Individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) sometimes qualify to receive Long Term Disability benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Generally, POTS qualifies as a Long Term Disability if the severity of the symptoms prevents you from working or engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
You can learn more about your eligibility for benefits by reaching out to a Houston disability lawyer for assistance. An attorney can also help you file your benefits application or appeal an initial benefits denial.
Will POTS Qualify as a Long Term Disability?
The effects of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome may qualify you to receive Long Term Disability benefits in some cases. The severity of POTS varies from patient to patient; in some cases, the severity of the condition will prevent a patient from working.
However, individuals will not automatically qualify for disability benefits after getting a POTS diagnosis. Instead, they will need to apply for benefits and provide evidence that the severity of their condition means they should get benefits, either through insurance or the Social Security Administration (SSA).
An attorney can help you prepare your application if your POTS symptoms prevent you from earning a living. You do not have to attempt to handle the process on your own while dealing with a serious health condition.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
What Symptoms of POTS Qualify You for Disability Benefits?
Some symptoms of POTS may prevent you from working, especially if you have a serious case of this disorder. Examples of potentially severe POTS symptoms include:
- Fainting
- Chest pain and heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- High levels of anxiety
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
The condition can also cause forgetfulness, fatigue, shakiness, headaches, bloating, and disruptions to your ability to sleep.
You need to work with a healthcare professional to assess the severity of your condition. Once you understand the extent of your symptoms, you can speak with a lawyer to see if your POTS qualifies as a Long Term Disability.
Can You Treat POTS?
Medical professionals can treat many of the symptoms associated with POTS. In many cases, changing a patient’s diet and nutrition or increasing their activity and exercise levels can help minimize POTS symptoms.
Additionally, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have medications specifically approved to treat POTS, doctors often prescribe medications designed to reduce tachycardia or increase blood volume and salt retention.
You should discuss possible treatment options with your doctor. If you respond well to treatments, you may not need Long Term Disability benefits.
How Can You Apply for Disability Benefits for POTS?
In order to apply for Long Term Disability benefits for POTS, you will need to gather medical evidence that demonstrates the severity of your condition. Basically, you will need to prove that your symptoms are so bad that they prevent you from working.
You may need to go through several medical diagnostic tests in order to get an accurate idea about the severity of your condition. Many medical providers recommend the tilt table test, which will track your blood pressure and heart rate as you change position and posture.
You may also need to complete a skin nerve biopsy, autonomic breathing test, QSART, and urine or blood tests.
You May Need to Complete a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
The SSA may require you to complete an FCE if you apply for benefits for POTS. This assessment can measure your physical endurance and orthostatic intolerance, further establishing the severity of your condition.
What Happens if You Get Long Term Disability for POTS?
If you get Long Term Disability for POTS, you will receive funds that you can use to cover your expenses. You may continue to receive benefits until you no longer experience a disability that stops you from working.
For example, if you continue to work with a doctor and find a treatment that mitigates your POTS symptoms, you may no longer receive disability benefits.
What if You Get Denied Long Term Disability Benefits?
If you receive a denial of benefits, you still have options. In this situation, you can work with an attorney to appeal the denial, potentially resulting in a reversal of the initial decision.
You should reach out to an attorney for help right away if you face challenges in securing the benefits you need while dealing with a disabling condition like POTS.
Talk to Us About Getting Disability Benefits for POTS
So, does POTS qualify as a Long Term Disability? In some cases, yes, POTS may qualify as a disabling condition if your symptoms prevent you from holding a job. If you believe you qualify for benefits, you can reach out to our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates to get help filing your initial application.
Our team has over 120 years of combined experience that we can use to help you get the benefits you deserve. We’re also fully prepared to help after a benefits denial.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
