Autoimmune diseases run the gamut, and they can be debilitating, chronic and even last a lifetime. Autoimmune diseases are thought to occur due to a complex interplay between environmental, immunological and genetic factors, and because of this, there is no concrete cure for most autoimmune diseases. Lupus is one such condition, and it affects thousands of USPS workers who may at one point feel that they cannot continue being productive at work due to the complications associated with this health issue. USPS workers are able to go into a modified early retirement if it is determined that their illness is so severe that they cannot continue working at their position, and there is no other position that can accommodate them at a similar level. FERS disability benefits are overseen by the Office of Personnel Management, and they are doled out on a monthly basis, allowing you to receive a portion of your original salary in order to take care of incidentals, your daily financial obligations as well as pay for ongoing medical treatment, prescriptions and so on. If you developed lupus while working for the USPS, or had a worsening of your condition while working with the postal service, you may be eligible for compensation and retirement, and we’re here to help with that.

Are you looking for a FERS disability compensation attorney? If you’re federal worker who developed lupus or had your lupus get worse over time, you may be eligible for early retirement and compensation under FERS disability program. For close to three decades, our compassionate and experienced federal workers’ compensation attorneys have helped thousands of federal workers just like you get, keep and increase their benefits. Our FERS disability law firm has nationwide reach, so you can call us wherever you are in the country, and we run a bilingual office (hablamos Espanol). If you developed a permanent, chronic illness like lupus, you shouldn’t have to tough it up at work – FERS disability benefits are available for you, and you can access them TODAY by calling us at 312-444-0214 for your 100% FREE legal consultation: our intake team is standing by.

What Exactly is Lupus and What are The Symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is said to affect major organs such as the lungs, kidneys and the heart among others. Also officially known as systemic lupus erythmatosus, the condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy organs and tissues, leading to pain, inflammation, and chronic health issues.

Some of the most common symptoms of lupus include:

1. Fatigue or exhaustion, which is usually persistent and overwhelming. The fatigue can manifest as struggling to complete simple tasks such as household chores, as well as mental fog which manifests as difficulty focusing on tasks, trouble remembering things as well as having a hard time making certain decisions.
2. Swelling and joint pain is a symptom which affects over 90 percent of all sufferers, and it can manifest as stiffness in the knees, ankles and wrists, as well as chronic pain which limits mobility that can trigger frustration and depression
3. Skin rashes are a telltale sign of lupus, and this rash usually appears across the nose and the cheeks, resembling a butterfly shape. This rash is usually triggered by exposure to the sun, and may lead to photosensitivity. In addition, patients may have to contend with what’s called discoid rashes, or rashes that are raised and red, causing scaly skin.
4. Organ issues, such as lupus nephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidneys leading to kidney damage due to lupus disease progression. Patients will often find themselves with swollen feet, high blood pressure and urine output changes. The heart and lungs may also be affected, and pericarditis or heart inflammation as well as pleuritis which affects the lungs may lead to shortness of breath, chest pain and an increased risk of heart attacks. When it comes to the nervous system, individuals with lupus may experience seizures, headaches, mood disorders and cognitive dysfunction which may impact your ability to work effectively as a USPS worker

Lupus can make it considerably hard for you to carry out specific work duties such as:

Mail and Package Delivery

Your work involves lifting heavy packages as well as walking up to customer’s doors and properties over long distances. Muscle weakness and fatigue associated with lupus may make this activity unbearably difficult, and you may need to take regular breaks, which in turn hinders your productivity.

Customer Interaction

As a USPS worker, you will have to talk to customers regularly, and clear up any confusion regarding their mail and packages from time to time. Cognitive issues may lead to difficulty concentrating, remembering things as well as cause issues such as anxiety and depression, which may further hinder your ability to effectively communicate with customers

Working in Extreme or Inclement Weather

Individuals with lupus often find themselves at the mercy of the weather and flare-ups during certain weather conditions. For example, an unusually sunny day or working in certain states such as Arizona and Texas can lead to photosensitivity and the development of painful skin rashes as well as fatigue, making it virtually impossible to continue working on such days or in such environments.

FERS Disability Benefits Attorneys for Federal Workers – Call Us Today!

In order to qualify for FERS disability benefits as a federal worker with lupus, you must have put in at least 18 months of service with the federal government, undergo a medical assessment, it must be determined that you cannot work in a similar capacity at a similar position, and you must fill in certain forms within a specific timeframe. The process is complex, and a small mistake in your medical report can jeopardize your claim and leave you in the lurch. Don’t go it alone, and don’t get overwhelmed – call our experienced federal workers’ compensation attorneys NOW at 312-444-0214 to learn more about your legal options for justice and compensation into all things FERS disability benefits. Thanks for choosing McCready Law, and we look forward to helping you.