Learn About Your Diagnosis

Figuring out whether you have a viable long term disability or ERISA claim isn't easy.  How do you know whether your symptoms are disabling enough?  Is it possible to predict how your claim will be evaluated? 

There's so much to consider, and you need answers. 

We can help.  We have successfully obtained disability benefits for clients with hundreds of different types of illnesses and injuries.   This article starts off with links to specific articles on numerous conditions.  Each of those articles provides helpful tips on making successful disability claims.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders present a unique and often challenging scenario for individuals in the workforce.  These conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, can lead to a range of unpredictable symptoms that fluctuate in severity.  For those living with autoimmune diseases, managing everyday work responsibilities can become increasingly difficult, leading many to consider the protections offered by long term disability insurance.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's disease, a chronic and sometimes progressive disease, can become extremely disabling if your condition is moderate to severe.  Your Crohn's long term disability will hinge on showing how your condition prevents you from working.  Because Crohn's disease causes a wide range of symptoms, every symptom must be well-documented to demonstrate the progression of your condition.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Disease

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, can cause severe dry eyes and mouth along with other significant physical and cognitive dysfunction.  These symptoms collectively have the potential to impede your ability to work.  However, proving that your Sjogren’s Syndrome causes long term disability can be challenging and requires careful preparation and planning.

Learn more about Sjogren’s Syndrome and Disability

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ("SLE") is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues, leading to a wide array of symptoms including joint pain, fatigue, and severe organ inflammation.  Due to its unpredictable flare-ups and the intensity of symptoms, SLE can significantly impair your ability to work consistently and effectively.  Long term disability ("LTD") insurance offers essential financial assistance, enabling individuals with SLE to focus on their health management without the added stress of financial instability.

Learn more about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Disability

Cancer and Oncological Disorders

Cancer and oncological disorders not only pose significant health challenges but also profoundly affect your ability to maintain employment.  The journey through diagnosis, treatment, and the ongoing management of cancer can be physically and emotionally taxing, often necessitating prolonged periods away from work.  Long term disability benefits can be a crucial support system for those facing such diagnoses.

Breast Cancer

Obtaining long term disability insurance benefits for breast cancer can be challenging due to the complexity of the disease and the varying degrees of impact it can have on your ability to work.  Insurance companies may scrutinize your medical records and treatment history, looking for reasons to deny or delay benefits.  Additionally, the subjective nature of some breast cancer symptoms and treatment responses may lead to disputes regarding the severity of your disability, further complicating the claims process.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Breast Cancer

Cancer (General)

Cancer is a leading cause of long term disability.  However, a diagnosis of cancer itself does not guarantee that a person will qualify for long term disability benefits.  For a successful claim or appeal, you must persuade your insurance company that you meet the standard of disability set forth in your policy or plan.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a serious medical condition that affects the kidneys, the vital organs responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the body.  If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer and experience significant impairment in your ability to work due to treatment side effects, pain, or other complications, you may consider applying for long term disability benefits.  The application process typically involves providing medical documentation, including detailed reports of your diagnosis, treatment plan, and the functional limitations caused by the disease, to support your claim for disability benefits.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Kidney Cancer

Leukemia

Given that Leukemia is a very serious cancer, you would think approval of long term disability insurance benefits would be a simple process. However, to receive benefits your claim must still be supported by sufficient medical evidence and proof of appropriate treatment. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Leukemia

Liver Disease

Liver disease affects millions of people, causing serious and significant symptoms that can make it difficult to perform your job duties.  These symptoms can include both physical and cognitive dysfunction.  When seeking long term disability benefits, it is essential to understand what evidence can prove to your insurer that your liver disease symptoms prevent you from working.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Liver Disease

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a formidable illness that affects a crucial organ involved in digestion and metabolism.  The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be severe and debilitating, impacting both your physical health and your ability to engage in daily activities, including work.  These symptoms often include significant pain, weight loss, digestive difficulties, and fatigue, which can all hinder your job performance.  When seeking long term disability benefits, it's crucial to gather comprehensive evidence that demonstrates how your symptoms related to pancreatic cancer significantly impair your ability to perform your job duties effectively.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Pancreatic Cancer

Cardiac Diseases

Cardiac diseases are among the leading causes of long term disability worldwide, impacting millions of individuals and their ability to perform work-related tasks.  The symptoms—ranging from chest pain and fatigue to more severe heart conditions—can severely limit physical activities and workplace stamina.  Understanding the implications of cardiac health issues is vital for securing long term disability benefits. 

