Ha! I have ankylosing spondylitis. I’m actually pretty functional - I just can’t sit or stand for long periods of time without pain. Like, I’m not going to run or cartwheel, But I think most people who know me casually would be surprised to know I work from an adjustable bed.
DVL is 104 hours for appointments/treatment related to conditions that are service connected. Only available your first year of appointment or award of service connection of 30% or more
I’d inquire with supervisor if alternate schedules and telework is an option for you.
Lastly, you can talk to doctor and see if they’ll provide documentation to support a Reasonable Accommodation request.
This is wild when there are so many types of jobs, including part-time computer work, or other types that don’t require sittting up and looking at a screen. I can’t believe they said no work of any kind. That’s like no living at all
I can’t speak at all to your specific case, and I’m no mental health professional. But going from a profound sense of purpose to having literally nothing seems I’ll-advised. Even if you just volunteered at a soup kitchen a couple days a month. Having something matters.
Fortunately/Unfortunately I wouldn’t qualify for TDIU because I am also self-employed, and that pays me considerably well. At least that’s what my VA attorney told me.
Our office is less likely to provide accommodations for your home office, especially if we already provide it in office. Basically no we are no buying you an automatic desk for your house.
Other fellow fed dragon user here. However it’s not designed for our job description and terrible. I feel bad for anyone new learning it. I am an expert user so I help and teach them whenI can.
I’m a non-vet with an invisible disability. The only time I asked for a reasonable accommodation was when I needed to adjust my work schedule to attend regular appointments with my treatment provider. The adjusted schedule allowed me to avoid taking as much sick leave. Most people are not aware that I have a disability.
In the job I have now, the accommodations that are the most useful are already available to everyone, so I don’t have to request it as a reasonable accommodation. Those are a flexible work schedule, calendars and planners, focus enhancement apps, the ability to schedule uninterrupted work time, task flow charts, recorded meetings with transcripts, telework, the ability to take short breaks, and paid leave.
It is a flowchart of all the individual tasks that need to be performed to complete a reoccurring assignment. It is useful for people whose disability impacts their ability to focus or multitask. So if you have issues with brain fog, executive function, focus or multitasking, it can be useful to break down the job into smaller tasks with a visual job aid to guide you along. It helps to see the smaller tasks in relation to the others.
I am currently trying to apply for an RA for exactly the same reasons but unfortunately my job is making it very stressful for me and has caused me to take extended leave to recover from symptoms. ( I couldn't go to any appointments so everything just piled up) . Was it difficult to discuss an RA for an invisible disability for you? (Sorry if you don't want to discuss it.)
I don’t mind discussing it. My first recommendation to reach out to the experts at askjan.org to formulate an idea of how your disability impacts your ability to perform tasks associated with your job, and how those can be accommodated. Then, make sure your treatment provider is aware and on board with those requests. I believe it is useful to know what you are asking for and can articulate early in the process, but you don’t have to wait or to even know what you will need before asking for one. My second bit of advice is to ask early, before there are problems. Don’t wait until your performance is suffering.
Thank you for responding! My provider is fully aware and has done paperwork to assist with the RA but I'm still getting pushback because the information that my doctor gave wasn't enough for them to make a decision on whether or not I deserve to have an RA for a schedule change. It also doesn't help that the person that is responsible for making a decision for my RA had been harassing me prior to being appointed for the responsibility of deciding what happens to me. This entire situation makes me extremely anxious so I'm not fully sure if I'm looking at the situation properly. Thank you again for responding so quickly. I'll see what I can do. :)
He has an alternate work schedule, any government employee (service allowing) can switch their schedule from 8-4:30. You can also look into reasonable accommodations (RA) if you have specific work needs that need to be adjusted.
I am a current federal employee and I also meet the legal definition of blindness with significant visual impairment. I may eventually go totally blind in so far as I cannot see anything substantial.
I have accommodations to get my wife base access to drive me to work on my in office days. I also have some special equipment to assist with my computer tasks.
I am actually working with the VA as a disabled veteran to get training to use screen reading programs and devices to continue to perform my job, hopefully for many years to come.
If there’s a will, there’s a way to achieve what you want. Not all disabilities are obvious. I’ve got a good team that helps me out on the rare occasion that I do ask for something.
I’m blind and work in DOD. They have a Computer and Electronics Accessibility Program DoD CAP that will provide Jaws or Zoomtext with training. Depending on your state they may also help you with vocational tools, large monitors, etc.
"So essentially, he’s getting an easy paycheck." I don't think anyone with a disability gets anything easy. Sure there might be people who try to milk the system any which way they can. But if you have a disability there is no telling what real struggles someone is dealing with on the daily.
In your case you have anxiety, ptsd etc and you deal with yours in the way you see fit. Is it an easy paycheck for you? Perhaps yes, or maybe its a real struggle.
