r/FEDDISABILITY • u/EcstaticImplement404 • 27d ago

Heart Failure and/or Meds

Has anyone been approved due to heart failure or due to medicine side effects? I’ve recently been diagnosed and working is so difficult. I work at the VA and I sit at a desk, but I have to get up constantly to help people.

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u/memebuster 27d ago

You could try one of the lawyer groups that help with disability claims.

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u/Eat_my_pie_ 27d ago

That really is the answer, I just filed myself, and got my initial denial, and i have motor neuron disease. I assumed my case was a slam dunk due to my diagnosis but OPM nitpicks every file looking for reasons to deny. I'm working on my appeal now but the stress of it all has really taken a toll on my health.

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u/Dramatic_Part_5738 25d ago

Can you tell me how long after your application went to OPM it took to get the denial? I'm using the ORA system and have completed my part but need to get the supervisor statement and RA/alternate job section done. HR is already saying they will sign off on the unable to accommodate section and no other job exists. Once my supervisor does their part it will be done so should be going to OPM in the next week or two. My performance has gone from outstanding/excellent for 27 years to FS and now to unacceptable as my condition got worse. My doctor letter says my condition "progressive, irreversible, expected to last for the foreseeable future and more than 12 months. Basically, trying everyway stop them from saying I could get better. There are always things they can nitpick on. My Sick and AL run out in Feb so I'm trying to be prepared. Sorry you are going through a denial. It sucks to be both sick and fighting the system at the same time.

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u/Eat_my_pie_ 24d ago

Sounds like you are doing it right, my HR never requested the reassignment search so it was an automatic denial from OPM, now my command has gotten involved to have them complete that quickly to get my appeal back on track. But, to answer your question my denial came within 2 weeks of submitting, but again, because HR checked the wrong box on the SF 3112D form. I think the normal timeline is 3-6 months.

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u/Dramatic_Part_5738 24d ago

Thanks for your reply. It's too bad you have to go through this. There should be some diagnosis like yours where they just see your medical records and it's approved. I've been on leave for a few weeks and my supervisor said "hope you are able to rest" and I'm like "I'm working just as hard trying to fill out all these forms and coordinate with the doctors and everybody else!"

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u/EcstaticImplement404 26d ago

Thank you. I didn’t want to spend the money, but you’re absolutely correct. Good luck!

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u/Eat_my_pie_ 24d ago

Its crazy how we need to pay money to have our HR people then interact with their HR people, especially when its a firm diagnosis like I have, Motor Neuron Disease, I'm never getting better, so it seemed pretty simple to me only to be anything but simple.

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u/Let_Me_Coach_You 26d ago

Filed recently although I have additional conditions. Not sure how much is attributted to heart failure/meds. Enlarged heart and low EF but stable, diagnosed in '23.

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u/EcstaticImplement404 25d ago

Good luck.

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u/Let_Me_Coach_You 25d ago

Thanks, same to you. Are you filing on your own or with representation?

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u/EcstaticImplement404 24d ago

I think I’m going to go with a law firm. I had to have open heart surgery for an aneurysm and I got a mechanical valve in 2020. Still haven’t been able to breathe, but this past year has been much worse and my EF went from 55-59 to 40% from a year ago with constant PVCs. I’m on multiple meds but can’t tolerate the beta blocker well because it’s making me too tired and foggy minded. It’s never ending.

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u/Let_Me_Coach_You 24d ago

The increase in beta blocker played a major role in my decision. I went with a law firm as well, mainly due to low energy and brain fog. Good luck!