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Qualifying for Benefits as a Postal Worker with Myasthenia Gravis

The work of a postal worker is a difficult and often physically demanding one and as such, workers are required to be in the best of health to handle the walking, lifting, driving and carrying they have to do each day. This can significantly take a toll on even the strongest of individuals, and add this to potential exposure to environmental and toxic agents, you have a powder keg of illness and disability waiting to explode. USPS last mile workers are thankfully protected by FECA, a piece of legislation which was passed at the turn of the last century which lays out the types of injuries and illnesses that are eligible for the federal workers’ compensation program, as well as the forms one must fill in order to get started on the process. However, without timely legal representation, injured or unwell last mile postal workers may struggle to receive the benefits they are entitled to, and will often face denials or extended delays. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition said to affect the voluntary muscles, leading to excessive fatigue which improves upon resting or a night of refreshing sleep. This autoimmune condition is permanent, and because there is no definite cure, patients must manage the condition on a daily basis by way of making lifestyle changes that will lower or eliminate triggers. The causes of myasthenia gravis are multifactorial, and sometimes unknown, but occupational stressors, exposure to environmental agents as well as physical demands are often thought to play a role in its development. If you are currently living with this debilitating condition as a USPS worker, you may be entitled to significant financial benefits, for which we would be honored to help you access.

Are you looking for a best injured last mile postal worker lawyer? Please call us NOW at 312-444-0214 to learn more about your legal options for justice and compensation. The experienced federal workers’ compensation lawyers at our law firm have helped thousands of injured federal workers get, keep an have their benefits denial appealed thanks to the timely and aggressive legal representation we offer. Occupational illnesses such as myasthenia gravis can be reported and compensated for if one reports them within 2 years of knowing about the condition. Our commitment to unwell or injured postal worker spans the entire country, so you can call us TODAY at 312-444-0214 regardless of where you are in the country, and we will assess your case and chart the way forward. McCready Law best injured postal workers law firm is pleased to announce flexible monthly payment terms for our federal workers’ compensation claims, helping you afford timely legal help without worrying about your finances in the long run. In addition, OWCP must review our fees and ensure that you the client are also in agreement with our fee structure prior to legal representation, fostering a culture of transparency and putting the needs and concerns of the injured postal worker first. We also run a bilingual office (hablamos Espanol), and we’d love to offer you your first 100% FREE legal consultation into all things postal worker benefits – simply call 312-444-0214 NOW to speak with one of our friendly and compassionate attorneys; our intake team is standing by.

Myasthenia Gravis in Postal Workers – How Does it Develop and What Worsens It?

Myasthenia gravis is primarily an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissues mistakenly. In the condition, autoantibodies are produces against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors which are found in the neuromuscular junction, a location replete with nerve cells that tell the muscles to move. The destruction of blockage of these receptors thereby leads to the loss of signal transmission to muscles, thereby causing weakness.

Some of the factors that worsen the development of MG in postal workers include:

  1. Physical labor which may include heavy lifting, prolonged walking, repetitive motions such as handling packages and sorting mail may all wear down muscles over time which can further compound the condition as muscles may not have time to adequately between tasks.
  2. Environment conditions such as extreme weather temperatures in some states can lead to increased fatigue, as well as muscle weakness and stiffness. In addition, pollution and environmental allergens such as pollen have been shown to trigger respiratory issues and inflammation which can compound symptoms of MG.
  3. The high stress nature of USPS last mile worker responsibilities can lead to physical and emotional stress, which can in turn elicit physiological changes in the body, resulting in increased fatigue and muscle pain and tension

Scientists have identified some of the most common triggers of myasthenia gravis, some of which are:

  • Infection, particularly of the respiratory type may strain the already weakened immune system and trigger an overproduction of autoantibodies which in turn may worsen or trigger the condition
  • Emotional stress which is surprisingly common in MG patients who also happen to be USPS workers. A heavy workload and the lack of psychological support may depress the immune system, which can in turn lead to worsening muscle weakness and fatigue symptoms

Myasthenia Gravis Complications in USPS Workers

Myasthenia gravis doesn’t just affect limb muscles; patients may often find that they develop weakness in the eye muscles which may lead to the drooping of eyelids or double vision. In addition, postal workers with myasthenia gravis may experience weakness in facia muscles leading to difficulty swallowing and speaking, making it challenging to effectively communicate with colleagues and customers. A particularly worrying symptom of MG is respiratory muscle weakness which could lead to respiratory distress especially during illness and physical exertion.

Countrywide Federal Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Postal Workers – Call Us Today!

While direct causation is needed when it comes to establishing whether a postal worker is entitled to compensation for their condition, every case is different. If the condition makes it challenging for you to perform your work duties, you may become eligible pending a full medical assessment. The information contained in this assessment will show in a definitive manner that you are not able to carry out work duties as is expected, so it is important to ensure this is done to the standards and requests of the OWCP.  It is important however that you not go it alone as self-representation may lock you out of understanding some of the nuances associated with the application process, resulting in delays and even outright denials. To get your federal workers’ compensation benefits the first time applying, please give us a call NOW at 312-444-0214 to learn more about how we can help expedite the entire process. Thanks for choosing us, and we look forward to helping you.