Cardiac Conditions (General)

With disability cases involving heart disease and cardiac-related conditions, our attorneys take a two-pronged approach: first, we detail how your condition prevents you from performing your occupational duties.  Then, if applicable to your case, we present evidence that the stress of working risks exacerbating your condition or even causing a heart attack.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Cardiac Conditions

Heart Disease

If symptoms of heart disease are making it difficult or impossible for you to do your job, your employer-provided long term disability policy may provide benefits.  Heart disease can be a debilitating ailment and is a common reason for disability claims.  However, you'll need more than a diagnosis to get approved for long term disability benefits.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Heart Disease

Ischemic Heart Disease

If you have ischemic heart disease, you may be considering going out on disability.  However, you’ll need more than a simple note from your doctor to get your insurance company to award benefits.  Your insurance company will require not only evidence of your diagnosis and symptoms, but evidence that your condition interferes with the demands of your occupation as well.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Ischemic Heart Disease

Fatigue and Pain Syndromes

Fatigue and pain syndromes encompass a variety of conditions that can be profoundly disabling, often without visible symptoms.  These conditions can cause significant energy depletion and pain, which can unpredictably impair your ability to engage in regular work activities.  With so many challenges posed by these syndromes, it's essential to understand how your condition affects daily functionality and employment stability, especially when seeking long term disability benefits.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, is a serious and often misunderstood medical condition that may result in total disability.  Given the subjective nature of many CFS/ME symptoms, proving your condition as disabling can be complex and challenging. To get approved for long term disability benefits for your CFS/ME, your symptoms must be supported by sufficient medical evidence. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for CFS

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

MCS is a poorly understood illness.  Much of the medical community has yet to officially recognize it as a viable syndrome, and many of the associated symptoms are considered subjective.  Because of this, MCS is an especially difficult condition to prove as disabling.  Knowing how to substantiate your MCS long term disability claim (e.g., through medical evidence, proof of treatment, etc.) will help increase your chances of approval.

Learn More about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Disability

Pain Syndromes

Chronic pain and pain syndromes can make it impossible for sufferers to work. However, insurance companies regularly disregard complaints of pain on the basis that they are subjective.  Knowing what evidence to provide your insurance company can help you assemble a claim or appeal that establishes the credibility of your condition.

Learn more about Pain Syndromes and Disability

POTS Syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly referred to as “POTS”, can severely limit your ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.  As POTS Syndrome remains little understood by the medical community, it can be challenging to get a long term disability claim approved.  Your POTS diagnosis and symptoms, as well as your restrictions and limitations, must be well-documented with objective medical evidence.

Learn more about POTS Syndrome and Disability

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders encompass a range of conditions that can disrupt the digestive system, significantly affecting your quality of life and ability to work.  Symptoms such as chronic pain, severe discomfort, and frequent emergencies can make maintaining a regular work schedule challenging.  For those suffering from these disorders, understanding how to navigate long term disability claims can be crucial. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you’re familiar with how painful and difficult it can be. You may find your IBS impairing your ability to work – to the point of long term disability.  In order to get approved for long term disability benefits due to your IBS, it’s important to know how best to put forth your claim with your insurer.  Beyond a diagnosis, your insurance company will want to know your personal symptoms, their severity and frequency, and the ways in which they impair your job performance.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for IBS

Immunological Disorders

Immunological disorders, which include a broad spectrum of conditions affecting the immune system, can have profound and debilitating effects on your life and ability to work.  These disorders can cause persistent fatigue, widespread inflammation, and other severe symptoms that may not be visually apparent but are deeply impactful.  When filing for long term disability, it's crucial to understand the challenges they pose in the workplace and how to prove your restrictions and liitations to your insurer.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Mast cell activation syndrome (commonly known as “MCAS”) is a chronic medical condition caused by your body’s mast cells overproducing chemicals called “mediators.”  The mast cell mediators induce symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as skin hives, low/high blood pressure, wheezing, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.  These MCAS reactions are often triggered by exposure to environmental factors.

MCAS is not a well understood condition in the medical community, and while there are various treatment options, there is currently no cure.  If you have MCAS, you may experience symptoms with enough severity and frequency to interfere with your ability to work.