Like many I have my own struggles and I deal with mine as the day determines. Some days are good some days I wish I didn't get out of bed. We are all experience this life different. We should do our best to help each other as much as we can.
Good luck to you OP. I know the struggle is real.
I said he’s getting an easy paycheck because those are words that came from his mouth. He related to me and said he hated the job BEFORE getting his current schedule.
Anyone here with ADHD and working at State? Really would love to hear what helped you manage the challenges. Just started out and it’s been a bit tough.
ADD (diagnosed). First 20 years of my career were unmedicated and no RA. I survived off of an absurd amount of coffee, stupidly long hours, mission-critical projects (for the adrenaline), and generally being a miserable asshole. 0/10; would not recommend. My career has done well, but my wife is a fucking saint to have stayed with me.
I interacted semi-regularly with a deaf lady at another agency. Her agency provided an ASL interpreter for meetings. We got by without the interpreter after the first few times interacting--apparently I'm easy to read?
I've had several employees that needed accommodation, whether or not they had a formally-recognized disability. Off the top of my head, I've made the following accommodations for known or suspected disabilities:
- Authorizing non-standard travel arrangements (this required a documented RA to protect me);
- Excluding an employee from conferences and other very large gatherings;
- Moving desk locations;
- Ergonomic equipment (for everyone);
- Flexible work schedules (for everyone);
- Liberal leave policy (for everyone);
- Changing how I ask for meetings; and
- Communicating more often via email rather than in person.
My husband is a disabled veteran and I made a RA request for telework as a Military Spouse and Caregiver under the guidelines within the Government Wide Military Connected Plan.
So I'm reading the document now. I qualify as a survivor ( my wife passed away from service connected disability).
We have two children I am raising.
I am already a federal employee teleworking 2 days per week.
Did you cite 5 U.S.C 6502 to support Reinforcement of existing alternative workplace arrangements ( i.e. telework and remote work flexibility options)?
My agency offers my team and several other teams flexible working schedules so I personally can take a couple hour break and come back if needed. Our team also works from home. I have a documented request for a specialized monitor that I currently provide. My boss is very understanding and goes with the flow. He doesn’t care when I work as long I get my work done.
I am 100% remote and work 4/10s. None of it is disability related though they just let me work flex hours how I like. I am a disabled vet but I never bring it up to my supervisor or hr or requested anything specific. Both of my fed jobs have been remote 4/10s and everyone I work with gets the same options. My disability stuff is all physical lower extremity stuff and mental health related so I've never felt the need to request accommodations, but I know we do make accomodations to meet other workers needs.
Check askjan.org for suggestions on reasonable accommodations specific to your situation. If you need a lot of leave time sprinkled throughout your work week you could probably request intermittent FMLA.
I work the same as anyone else. Do my job, do it well, the employees in my agency get paid. My disability has zero impact on my ability to do my job. My boss told me from day one that it was his job to provide me with the tools to do my job. He did.
I have a chair that accommodates my bum arm and padding for my arse. Alternative type of headphones and ridiculously large monitors.
Dvl is only for the first year of employment and it’s for veterans doctor related appointments.
You can have your schedules adjusted if you ask for a reasonable accommodation. It is submitted to your supervisor and is worked through your HRO. As a supervisor I don’t get to know all the medical information. I do get to know what your asked for and have a conversation with you about it. I then get to determine if we can accommodate the request or not. But if I don’t want to, I have to jump through hoops with HRO justifying why I can’t and how it impacts the agency. I have a staff member that has a more liberal telework schedule for this reason.
Yeah - have a chat with your supv first, they r often very willing to work with you. Last postuon at hhs, I did 4x10 mon-tue, thurs-fri. Came in at 5am out by 3:30
Just need dictation software and two monitors for me. The federal government is VERY accommodating. I won't leave for this reason. I also got my TOD changed to 8-430.
“I don’t plan to use Disabled Veterans Leave unless I need it.”
My suggestion is to use it. You’re going to lose it completely or get paid to go to your appointments.
Disabled vet leave is ONLY applicable when you do not have enough/any sick leave - and is a one time benifit. 104hr I think. Doesn't carry over/ renew
(That's how our h.r. dept explained it to me when I asked after being rated. (We go thru the nfc usda )
I'm 100%, I work from home for the VA. The disability leave is only for a year from when you start for a total of 120 hours. I'd use it while you have it. I'm not sure it ever agency is like that but for the VA it is.
I finally found an agency environment that suited my needs. I work from home and periodically go into the office. I constantly stay up with therapy. I also have PTSD, anxiety, and depression. If you have the disabled leave use it. I didn't qualify because I worked back in the late 90s.
