Working for the federal government is not an easy affair, and postal workers often bear the brunt of various issues that may exacerbate their stress indicators to unbearable levels. Mental health is a big topic these days, as individuals all over the world are realizing the importance as well as fragility of mental health. It is not realistic to be happy all the time, but it is also not healthy to be under a constant barrage of stress as this may either worsen underlying mental health conditions, or cause new ones to rear their head.

Postal workers with mental health conditions may qualify for a program known as FERS disability should it be discovered that they are unable to work effectively as USPS workers due to their severity of their condition. FERS disability benefits provide you with the resources to go into early retirement without a minimum age requirement, and this program is available to a select few who meet certain criteria as outlined by the Office of Personnel Management.

That said, it is always advisable to seek out the services of an experienced USPS disability retirement attorney in order to avoid any pitfalls that may lead to an outright denial, and we’re here to help with that.

Get Experienced Legal Help

Are you looking for a best FERS disability lawyer for injured postal workers? For close to three decades, the committed and passionate attorneys at McCready Law have helped thousands of injured federal workers get, keep and increase their benefits after suffering injuries on the job. We pride ourselves in our national reach, meaning we cater to all injured postal workers across the country, and we run a bilingual office (hablamos Español).

If you developed a mental health condition while working at the USPS, or if your mental health issue was worsened due to occupational exposure or manager, or co-worker misconduct, give us a call NOW at 312-444-0214 so we can fill you in on the next steps to take in order to qualify for FERS disability benefits – the call is 100% FREE, and our intake team is standing by.

List of Common Mental Health Conditions Experienced By USPS Workers

Mental health conditions run the gamut, but here are some of the most common ones seen in postal workers:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A traumatic injury or experience can shock both the body and mind, and put it on high alert at all times. These can include things like accidents, workplace violence, dog bites, slips and falls and so on. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, manifests in nightmares, insomnia, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and hypervigilance. PTSD may make it virtually impossible to be effective at work, as most individuals will not be able to sleep thereby failing to be alert and productive at work, and the mental complications may see them plunge into a deep depression. 

Major Depressive Disorder

The long hours and often chaotic and ornery interactions with the public can contribute to the development of a mental health condition known as major depressive disorder, characterized by a pessimistic mood, unexplained fatigue, persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness, and a lack of motivation. In addition, genetic mutations may lead to lower levels of the chemical serotonin in some individuals, making them prone to major depressive disorder from the get-go, for whom stressful triggers could be just the thing to plunge them into a depressive disorder. 

Major depressive disorder is typically treated using a combination of medication and therapy, and due to its persistent nature, may qualify one for FERS disability benefits due to their not being able to work as a USPS worker in the federal government.

Bipolar Disorder

Previously known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a severe mental health condition marked by dramatic mood swings, manic episodes, anger, poor judgment and depressive episodes characterized by low energy and mood. Bipolar disorder affects about 2.8 percent of all Americans, and it develops when an individual reaches their late teens or adult years, with the average age of onset being 25. Due to the dramatic and often manic swings of bipolar disorder, being productive at work during an episode as a postal worker is out of the question. The severity as well as the suicide risk associated with bipolar disorder means that a postal worker affected by the condition may easily qualify for FERS disability benefits pending the meeting of certain requirements.

How Do I Qualify for FERS Disability if I Have a Mental Health Condition?

In order to qualify for FERS disability benefits for any of the mental health conditions covered above, it is first and foremost essential that you prove you have been employed by the federal government for a minimum of 18 months. In addition, you must provide comprehensive medical documentation from a psychologist, psychiatrist or similar mental health professional. Also, your medical evidence must show it is expected to either last 12 months at a minimum.

Experienced FERS Disability Attorneys for Postal Workers – Call Us Today!

Hiring an attorney is vital when it comes to applying and qualifying for FERS disability benefits as an USPS worker with mental health conditions due to a number of reasons. First off, we will ensure that your claim meets the eligibility criteria for FERS disability by collating any documentary evidence showing the same, refer you to specialists who will carry out extensive medical exams and create a comprehensive medical report, and we will prepare and submit your claim, making sure there are no missing documents in order to expedite your claim, saving you precious time.

If you need clarity on this compensation program, or just need to talk to us for more information on how we can help lock in on your benefits as a USPS worker currently battling a mental health condition, please give us a call at 312-444-0214 to learn more about your legal options for justice and compensation. Remember, the call is 100% FREE, and there is no legal obligation. Thanks for choosing us, and we look forward to helping you.