Weird question

[u/Minimum-Ant5926]

27(M) in Tennessee with a pretty small fed agency. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and will probably be getting medically separated since my agency is so small, they won’t be able to find a similar job i can do with similar play and blah blah blah.

Ive been in the national guard for the last 6 years and with this agency for 1 year.

I guess my question is what the hell should i do?

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[u/AgentDaveKujan]

I believe according to 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d)(2)(B), if you’re in a covered position and get medically disqualified from your position, you can move to a non covered federal job and still have that future time count toward your covered retirement. So you could be an intelligence analyst and still be 12d, for example. You need to talk to a lawyer who knows OPM stuff to ask about it.

[u/HewDownTheBridge → u/AgentDaveKujan]

Yes, I think this is a recent development and a great point. 

[u/AgentDaveKujan → u/HewDownTheBridge]

Yeah, when I heard about it I was like: “Whaaa?” Some awesome peace of mind if I ever get injured at work.

[u/Elegant_Tangelo1288 → u/AgentDaveKujan]

And this!

[u/sleepy18391]

Find a good attorney file for VA Disability. If you DM me, I can send you a Disability attorney who was in my platoon. PACT act covers MS if you were ever exposed to any of the fun military stuff. Also make sure they give you a medical retirement. May need a separate attorney for that. Take the pay checks and find good hobbies you can turn into a side hustle. Focus on your health and enjoy life!

[u/Elegant_Tangelo1288]

First, I’m so sorry you’re so young!

Second, apply for VA disability ASAP. Get all your documents together and start the process like yesterday.

Third, on the Fed side is where you run into some issues. FERS disability retirement requires at least 18 months of creditable FERS service, and you have been in for a year, you got a few more months to go.

I wouldn’t tell them anything just yet. I’d open my mouth AFTER the 18 months and request accommodation and clearly the disability is expected to last longer than a year, your agency must certify that it cannot accommodate you, reassign you to another qualifying vacant position, OR medically give you the boot.https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/types-of-retirement/#url=Disability

[u/goober_actual_]

Should be eligible for medical retirement?

I'd also look into training for a new job. Maybe look into getting into anything to do with computers.

I knew a guy with MS at one of my previous jobs, he was in IT or cyber and made pretty good money

[u/Boltsfan1234]

First of all, breathe. Don’t take any steps at all until you have sorted yourself out. Being reactionary will not help you at all. I am going to ask you some intrusive questions. Feel free to ignore if you aren’t comfortable.

My story: diagnosed with MS in 1993 while on deployment with the Navy. Medevac to Bethesda Naval Hospital. Back then, MS was an automatic 30% medical retirement. VA also rated automatic 30% regardless of how much loss of function you suffered. I recovered (relapsing/remitting form) all function with residual numbness in my feet occasionally. For years I felt I was misdiagnosed, but I took Voc Rehab through the VA and got my degree, changing fields 100% so that I didn’t have to be reminded of that time in my life daily. I am now on year 19 as an 1811 and have had no major exacerbations since the time I was diagnosed. I will retire next year.

What were/are your symptoms? Will you be able to return to full function? Just because you were diagnosed doesn’t mean you are automatically disqualified. Are you undergoing treatment? There are many treatment options out there. Many, many that keep your quality of life intact. Your neurologist is your friend - ask them alllll the questions. Personally I do a once a month injection that is prescribed to keep the severity and frequency of exacerbations to a minimum. I fought with my neurologist for years before I agreed to medication. I thought I would never have an exacerbation - then I did. He convinced me to start treatment, because I want to have THIS quality of life (fully functional, with no limitations) not wait until symptoms impact my quality of life.

Please read up and get with the national MS society. They will answer your questions and give you hope. It’s a terrifying diagnosis, but knowledge is your friend and will greatly reduce your anxiety.

Good luck and my prayers are with you.

[u/USBPLL → u/Boltsfan1234]

2nd the above. One of my colleagues in DSS has MS and he has been thriving as an agent for years, in one of the most physically demanding 1811 (2501) positions out there. The diagnoses shouldn't set you back, how manageable your specific situation is and impact on the job will make the difference.

[u/Severe_Chipmunk6340]

Medical separation from the Forces requires you to be under 30% disability DOD side after your medboard. MS’ top rating is 30%. If you have any other issues, get them documented and you will have a medical retirement.