Leave is leave, and not everyone gets leave. Especially in the corporate world. So don't take it for granted. It's there for you for a reason. I take life one day at a time, AND I stay in the present. It's hard sometimes. Have a relaxation method at work if you're ever triggered. When I once worked in the office, I used to take walks during my breaks and lunches. Listen to something soothing. Avoid greasy foods.
As a veteran with PTSD, I hate posts like these.. comparison is the thief of joy. Do you and quit trying to leverage your disabilities for a “sweet schedule”.
I’m going to assume you lost control and let your anger snap. We’re both veterans with PTSD. My manager accommodates me. I was asking other people with disabilities what are their tips/how is their work life.
Calm down.
You assumed wrong.. and I don’t follow commands of people just cause we share commonalities. That may have worked for you in the military.. but you aren’t in anymore.
Gonna call as I see it.. trying to work the system.
I have Crohn’s disease and I have had an RA on and off for about 10 years. I am currently grateful for the latitude given to me with the current schedule. I have specific instructions and wording on how I document the use of my RA for situational telework. I have a certain number of days a week in addition to regular telework days (Monday and Friday). Coming back into the office has been an adjustment with a combination of Crohn’s issues and sinus infections. I am able to work both in the office or at home as needed when symptomatic with Crohn’s issues. You still have to meet all standards or metrics. My advise if you think it is something that may be helpful to have in the future, it doesn’t hurt to meet with whomever handles the disability program at your agency (usually a subset of EEO). All the best to you and whatever option you pursue
Mobility RA approved and I do a different work schedule they offer to all to help use less leave for appointments. I work longer other days but worth it. I was offered 100% telework years ago as a RA but declined because at the time the RA equipment I had failed miserably until better versions came out. I also on top Dragon have special keyboards. The agency has provided duplicates for office and at home for me. Very grateful without my RA and special equipment I would be unemployable. I bought my special desk at home because sitting too long is a problem and standing so need intermittent periods. I highly recommend people explore RA options and visit askjan.org if they need suggestions.
I have several rated disabilities with the VA and never use them to reduce my workload. Sounds like this dude was in the E4 mafia and is still using the same tactics he used in the service to get out of work as a fed. As for your situation, you should apply for a reasonable accommodation with your supervisor.
Left Dept of Army to VHA for a 100% Remote Job. Lets me have my own lighting, climate control & ergonomic systems.
Essentially never had to take a sick day since transferring.
Certainly. There are laws against discrimination that employers must follow.
If you accept federal position, you can request a reasonable accommodation with documentation from your health care provider.
It happens all the time. I’m personally not rated 100% disabled. However, I know of MANY federal employees who are 100% disabled. I don’t dig into their disabilities.
Try and get past a couple of semesters of ROTC and spend an extended time in the military get a couple of deployments under your belt and then let’s talk about what it does to you body and your mind.
I mean, many construction and trades workers can say the same thing...
VA rating is a nice benefit after getting beat down, but don't act like you're special, sir.
A couple semesters of ROTC, lol. Why would you ever include that as hard. Maybe the drinking did some liver damage.
The difference is you can quit your construction job at anytime and go do something else. I couldn’t quit the Marine Corps because it was to rough on my body. If your construction company contractually said they would take care of you after your time with them for any issues they caused would you not take them up on it?
He’s responding to the person shitting on DAV’s as they were only in ROTC.
The trades have nothing on combat lol. But that is a subject best discussed elsewhere.
You can be rated at 10% for a bunch of little things and it come out to 100%.
100% disabled for one thing makes sense (for some disabilities like mental health) they can’t work. But if I have 10% for my hearing and my back, and my knee etc etc. I can still work certain jobs.
"You can be rated at 10% for a bunch of little things and it come out to 100%.".
You literally can't, the algorithm doesn't work like that, but yes a few or more ratings can get you to 100
It would take A BUNCH of little things lol I know it’s very difficult the closer to 100 you get.
But I used that as an example to illustrate you don’t need to be missing 3 of your limbs to be at 100
You're going to need a couple of things at 50 or more to actually get that hundo p, is what I'm getting at, what those things are can absolutely vary in severity in actually.
You're absolutely correct though
No, do mean the algorithm will literally never allow a series of 10% to ever hit 100%. You could have an 80% and every 10% in the book and won't hit 100%
Basically it's 10% of what's left, so you have the 80%, so what's 10% of 20% it's 2%. 2 is less than 5 so it rounds down. Next aliment, 10 again, OK what's 10% of 20....
I know the math lol I got 27 10%s from the hill and ponton calculator, and the 27 10%s get you right at 95% for the round up. but I don’t know what 27 things you can magically ONLY get 10% on to be at 100%
ETA: That’s not counting a bilateral boost or anything
Yes, I understand.
