Attention USPS Workers – Chronic Kidney Disease May Qualify You for FERS Disability Benefits
The kidneys are a vital part of our biology, as they are involved in blood and waste filtration and subsequent excretion in order to keep our blood and body free from toxins which may impair the functioning of other organs. Kidney disease therefore can significantly impact our body’s ability to get rid of waste and lead to fluid buildup which may manifest itself as leg and arm swelling, fatigue, thirst and a number of puzzling symptoms. Left untreated, kidney disease often develops into CKD, or chronic kidney disease which can lead to permanent disability and the need for weekly dialysis where one gets hooked up to a machine which then mechanically gets rid of compounds such as urea in order to keep your blood functioning as it should. USPS workers perform different tasks such as sorting, offloading packages and walking through neighborhoods, crossing roads, going up flights of stairs and so on just so they can deliver mail and packages to clients. USPS workers diagnosed with chronic kidney disease may not be able to carry out these activities due to immobility caused by complications of their chronic condition, which may make them eligible for FERS disability retirement benefits. FERS disability is a program which makes it possible for federal workers with a permanent injury or illness to apply for and receive monthly benefits as they recover long-term. Administered by the Office of Personnel Management, this benefits program has multiple requirements and stringent conditions you must meet in order to be approved, and going it alone may be unwise due to the complexity of the program. Legal assistance can help you expedite the whole process at a nominal fee, and we’re here to help with that.
Are you looking for a best FERS disability attorney? Please call the Law Offices of McCready Law NOW at 312-444-0214 for your 100% FREE and confidential consultation. For close to three decades, the experienced federal workers’ compensation attorneys at McCready Law have helped thousands of injured individuals and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients who were injured due to someone else’s negligence or developed an occupational illness while at work. What sets us apart from other FERS disability benefits lawyers is our nationwide reach, which means you can call us from anywhere in the country and receive timely legal help into all things compensation for injured or unwell federal employees, as well as our bilingual staff (hablamos Espanol). If you developed chronic kidney disease while working for the USPS and can no longer carry out work duties, you may be eligible for FERS disability compensation benefits – please call us NOW at 312-444-0214 for your 100% FREE legal consultation into your potential claim: our intake team is standing by.
What Exactly is Chronic Kidney Disease and What Causes It?
Chronic kidney disease or CKD is a condition affecting the kidneys and its structures caused by a host of factors which makes it difficult for the kidneys to filter waste from the bloodstream as well as maintain a healthy blood pressure. Kidney function decline means waste accumulates in the bloodstream causing a host of health issues. The progressive loss of kidney function is insidious and asymptomatic and because of this, most individuals don’t know they have it until it’s too late and the damage is done. However, routine blood tests measure kidney function and can detect abnormalities which can then be remedied by further testing and diagnostic procedures. In particular, individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, underscoring the importance of regular screening.
Common CKD Symptoms
Some of the most common signs of chronic kidney disease include:
- Weakness and fatigue which is a sign of kidney function deterioration as well as the buildup of toxins in one’s blood stream. This buildup eventually leads to anemia or a deficiency in red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the various organs in the body. Constant exhaustion and pale skin are two other signs which accompany weakness which can severely limit your ability to carry out your work-related duties as a USPS last mile worker
- Swelling which usually appears in the ankles, legs and feet which is a sign of fluid retention as the kidneys stop filtering excess fluid due to dysfunction. Also know as edema, this swelling is often uncomfortable and painful, and may even cause pulmonary issues where fluid is found in the lungs as well as putting a considerable amount of strain in the heart.
- Urinary issues where the patient may either have trouble expressing urine or may find themselves using the restroom too often as the kidneys struggle to regulate urine output
- Vomiting and nausea may also point to kidney dysfunction as toxins and urea build up in the body. Uremia, or the buildup of waste products in the body may lead to gastrointestinal issues as well as making it hard to keep down any food on account of dietary restrictions
How Does Chronic Kidney Disease Affect Postal Worker Productivity?
Postal workers with chronic kidney disease may find it difficult or impossible to continue working due to the physically demanding nature as CKD is accompanied by chronic fatigue which is not resolved by adequate rest or sleep as the body struggles to transport oxygen to tissues and organs. The fatigue may impact their productivity and efficiency, leading to managerial disputes over the same. In addition, the physical limitations associated with the leg and ankle swelling as well as muscle weakness seen in patients with chronic kidney disease may make it difficult for USPS workers to lift or carry heavy packages as well as walk or stand for long periods of time. Lastly, those who need dialysis several times a week may be taken out of work to undergo these sessions and as such, maintaining a regular schedule or fulfilling job responsibilities may just not be possible.
Experienced FERS Disability Benefits Attorneys for USPS Workers – Call Us Today!
It is important to note that FERS disability benefits can only be provided to USPS workers who have a minimum of 18 months of service to the organization, as well as are under a certain age. In addition, you must undergo an extensive medical assessment and your report must talk about how the condition impacts your ability to carry out specific work tasks. There is so much we haven’t talked about in this post, such as how much you can be eligible for with regard to FERS disability benefits as well as what the benefits cover: because of this, we’d like to invite you to give us a call NOW at 312-444-0214 to learn more about how we can help you ace the application process with the least amount of stress on your person. Thanks for choosing McCready Law, and we look forward to helping you.