Learn more about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Disability

HIV/AIDS

It's easy to assume that a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS automatically qualifies a person for long term disability insurance benefits, but establishing your HIV status is only the first step.  The more difficult task lies in proving that your condition is “disabling.”  This means demonstrating that your condition has progressed to the point that it prevents you from performing the material duties of your job.  This can be done through information from your doctors, yourself, and other third parties.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for HIV/AIDS

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases can lead to significant health complications, often resulting in prolonged periods of illness that affect your ability to work.  From chronic conditions like Lyme disease to acute, severe infections requiring extensive recovery time, these diseases pose unique challenges for maintaining steady employment.  Understanding the impact of your condition on your professional life and the intricacies of the long term disability claims process is crucial when filing for benefits.

Babesiosis

Securing long term disability benefits for babesiosis can be a challenging process due to the relatively uncommon and less understood nature of the disease.  As babesiosis is a tick-borne illness that affects red blood cells, its symptoms and progression can vary significantly among individuals.  Proving the extent of disability and its impact on your ability to work may require thorough medical documentation and expert opinion to navigate the complexities of the disability claims process.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Babesiosis

HIV/AIDS

It's easy to assume that a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS automatically qualifies a person for long term disability insurance benefits, but establishing your HIV status is only the first step.  The more difficult task lies in proving that your condition is “disabling.”  This means demonstrating that your condition has progressed to the point that it prevents you from performing the material duties of your job.  This can be done through information from your doctors, yourself, and other third parties.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for HIV/AIDS

Lyme Disease

Most victims of Lyme disease suffer an unpredictable combination of physical and/or cognitive symptoms. Proving a long term disability claim for Lyme disease comes with many challenges, from getting the insurance company to acknowledge your diagnosis to effectively demonstrating the severity of your symptoms and how they prevent your from working.  It is vital to understand what evidence your insurance company will seek in order to approve your Lyme disease disability claim. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Lyme Disease

Long COVID

Many individuals with Long COVID experience a range of unpredictable physical and cognitive symptoms.  Obtaining approval for a long term disability claim related to Long COVID presents numerous hurdles, such as ensuring the insurance company recognizes your diagnosis and effectively showcasing the extent of your symptoms and their impact on your ability to work.  It is crucial to learn the specific evidence that your insurance company will require to grant approval for your Long COVID disability claim.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Long COVID

Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Metabolic and endocrine disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the body’s ability to process nutrients and regulate hormones, impacting your overall health and daily functioning.  These conditions can have profound effects on energy levels, weight stability, mood, and more—often complicating your ability to fulfill your job requirements. It's essential to understand your symptoms, the challenges they pose for you in the workplace, and how they can qualify you for long term disability benefits.

Diabetes

Diabetes can be debilitating in one person and manageable in the next. Qualifying for long term disability insurance benefits will require more than a diagnosis.  Your claim must be supported with convincing evidence that you meet the definition of disability laid out in your LTD policy.  Since many individuals with diabetes are able to work until retirement, the challenge will be educating your insurer about how your case is different.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Diabetes

Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia is a multifaceted disorder that manifests uniquely in each person it affects.  If you have severe dysautonomia, the impact can be so profound that engaging in even sedentary work becomes unfeasible.  Securing approval for long term disability due to dysautonomia necessitates thorough documentation of diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment, supported by objective medical evidence.  Each aspect must be meticulously presented to substantiate the challenges faced and the necessity for ongoing support. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Dysautonomia

Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions can be as debilitating as physical illnesses, often invisibly impacting your ability to perform and function in the workplace.  These conditions can significantly impair concentration, stamina, and interpersonal interactions, making consistent employment challenging.  However, there is important information about mental health disabilities, including potential limitations on your benefits, which is critical to understand when filing a long term disability claim.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are a serious medical condition that may result in long term disability.  However, there are certain challenges to getting approved for disability benefits with an anxiety disorder.  Your insurance company must understand your anxiety symptoms and how they impair your ability to work.  Knowing what evidence can be used to substantiate your claim will significantly increase your chances of approval.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Anxiety Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

If you’re unable to continue working due to your Bipolar Disorder, you may consider filing a long term disability insurance claim.  In order to receive disability benefits for Bipolar Disorder, you will need to provide strong evidence to your insurance company of your disabling symptoms and their effect on your ability to work.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Bipolar Disorder

Depression

While depression can qualify you for long term disability benefits, there are hurdles to clear in order to get a mental illness claim approved by your insurer.  Understanding what type of evidence your insurance company will look for can go a long way in increasing your chances of claim approval.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Depression

Mental Illness (General)

Learn More about Mental Illness and Disability

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) varies in severity on an individual basis.  For severe cases, the compulsions involved can impact your ability to function in everyday life to the point of long term disability. Because obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is more often characterized as a mental illness rather than physical, it can make getting long term disability approval more complicated.    