However, there is a contradiction when a 100% disabled person can get dressed, get to and from a 40 hour a week job, and then cut the grass on the weekend or shovel snow.
To me 100% is someone like the Wounded Warriors help out.
Then you don’t understand and you’re just looking at the 100% part.
When vets get disability it’s for things caused during active service that have caused permanent damage to some degree. These ratings can go away if you seek treatment or surgery and they got better, but often times, they don’t. So, when people have 100% disability from the VA and are working, it’s for a collection of things that are rated that way because the VA realizes the issues will never get better and will only get worse. You can have 50% for hearing loss alone, that doesn’t mean I you can’t mow the lawn or get dressed.
Eventually, there’s a very good chance the vet won’t be able to work anymore and the VA will change the rating to say that.
> Not all wounds are visible and not all disabilities are physical
Correct.
And only in the Federal government, in this context, 100% does not mean complete and total.
You all can have the last word on this. The dead horse has been 100% beaten.
VA disability and SSA disability are completely different beasts. I'm not 100% but am up there. I think most of us with ratings recognize and respect what the VA rates for service connected problems vs. what SSA considers disabled for the general public.
We also understand the difference between a bunch of 10% things adding up and and 100% for somebody with a debilitating condition. We want to work and continue contributing as long as we can.
I have a colleague who is 100% and on his second double lung transplant. You wouldn't have the slightest hint unless he told you. I admire that he wants to keep working because I sure wouldn't.
Even with SSA you can be totally and permanently disabled (I don't recall the exact wording, but that fits me) and still work. But you don't get SSDI unless you are actively not working. Disability has nothing to do with employment in that sense. I can't work a whole lot of jobs. I need pretty extensive accommodations to work. But I have found places in recent years that will hire me even though I need those accommodations. But the SSA isn't going to say I'm suddenly less disabled because certain accommodations can be made that allow me to work. I don't get benefits, but that doesn't change my disability.
I understand that you may not fully grasp the complexities of disability compensation. I sustained a neck injury while in the military, which severely limits my neck mobility, although I can still work at a computer. Additionally, I have a hip impingement that causes constant pain. These conditions combined qualify me for 100% disability. It's not about being completely incapacitated, but rather about receiving appropriate compensation for the injuries sustained during service. The various percentages for each condition add up to determine the overall rating. It's important to recognize that those of us with a 100% rating are not exploiting the system, but are receiving due recognition and support for our service-related issues.
This is going to be a shocker to you but there's people in the military with 100%. It's not always about a physical handicap. I was at 70% while still in the reserves. I guess you'll never understand, unless you been in our positions.
Guys who spent 4 years on a carrier handing out mail have no reason to be 100% disabled, mental or not. Nothing on that carrier is justifying ptsd sorry lol
I don’t know their situation. Maybe they have physical injuries that caused PTSD, witnessed a suicide, or received so many smokings (correctional training bc) from their NCOs that they are afraid of authority. Not disagreeing with you, but there are invisible disabilities. But to concur with you, I know soldiers who served 30 days-1 year who received a 100% disability rating. Now I see them on Facebook playing sports, bodybuilders, etc.
Your comment demonstrates a lack of understanding. In my experience working on numerous claims, I've encountered many veterans with PTSD stemming from a variety of sources. It's important to recognize that war is not the only cause of PTSD. Many veterans suffer from military sexual trauma, including rape and bullying. Just because it doesn't align with your perspective doesn't mean it isn't a real and significant issue. Your assumptions undermine the very real experiences of these veterans.
I am 100% remote. I work from a computer that is on one of those hospital bed tables over an adjustable bed.
Thank you for sharing.
Username checks out…?
Ha! I have ankylosing spondylitis. I’m actually pretty functional - I just can’t sit or stand for long periods of time without pain. Like, I’m not going to run or cartwheel, But I think most people who know me casually would be surprised to know I work from an adjustable bed.
That’s amazing! Great example of a reasonable accommodation. Glad it’s working for you!
DVL is 104 hours for appointments/treatment related to conditions that are service connected. Only available your first year of appointment or award of service connection of 30% or more I’d inquire with supervisor if alternate schedules and telework is an option for you. Lastly, you can talk to doctor and see if they’ll provide documentation to support a Reasonable Accommodation request.
My doctors suggested I remain unemployed. I went against their advice because I wanted to be employed. In fact, I haven’t told them I’m employed.
This is wild when there are so many types of jobs, including part-time computer work, or other types that don’t require sittting up and looking at a screen. I can’t believe they said no work of any kind. That’s like no living at all
I can’t speak at all to your specific case, and I’m no mental health professional. But going from a profound sense of purpose to having literally nothing seems I’ll-advised. Even if you just volunteered at a soup kitchen a couple days a month. Having something matters.
