Info Library

Understanding MCAS and Disability Claims

If you are dealing with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and struggling to maintain consistent work due to unpredictable flares, fatigue, or cognitive symptoms, the issue is usually not just the diagnosis—it is whether your condition prevents you from working on a reliable, full-time basis.

MCAS claims are often difficult because symptoms can fluctuate, triggers are unpredictable, and many symptoms—such as brain fog, fatigue, or dizziness—are not easily measured through standard testing. Insurers often challenge these claims by labeling symptoms as “subjective” or inconsistent.

This page explains when MCAS can qualify for long term disability benefits, what evidence matters most, and why these claims are frequently denied.

Is POTS Syndrome a disability?

Yes. If you are dealing with POTS and struggling to remain upright, maintain focus, or sustain a full workday, the issue is usually not just the diagnosis — it is whether your symptoms prevent you from working consistently.

POTS claims are often challenged because symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog can fluctuate and are not always fully captured in objective testing. Insurers frequently argue that a claimant can perform sedentary work, without accounting for the difficulty of sitting upright, maintaining concentration, or functioning reliably over time.

While POTS may be a sole diagnosis, often it is found alongside other conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (“EDS”) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (“CFS”).

This page explains when POTS can quality for long term disability benefits, what evidence matters most, and why these claims are often denied.

On July 26, 2021, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services issued new guidance categorizing long COVID as a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

Below, we discuss the impact this guidance will have on long term disability benefits for COVID long haulers.

Filing for and maintaining your long term disability insurance benefits can be a confusing and complicated process.  Wherever you are in the process, there is a lot to consider.

With so much at stake, it is essential to handle your disability claim correctly to avoid delays, obstacles, and benefit denials.  Careful strategic planning is key.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (known as “CPET”) can be useful for substantiating long term disability insurance claims.  The CPET is particularly recommended for conditions that cause fatigue as a major symptom.

Fatigue is commonly self-reported by claimants rather than objectively tested by their doctors.  Consequently, your insurance company may consider your reported fatigue as “subjective”.  Disability claims with subjective symptoms are more highly scrutinized and at higher risk of denial.

The CPET can provide evidence of your exertional limitations.  These objective results can help prove your disability to your insurance company.

Read below to learn more about the CPET and how it may help your disability claim.