Learn More about OCD and Disability

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders encompass a wide array of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints, often resulting in chronic pain and mobility challenges.  These disorders can severely limit your ability to perform basic work-related tasks, sometimes necessitating prolonged absence from the workplace.  From arthritis to degenerative disc disease, understanding the implications of these conditions is critical for those seeking long term disability benefits.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions leading to long term disability.  Many people with arthritis find their range of motion too limited and joint pain too unbearable to continue working.  Your insurance company will consider your arthritis a disability if your symptoms are bad enough that you cannot perform your job duties.  Before your claim is approved, however, your insurance company will require evidence of your diagnosis and your ongoing symptoms.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Arthritis

Back/Neck Injury

Back and neck pain is one of the most common reasons why claimants file for long term disability insurance benefits.  Insurance companies routinely deny back and neck pain disability claims for lack of objective evidence.  Your disability claim hinges on proving to your insurer that you have a back and/or neck injury, and the specific ways that your condition disables you from working.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Back/Neck Injuries

Degenerative Disc Disease

Back pain is the number one reason people file for long term disability.  However, it can be difficult proving the severity of your condition to your insurance company.  While the debilitating pain of degenerative disc disease is very real, pain is considered a “subjective” symptom.  Your insurance company will want objective medical evidence to back up your disability claim. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a complex and serious condition that affects each individual differently. If your EDS is severe, the restrictions and limitations brought on by your condition may preclude you from even sedentary work.  In order to get approved for long term disability for EDS, your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment must all be well-documented and supported with objective medical evidence. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Fibromyalgia

Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are largely subjective, filing for long term disability can be a challenging process.  Often insurance companies are skeptical of claims based on self-reported subjective symptoms.  However, there is objective medical evidence and testing you can gather that will help substantiate your fibromyalgia claim.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Fibromyalgia

Kyphosis

Back injuries are one of the most common reasons that people file disability insurance claims.  Kyphosis is not usually the direct cause of significant disability, but like scoliosis, it can cause discomfort, pain and lost productivity when it happens in conjunction with other serious conditions or injuries.  Understanding how to substantiate your kyphosis disability claim with medical evidence can increase your chances of benefit approval.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Kyphosis

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can, if untreated, cause life-threatening complications and permanent physical impairment.  If you have experienced osteomyelitis and any associated conditions that have affected your ability to work, you may qualify for long term disability insurance benefits.  However, it's important to understand what evidence will be needed to substantiate your osteomyelitis disability claim with your insurance company.

Learn more about Osteomyelitis and Disability

Scoliosis

Whether you are a life-long sufferer of scoliosis and you have finally developed side effects from the condition, or if you have suffered an injury that led to scoliosis, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Learn more about Scoliosis and Disability 

Spondylolisthesis

Pain brought on by spondylolisthesis can greatly affect your ability to bend, stoop or lift - and consequently, diminish your ability to work.  In order to substantiate your spondylolisthesis as a disability, your claim will need to include proof your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment.

Learn more about Spondylolisthesis and Disability

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders represent a diverse group of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, often leading to significant challenges in daily functioning and employment.  From degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s to conditions causing chronic pain and cognitive impairments like multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury, these disorders can deeply affect your ability to perform job-related tasks. 

Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma may cause an array of chronic and serious symptoms that can result in long term disability.  The physical symptoms of an acoustic neuroma can be extremely limiting and distressing, which may lead to secondary emotional issues, such as depression and anxiety.  When filing for long term disability for an acoustic neuroma, it's important to know how to best present your symptoms to your insurance company.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Acoustic Neuroma

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often called “ALS” or “Lou Gehrig’s disease,”  is an extremely disabling and frightening illness which likely will lead to long term disability.  While it may seem obvious why you are unable to work as a result of ALS, your insurance company may not understand the true severity of your condition or the impact it has on your job – especially as your symptoms first begin to develop.  Getting your ALS long term disability claim approved will require providing your insurance company with sufficient medical evidence.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for ALS

Arachnoiditis

Given how serious arachnoiditis can be and that it has no known cure, your diagnosis may foreshadow a period of long term disability.  It is entirely possible for those with arachnoiditis to receive long term disability benefits.  However, you will need to provide evidence to your insurance company of your diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, and ongoing treatment.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Arachnoiditis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It can be challenging to get approved for long term disability due to carpal tunnel syndrome.  Insurance companies may be skeptical of the severity of your condition, or misunderstand the demands of your occupation and how your carpal tunnel negatively affects your ability to work.  However, certain medical evidence can increase your odds of benefit approval.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cognitive Impairment

Sometimes referred to as “invisible” medical conditions, cognitive disorders are conditions that impair abilities such as memory, language, thinking, judgment, and emotion regulation.  When filing for long term disability due to cognitive impairment, your insurer will seek evidence of your condition and symptoms. There is special testing that can help substantiate your cognitive impairment claim.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Cognitive Impairment

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can cause an array of physical symptoms that can result in long term disability.  While CRPS is a serious illness, it can be challenging when filing for long term disability.  It's a rare illness your insurer may not be familiar with, and a number of the symptoms are considered subjective.  Knowing how to substantiate your CRPS long term disability claim will help increase your chances of approval. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD)

Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that gradually impairs memory, cognition, and daily functioning.  Despite its profound impact on individuals' lives, obtaining long term disability benefits for EOAD can be challenging.  The progression of EOAD varies from person to person, and some individuals may continue to work for years following their diagnosis.  To qualify for disability benefits, you must provide strong medical evidence demonstrating the progression of the disease to a point where employment is no longer feasible.  This evidence must clearly illustrate the cognitive decline and functional limitations imposed by EOAD, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your disability status. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Epilepsy

Even with treatment, the serious symptoms of epilepsy can make it impossible to function in a work environment.  Before filing an epilepsy long term disability claim, it is essential to understand how best to corroborate your claim.  That way you’ll have the best chance of approval with your insurance company.

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Epilepsy

Huntington's Disease

Huntington’s disease is a relatively rare genetic condition that causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain.  While devastating, your long term disability claim will need to be supported by more than a diagnosis to be approved.  Your insurance company will wonder why why you could work one day but not the next.  Medical evidence will be required to show how your Huntington's symptoms have progressed and explain how they interfere with your ability to work. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Huntington's Disease

Ménière's Disease

Individuals with Ménière's Disease may experience episodic vertigo, balance issues, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss.  The symptoms can be exhausting and disorienting, often resulting in long term disability. Your Ménière's also may lead to disabling cognitive symptoms and secondary emotional issues, such as depression.  It can be challenging to effectively establish the range of your symptoms to your insurance company.  To file a successful long term disability claim, you must support your claim with sufficient medical evidence and proof of appropriate treatment.  

Learn more about Meniere's Disease and Disability

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system.  Despite the obviously serious nature of Multiple Sclerosis and the profound impact it may have on a person’s life, obtaining long term disability benefits can be an uphill battle.  Because the symptoms of MS vary and may take a long time to progress, many people with MS can work for years after their diagnosis.  Your insurance company will require strong medical evidence to support your claim that the disease has progressed to the point that you are no longer able to work.

Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis and Disability

Myasthenia Gravis

Receiving long term disability benefits for myasthenia gravis can be a difficult process.  Myasthenia gravis is difficult to diagnosis, can have fluctuating symptoms, and your insurance company may not think your condition has progressed enough to be disabling without the correct medical evidence and supportive documentation from yourself. 

Learn more about Myasthenia Gravis and Disability

Non-Systemic Vasculitic Neuropathy

Non-Systemic Vasculitic Neuropathy ("NSVN") is a challenging medical condition for Long Term Disability ("LTD") claims, primarily due to its complex and disabling symptoms.  Individuals with NSVN often experience severe pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, which can significantly impede their ability to perform both physical and sedentary job functions.  The intermittent and unpredictable nature of these symptoms, along with the difficulty in obtaining objective medical evidence, makes it particularly challenging to secure LTD benefits for those suffering from NSVN.