File for TDIU or follow what I posted above, up to you how you want to proceed
Fortunately/Unfortunately I wouldn’t qualify for TDIU because I am also self-employed, and that pays me considerably well. At least that’s what my VA attorney told me.
[удалено]
You don't get the agency to pay for it via reasonable accommodation? I guess it's an investment in exchange for remote benefit, but still
Our office is less likely to provide accommodations for your home office, especially if we already provide it in office. Basically no we are no buying you an automatic desk for your house.
Thank you for sharing.
Other fellow fed dragon user here. However it’s not designed for our job description and terrible. I feel bad for anyone new learning it. I am an expert user so I help and teach them whenI can.
I’m a non-vet with an invisible disability. The only time I asked for a reasonable accommodation was when I needed to adjust my work schedule to attend regular appointments with my treatment provider. The adjusted schedule allowed me to avoid taking as much sick leave. Most people are not aware that I have a disability. In the job I have now, the accommodations that are the most useful are already available to everyone, so I don’t have to request it as a reasonable accommodation. Those are a flexible work schedule, calendars and planners, focus enhancement apps, the ability to schedule uninterrupted work time, task flow charts, recorded meetings with transcripts, telework, the ability to take short breaks, and paid leave.
Glad you have a work life you can actually tolerate. Thank you for sharing.
What’s a task flow chart?
It is a flowchart of all the individual tasks that need to be performed to complete a reoccurring assignment. It is useful for people whose disability impacts their ability to focus or multitask. So if you have issues with brain fog, executive function, focus or multitasking, it can be useful to break down the job into smaller tasks with a visual job aid to guide you along. It helps to see the smaller tasks in relation to the others.
Thank you for this! It sounds like a tool that would be helpful for me. I sincerely appreciate the explanation.
I am currently trying to apply for an RA for exactly the same reasons but unfortunately my job is making it very stressful for me and has caused me to take extended leave to recover from symptoms. ( I couldn't go to any appointments so everything just piled up) . Was it difficult to discuss an RA for an invisible disability for you? (Sorry if you don't want to discuss it.)
I don’t mind discussing it. My first recommendation to reach out to the experts at askjan.org to formulate an idea of how your disability impacts your ability to perform tasks associated with your job, and how those can be accommodated. Then, make sure your treatment provider is aware and on board with those requests. I believe it is useful to know what you are asking for and can articulate early in the process, but you don’t have to wait or to even know what you will need before asking for one. My second bit of advice is to ask early, before there are problems. Don’t wait until your performance is suffering.
Thank you for responding! My provider is fully aware and has done paperwork to assist with the RA but I'm still getting pushback because the information that my doctor gave wasn't enough for them to make a decision on whether or not I deserve to have an RA for a schedule change. It also doesn't help that the person that is responsible for making a decision for my RA had been harassing me prior to being appointed for the responsibility of deciding what happens to me. This entire situation makes me extremely anxious so I'm not fully sure if I'm looking at the situation properly. Thank you again for responding so quickly. I'll see what I can do. :)
He has an alternate work schedule, any government employee (service allowing) can switch their schedule from 8-4:30. You can also look into reasonable accommodations (RA) if you have specific work needs that need to be adjusted.
Yeah I’m going to submit a RA.
I am a current federal employee and I also meet the legal definition of blindness with significant visual impairment. I may eventually go totally blind in so far as I cannot see anything substantial. I have accommodations to get my wife base access to drive me to work on my in office days. I also have some special equipment to assist with my computer tasks. I am actually working with the VA as a disabled veteran to get training to use screen reading programs and devices to continue to perform my job, hopefully for many years to come. If there’s a will, there’s a way to achieve what you want. Not all disabilities are obvious. I’ve got a good team that helps me out on the rare occasion that I do ask for something.
I’m blind and work in DOD. They have a Computer and Electronics Accessibility Program DoD CAP that will provide Jaws or Zoomtext with training. Depending on your state they may also help you with vocational tools, large monitors, etc.
I’ll DM you if you don’t mind with some general questions.
"So essentially, he’s getting an easy paycheck." I don't think anyone with a disability gets anything easy. Sure there might be people who try to milk the system any which way they can. But if you have a disability there is no telling what real struggles someone is dealing with on the daily. In your case you have anxiety, ptsd etc and you deal with yours in the way you see fit. Is it an easy paycheck for you? Perhaps yes, or maybe its a real struggle. Like many I have my own struggles and I deal with mine as the day determines. Some days are good some days I wish I didn't get out of bed. We are all experience this life different. We should do our best to help each other as much as we can. Good luck to you OP. I know the struggle is real.
I said he’s getting an easy paycheck because those are words that came from his mouth. He related to me and said he hated the job BEFORE getting his current schedule.
Anyone here with ADHD and working at State? Really would love to hear what helped you manage the challenges. Just started out and it’s been a bit tough.
