FERS Disability

heavyshot · Dec 10, 2005

Hi All,
I had my aortic vavle replaced and am having a difficult time doing my job. I am a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. Does anyone have any experience with FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) Disability? This is different from Social Security Disability. Did they give you a hard time with it? I know SSD can be a real nightmare. Just wondering it FERS is the same way.
Thanks

Ross · Dec 11, 2005

I can't speak about FERS, but I can tell you that SSD is very difficult to get and even more so with heart problems. I would think that the Fed Gov would print a listing of impairments for your program just like they do for SSD. If you can get ahold of that and see what it is that you have to prove, that would certainly be a plus. Here is a link to the SS side of it for cardio impairment, which you will see that it's nearly impossible to get a favorable judgement:

http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-ap10.htm See area 4.00

heavyshot · Dec 11, 2005

Hi Ross,
They sent me a booklet containing the requirements for disability. It doesn't list anything specific. All it states is that if you cannot do your job due to illness or injury, and the Postal Service cannot find a suitable job for you, then you are eligible for disability. Carrrying a 35lb mail bag around all day in sub freezing weather is not your normal everyday job. I just can't keep up.

Mb · Dec 11, 2005

Hello!

On the other side of the coin, my husband, at the time was 55 years old, was approved for SSI in three weeks.

I think much depends on your age, and the physical limitations you have, as evidenced by the criteria that Ross sent in his link. After reading the cardiac limitations in his link, I can see why my husband was approved in short order.

You should at least apply, if you feel you are disabled. Only you know how you feel, and what your symptoms are. Much also depends on what your symptoms are, once corrected by surgery. Syncope, inability to perform the tasks of daily living, without symptoms, are all important.

Good luck to you.-Marybeth

Ross · Dec 11, 2005

SSI and SSDI are different though. Some people can apply and get approved right off the bat. Others such as myself, had to fight them for nearly 3 years before getting approved. If you have any other impairments besides your heart, use them also. I have a severe lung condition where I met 3 of 4 tests. They would not approve my claim. The steriods I was taking for the lung condition caused my left femoral head to die and necros. They approved my claim on Hip replacement. Don't ask me. Lungs are much worse then hip, but that's the way it went.

Yes, apply, get all your medical records and keep copies for yourself so you have something to fight with if you must fight.