Learn more about Non-Systemic Vasculitic Neuropathy

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's is a devastating disease with no cure.  However, due to the somewhat unpredictable clinical presentation of Parkinson’s, a diagnosis alone is not usually enough to receive long term disability benefits. Instead, the insurance company will look to see how your particular symptoms impact your ability to work.

Learn more about Parkinson's Disease and Disability

Peripheral Neuropathy

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (paresthesia, muscle weakness, and more) can be serious enough to preclude you from work.  When you file your long term disability claim for peripheral neuropathy, your insurance company will want more than just records of your symptoms - they will require proof of your diagnosis and treatment as well.

Learn more about Peripheral Neuropathy and Disability

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy presents a range of debilitating symptoms, including radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness along the nerve pathway affected.  These symptoms can significantly impair mobility and daily functioning, potentially leading to long term disability.  Communicating the full extent of these symptoms to disability insurers can be challenging.  To pursue a successful long-term disability claim for radiculopathy, it's crucial to provide comprehensive medical documentation corroborating the severity of symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment measures.

Learn more about Radiculopathy and Disability

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is a back condition causing severe lower back pain.  If your lower back pain is worse when sitting or standing for long periods, or you are having leg numbness or weakness that affects your ability to work, you may need to file a disability claim.

Learn more about Spinal Stenosis and Disability

Stroke

A stroke may lead to long term physical and/or cognitive deficits requiring intense rehabilitative treatment.  Even with treatment, a stroke may cause enough damage and residual symptoms to cause a permanent disability.  Your insurance company will require objective medical evidence of all symptoms--physical and cognitive--in order to approve your disability claim. 

Learn more about Stroke and Disability

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even with intensive treatment, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may cause symptoms that are severe enough to cause a permanent or long term disability.  Your insurance company will require evidence of your physical and/or cognitive symptoms in order to approve your long term disability claim.

Learn more about TBI and Disability

Vascular Disease

Vascular disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the blood vessels, leading to potential complications like stroke, heart attack, or chronic limb ischemia. Individuals with severe forms of this disease may find it challenging to maintain regular employment due to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and mobility issues.  Long term disability ("LTD") insurance can be crucial for those affected, providing financial support when their condition prevents them from working.

Learn more about Vascular Disease and Disability

Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory conditions can severely impact an individual's health and ability to maintain regular employment.  These conditions not only limit physical capabilities but also require frequent medical attention and can lead to unexpected emergencies.  When seeking long term disability benefits, it is essential to understand how your condition impairs daily functioning and work performance.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition whose difficulties can cause severe restrictions and limitations - potentially leading to long term disability.  Knowing how to substantiate your Asthma long term disability claim (e.g., through medical evidence, proof of treatment, etc.) will help increase your chances of approval. 

Get tips for your long term disability claim for Asthma

Sensory Disorders

Sensory disorders affect your ability to process and respond to environmental inputs, significantly impacting daily life and work capabilities.  These conditions can create substantial barriers in both personal and professional settings.  When seeking long term disability benefits, it's important to understand how your condition affects your work capacity and the challenges your symptoms may pose in maintaining a consistent work environment.

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States.  As your condition progresses, it may become difficult or downright impossible to perform your work duties - leading to long term disability. However, your insurer may not understand the significance of your symptoms or the impact they have on your job.  A combination of evidence - medical and your own documentation - can help you win your disability claim.

Learn more about Macular Degeneration and Disability

Tinnitus

Time and time again, insurance companies erroneously deny legitimate tinnitus long term disability claims due to lack of substantial hearing loss.  Yet the most disabling cases of tinnitus often have nothing to do with hearing loss.  Knowing how to prove the disabling nature of your tinnitus beyond hearing loss will help increase your chances of long term disability benefit approval.

Learn more about Tinnitus and Disability

Vision/Hearing Loss

In order to qualify for disability benefits for either impaired vision or hearing, your impairment must be significantly advanced.  Medical and vocational evidence will be required by your insurance company to get benefit approval.

Learn more about Vision/Hearing Loss and Disability 

If you’ve thinking of applying for long term disability benefits, you should consult with a qualified long term disability attorney as soon as possible. Making a disability claim is difficult and complicated.  A qualified ERISA long term disability attorney can help increase your chances of claim approval.