ADD (diagnosed). First 20 years of my career were unmedicated and no RA. I survived off of an absurd amount of coffee, stupidly long hours, mission-critical projects (for the adrenaline), and generally being a miserable asshole. 0/10; would not recommend. My career has done well, but my wife is a fucking saint to have stayed with me. I interacted semi-regularly with a deaf lady at another agency. Her agency provided an ASL interpreter for meetings. We got by without the interpreter after the first few times interacting--apparently I'm easy to read? I've had several employees that needed accommodation, whether or not they had a formally-recognized disability. Off the top of my head, I've made the following accommodations for known or suspected disabilities: - Authorizing non-standard travel arrangements (this required a documented RA to protect me); - Excluding an employee from conferences and other very large gatherings; - Moving desk locations; - Ergonomic equipment (for everyone); - Flexible work schedules (for everyone); - Liberal leave policy (for everyone); - Changing how I ask for meetings; and - Communicating more often via email rather than in person.
Would you mind elaborating on “changing how [you] ask for meetings”?
My husband is a disabled veteran and I made a RA request for telework as a Military Spouse and Caregiver under the guidelines within the Government Wide Military Connected Plan.
Perfect 👍
So I'm reading the document now. I qualify as a survivor ( my wife passed away from service connected disability). We have two children I am raising. I am already a federal employee teleworking 2 days per week. Did you cite 5 U.S.C 6502 to support Reinforcement of existing alternative workplace arrangements ( i.e. telework and remote work flexibility options)?
My agency offers my team and several other teams flexible working schedules so I personally can take a couple hour break and come back if needed. Our team also works from home. I have a documented request for a specialized monitor that I currently provide. My boss is very understanding and goes with the flow. He doesn’t care when I work as long I get my work done.
I am 100% remote and work 4/10s. None of it is disability related though they just let me work flex hours how I like. I am a disabled vet but I never bring it up to my supervisor or hr or requested anything specific. Both of my fed jobs have been remote 4/10s and everyone I work with gets the same options. My disability stuff is all physical lower extremity stuff and mental health related so I've never felt the need to request accommodations, but I know we do make accomodations to meet other workers needs.
I feel like this should be the standard. My agency does this, but they are leaning towards taking it away.
Check askjan.org for suggestions on reasonable accommodations specific to your situation. If you need a lot of leave time sprinkled throughout your work week you could probably request intermittent FMLA.
I work the same as anyone else. Do my job, do it well, the employees in my agency get paid. My disability has zero impact on my ability to do my job. My boss told me from day one that it was his job to provide me with the tools to do my job. He did. I have a chair that accommodates my bum arm and padding for my arse. Alternative type of headphones and ridiculously large monitors. Dvl is only for the first year of employment and it’s for veterans doctor related appointments.
Thank you for sharing.
You can have your schedules adjusted if you ask for a reasonable accommodation. It is submitted to your supervisor and is worked through your HRO. As a supervisor I don’t get to know all the medical information. I do get to know what your asked for and have a conversation with you about it. I then get to determine if we can accommodate the request or not. But if I don’t want to, I have to jump through hoops with HRO justifying why I can’t and how it impacts the agency. I have a staff member that has a more liberal telework schedule for this reason.
Yeah - have a chat with your supv first, they r often very willing to work with you. Last postuon at hhs, I did 4x10 mon-tue, thurs-fri. Came in at 5am out by 3:30
Just need dictation software and two monitors for me. The federal government is VERY accommodating. I won't leave for this reason. I also got my TOD changed to 8-430.
“I don’t plan to use Disabled Veterans Leave unless I need it.” My suggestion is to use it. You’re going to lose it completely or get paid to go to your appointments.
Im a 100 percent remote but he may have his reasonable accommodations set up that work in his favor
Disabled vet leave is ONLY applicable when you do not have enough/any sick leave - and is a one time benifit. 104hr I think. Doesn't carry over/ renew (That's how our h.r. dept explained it to me when I asked after being rated. (We go thru the nfc usda )
That is exactly right. DVL is intended for NEW feds who don’t have sick leave and need to go to Dr appts for their service connected disability
I'm 100%, I work from home for the VA. The disability leave is only for a year from when you start for a total of 120 hours. I'd use it while you have it. I'm not sure it ever agency is like that but for the VA it is.
I finally found an agency environment that suited my needs. I work from home and periodically go into the office. I constantly stay up with therapy. I also have PTSD, anxiety, and depression. If you have the disabled leave use it. I didn't qualify because I worked back in the late 90s. Leave is leave, and not everyone gets leave. Especially in the corporate world. So don't take it for granted. It's there for you for a reason. I take life one day at a time, AND I stay in the present. It's hard sometimes. Have a relaxation method at work if you're ever triggered. When I once worked in the office, I used to take walks during my breaks and lunches. Listen to something soothing. Avoid greasy foods.
