Arthritis is one of the most common causes of long term disability. Many people with arthritis have limited movement and joint pain that makes it hard for them to work. If you are considering filing a long term disability insurance claim, you might have questions like: Which types of arthritis qualify for disability benefits? How can you keep track of your symptoms for your insurance company? What do you need to provide so they can approve your claim?
Arthritis is a broad term that refers to various diseases and conditions that impact the joints. It is typically marked by painful swelling and stiffness in the joints, which leads to a reduced range of motion. The intensity of these disabling symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may affect a single area or the whole body. Arthritis is usually regarded as a chronic condition. Nevertheless, the frequency of flare-ups, progression speed, and pain intensity can differ from person to person.
Varieties of Arthritis
The two most common kinds of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative form of arthritis that results from the wear and tear of joints or due to an injury. For example, if you sustain an ACL tear, you might develop osteoarthritis in your knee.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An inflammatory type of arthritis that arises from an erratic immune system reaction, which targets the membranes surrounding the joints. This variety is typically regarded as more severe than osteoarthritis, impacting multiple joints and leading to increased swelling.
Severe arthritis of any kind leads to persistent pain and can make everyday tasks, such as walking, dressing, and personal hygiene challenging or even unmanageable.
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How Do I Obtain Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits for Arthritis?
To secure long term disability insurance benefits due to your arthritis, it is necessary to apply. If your initial request is rejected, you will need to file an appeal.
Document Proof of Your Arthritis as a Disability
Just having a diagnosis of arthritis is insufficient to ensure your claim is accepted. Your insurance provider will require proof of your symptoms, their intensity, and how they affect your capability to perform your job. The more documentation you possess, the stronger your case will be.
Here are some steps to collect evidence to support your Arthritis disability claim:
- Share all objective medical evidence regarding your condition with the insurance company. This includes medical records from all your healthcare providers; treatment notes; clinical assessments; laboratory results; X-rays and other imaging studies.
- Ask your doctor for a comprehensive narrative report. Request that all your treating physicians add to your medical records with a written explanation of your arthritis, along with their insights regarding your capacity to perform in a work environment.
- Request a copy of your personnel file from your employer. Does the influence of your arthritis clearly show in your performance evaluations, attendance history, or other documentation in the file.
- Provide proof of your pain. You may be dealing with chronic, severe, and debilitating pain, but the insurance company will not simply accept your assertion. Pain is a subjective experience. One effective way to support your subjective claims of discomfort is by maintaining an “Arthritis Diary.” Use this diary to detail your pain daily. The more thorough your entries are, the more compelling your diary will become. Narrate your day using concrete examples. Be sure to include any visits to the emergency room or urgent care. Additionally, document any adverse effects, if any, from your medications. Regular entries in your Arthritis Diary will create a personal illustration of your pain over time.
- Gather statements from third parties. Request your supervisor and/or colleagues to write a statement detailing their experiences working with you. What did they notice regarding how your arthritis impacts your job performance? Statements from family members, friends, or neighbors may also prove beneficial. Although these individuals may have biases, their insights will help complete the picture of your experience with arthritis.
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A Long Term Disability Insurance Attorney Can Help
An experienced long term disability insurance lawyer can make all the difference in getting your disability benefits. If your Long Term Disability benefits have been denied, you can choose to file your appeal on your own. Your odds of success are significantly greater when you have a knowledgeable long term disability insurance lawyer on your side.
If you have been diagnosed with arthritis and your symptoms are making it difficult or impossible for you to work, our long term disability lawyers can help you navigate your denied claim and make your strongest case for benefits.
We can assess your situation, explain your legal rights and options, and answer any questions you have about long term disability insurance claims. To schedule your free consultation, call Marc Whitehead & Associates, today at 800-562-9830.
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