Info Library

Introduction

Mast cell activation syndrome (commonly known as “MCAS”) is a chronic medical condition that can lead to long term disability.  MCAS is 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.

You may be wondering:  Can you file for long term disability due to your MCAS?  What will you need to have a successful MCAS long term disability claim?

Below we’ll answer those questions and more.

If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, you may be considering filing for long term disability benefits. Before filing a claim, you may have questions: Do insurance companies believe EDS counts as a disability? What will they look for in order to approve an EDS disability claim? How can I improve my chances for benefit approval?

Below we’ll discuss tips and strategies when filing a long term disability claim for EDS.

Can I Get Disability For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

The answer is that Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can be a disabling condition, depending on how it presents.  EDS is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues and causing an array of serious physical problems, ranging from joint pain to cardiovascular issues.  An EDS diagnosis does not automatically entitle you to benefits, however.  The severity of EDS differs greatly from person to person.  Some sufferers of EDS experience few medical complications while others are severely disabled.

EDS often presents as a comorbidity with other conditions such as Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (also known as "POTS”), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome ("MCAS").

As with all conditions, your entitlement to long term disability insurance benefits depends on how your symptoms affect your ability to function in the workplace. Make sure to review your policy carefully to see how your insurance company defines disability.  Depending on the language in your policy, you will have to prove either that you cannot perform your current occupation or that you cannot perform any occupation to which you are reasonably suited by reason of your age, education, and experience.