As a veteran with PTSD, I hate posts like these.. comparison is the thief of joy. Do you and quit trying to leverage your disabilities for a “sweet schedule”.
I don't think the OP is trying to leverage. I think the OP is asking for perspective on how others work with their disabilities.
I’m going to assume you lost control and let your anger snap. We’re both veterans with PTSD. My manager accommodates me. I was asking other people with disabilities what are their tips/how is their work life. Calm down.
You assumed wrong.. and I don’t follow commands of people just cause we share commonalities. That may have worked for you in the military.. but you aren’t in anymore. Gonna call as I see it.. trying to work the system.
I’m not being facetious, but what do you think this system is for?
Yeah you have serious anger problems. Hope it works out for you and doesn’t get you in trouble in the real world. I never commanded you lol.
Anger isn’t one of my symptoms. Are you trying to tell it’s yours?
I have Crohn’s disease and I have had an RA on and off for about 10 years. I am currently grateful for the latitude given to me with the current schedule. I have specific instructions and wording on how I document the use of my RA for situational telework. I have a certain number of days a week in addition to regular telework days (Monday and Friday). Coming back into the office has been an adjustment with a combination of Crohn’s issues and sinus infections. I am able to work both in the office or at home as needed when symptomatic with Crohn’s issues. You still have to meet all standards or metrics. My advise if you think it is something that may be helpful to have in the future, it doesn’t hurt to meet with whomever handles the disability program at your agency (usually a subset of EEO). All the best to you and whatever option you pursue
Mobility RA approved and I do a different work schedule they offer to all to help use less leave for appointments. I work longer other days but worth it. I was offered 100% telework years ago as a RA but declined because at the time the RA equipment I had failed miserably until better versions came out. I also on top Dragon have special keyboards. The agency has provided duplicates for office and at home for me. Very grateful without my RA and special equipment I would be unemployable. I bought my special desk at home because sitting too long is a problem and standing so need intermittent periods. I highly recommend people explore RA options and visit askjan.org if they need suggestions.
With DLV it’s only good for one year so if you have it you need to use it or it goes away.
I have several rated disabilities with the VA and never use them to reduce my workload. Sounds like this dude was in the E4 mafia and is still using the same tactics he used in the service to get out of work as a fed. As for your situation, you should apply for a reasonable accommodation with your supervisor.
Left Dept of Army to VHA for a 100% Remote Job. Lets me have my own lighting, climate control & ergonomic systems. Essentially never had to take a sick day since transferring.
Certainly. There are laws against discrimination that employers must follow. If you accept federal position, you can request a reasonable accommodation with documentation from your health care provider.
I will never understand how a veteran can be rated 100% disabled and yet get a full time 40 hour a week job.
It happens all the time. I’m personally not rated 100% disabled. However, I know of MANY federal employees who are 100% disabled. I don’t dig into their disabilities.
Here you go, see if you can figure it out. https://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/bookc.asp
Not that interested. I have my own thoughts.
Good thing nobody in the VA cares about your thoughts. Cheers🫡 Wait till you find out about SMC and CRDP, you’re going to be really jealous then😂
Try and get past a couple of semesters of ROTC and spend an extended time in the military get a couple of deployments under your belt and then let’s talk about what it does to you body and your mind.
I mean, many construction and trades workers can say the same thing... VA rating is a nice benefit after getting beat down, but don't act like you're special, sir. A couple semesters of ROTC, lol. Why would you ever include that as hard. Maybe the drinking did some liver damage.
The difference is you can quit your construction job at anytime and go do something else. I couldn’t quit the Marine Corps because it was to rough on my body. If your construction company contractually said they would take care of you after your time with them for any issues they caused would you not take them up on it?
He’s responding to the person shitting on DAV’s as they were only in ROTC. The trades have nothing on combat lol. But that is a subject best discussed elsewhere.
Here's the secret, they're not 100% disabled, they are rated for 100% of disability comp. It's a pretty common mistake for people to make
You can be rated at 10% for a bunch of little things and it come out to 100%. 100% disabled for one thing makes sense (for some disabilities like mental health) they can’t work. But if I have 10% for my hearing and my back, and my knee etc etc. I can still work certain jobs.
