court of appeals in the circuit in which the duty station of the individual is located. (B) Decision (i) Frivolous or bad faith appeal If the court, in an appeal brought by an individual under subparagraph (A), finds that the appeal is brought in bad faith or is frivolous, the annuity of the individual under chapter 83 or 84 of title 5, United States Code, shall be reduced by 25 percent. (ii) Successful appeal If an individual prevails in an appeal brought under subparagraph (A), the individual shall— (I) be placed, as nearly as possible, in the position the individual would have been in had the adverse personnel action not been taken against the individual; and (II) be reimbursed for— (aa) attorney fees, back pay, and related benefits in accordance with section 5596 of title 5, United States Code