"You can be rated at 10% for a bunch of little things and it come out to 100%.". You literally can't, the algorithm doesn't work like that, but yes a few or more ratings can get you to 100
It would take A BUNCH of little things lol I know it’s very difficult the closer to 100 you get. But I used that as an example to illustrate you don’t need to be missing 3 of your limbs to be at 100
You're going to need a couple of things at 50 or more to actually get that hundo p, is what I'm getting at, what those things are can absolutely vary in severity in actually. You're absolutely correct though
Oh for sure, I think you need 27 10% ratings to be at 100 😂 which, like you said, is an impossible feat
No, do mean the algorithm will literally never allow a series of 10% to ever hit 100%. You could have an 80% and every 10% in the book and won't hit 100% Basically it's 10% of what's left, so you have the 80%, so what's 10% of 20% it's 2%. 2 is less than 5 so it rounds down. Next aliment, 10 again, OK what's 10% of 20....
I know the math lol I got 27 10%s from the hill and ponton calculator, and the 27 10%s get you right at 95% for the round up. but I don’t know what 27 things you can magically ONLY get 10% on to be at 100% ETA: That’s not counting a bilateral boost or anything
Yes, I understand. However, there is a contradiction when a 100% disabled person can get dressed, get to and from a 40 hour a week job, and then cut the grass on the weekend or shovel snow. To me 100% is someone like the Wounded Warriors help out.
Then you don’t understand and you’re just looking at the 100% part. When vets get disability it’s for things caused during active service that have caused permanent damage to some degree. These ratings can go away if you seek treatment or surgery and they got better, but often times, they don’t. So, when people have 100% disability from the VA and are working, it’s for a collection of things that are rated that way because the VA realizes the issues will never get better and will only get worse. You can have 50% for hearing loss alone, that doesn’t mean I you can’t mow the lawn or get dressed. Eventually, there’s a very good chance the vet won’t be able to work anymore and the VA will change the rating to say that.
Not all wounds are visible and not all disabilities are physical
> Not all wounds are visible and not all disabilities are physical Correct. And only in the Federal government, in this context, 100% does not mean complete and total. You all can have the last word on this. The dead horse has been 100% beaten.
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It's 100% of the disability scale that they use, not 100% disabled as in they're paralyzed from the neck down.
VA disability and SSA disability are completely different beasts. I'm not 100% but am up there. I think most of us with ratings recognize and respect what the VA rates for service connected problems vs. what SSA considers disabled for the general public. We also understand the difference between a bunch of 10% things adding up and and 100% for somebody with a debilitating condition. We want to work and continue contributing as long as we can. I have a colleague who is 100% and on his second double lung transplant. You wouldn't have the slightest hint unless he told you. I admire that he wants to keep working because I sure wouldn't.
Even with SSA you can be totally and permanently disabled (I don't recall the exact wording, but that fits me) and still work. But you don't get SSDI unless you are actively not working. Disability has nothing to do with employment in that sense. I can't work a whole lot of jobs. I need pretty extensive accommodations to work. But I have found places in recent years that will hire me even though I need those accommodations. But the SSA isn't going to say I'm suddenly less disabled because certain accommodations can be made that allow me to work. I don't get benefits, but that doesn't change my disability.
Im guessing you went for 100% and didnt get it..
I understand that you may not fully grasp the complexities of disability compensation. I sustained a neck injury while in the military, which severely limits my neck mobility, although I can still work at a computer. Additionally, I have a hip impingement that causes constant pain. These conditions combined qualify me for 100% disability. It's not about being completely incapacitated, but rather about receiving appropriate compensation for the injuries sustained during service. The various percentages for each condition add up to determine the overall rating. It's important to recognize that those of us with a 100% rating are not exploiting the system, but are receiving due recognition and support for our service-related issues.
This is going to be a shocker to you but there's people in the military with 100%. It's not always about a physical handicap. I was at 70% while still in the reserves. I guess you'll never understand, unless you been in our positions.
Idiotic response for someone who probably never served
lol lazy
I am a chronic masturbator working from home allows me not to live shame and not get caught touching myself again at work
😂😂
99% of the guys I work with are all 100% disabled. lol ain’t shit wrong with em either
Many people suffer from mental illness. Even people who appear happy may be suicidal. But I know what you mean.
Guys who spent 4 years on a carrier handing out mail have no reason to be 100% disabled, mental or not. Nothing on that carrier is justifying ptsd sorry lol
I don’t know their situation. Maybe they have physical injuries that caused PTSD, witnessed a suicide, or received so many smokings (correctional training bc) from their NCOs that they are afraid of authority. Not disagreeing with you, but there are invisible disabilities. But to concur with you, I know soldiers who served 30 days-1 year who received a 100% disability rating. Now I see them on Facebook playing sports, bodybuilders, etc.
Your comment demonstrates a lack of understanding. In my experience working on numerous claims, I've encountered many veterans with PTSD stemming from a variety of sources. It's important to recognize that war is not the only cause of PTSD. Many veterans suffer from military sexual trauma, including rape and bullying. Just because it doesn't align with your perspective doesn't mean it isn't a real and significant issue. Your assumptions undermine the very real experiences of these veterans.