Was your syncope disability insurance claim recently denied? If you suffer from chronic syncopal episodes to the extent that you are no longer able to work, you may qualify for disability benefits.
However, insurance companies are known for denying or terminating syncope disability benefits. They will argue that even if a claimant suffers repeated bouts of fainting, they can have someone take them to work and that they can perform sedentary work.
You cannot count on your insurer acting in good faith or handling your claim fairly.
Types and Causes of Syncope
Syncope is the medical term for fainting or passing out. There are a variety of causes, some of which are life-threatening. Most bouts of syncope are brief and temporary, without lasting effects. Types that result in syncope disability involve repeated episodes of fainting which may also give rise to serious health problems.
Vasovagal Syncope / Reflex Syncope Disability Claims
Also called neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), vasovagal syncope is a central nervous system disorder. It is the most common type of syncope. While not always serious, this form can cause deterioration in one’s health to the extent they become eligible for disability benefits.
Your nervous system regulates heart rate and blood pressure. Vasovagal syncope is related to a temporary drop in the amount of blood that flows to the brain. This happens when blood pressure is very low – a condition called “hypotension.”
The fainting and dizzy spells may occur several times a day. A person can completely black out, causing concussion and other serious injury. The causes of the insufficient blood flow to the brain are many. Fainting often occurs when signals break down in a reflex response to a trigger.
Some examples of these triggers are: dehydration, standing or sitting upright for long periods, straining, standing up too fast, exposure to heat, exhaustion, visual stimuli such as having blood drawn or seeing blood, and extreme coughing.
Syncope Disability Related to Heart Disease / Cardiovascular Syncope
A more dangerous cause for syncope is abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), or by structural damage to the heart, or by electrical system disorders. Fainting is often the warning sign of arrhythmia that may be life threatening.
Other underlying causes may be related to a person’s metabolism or psychiatric issues. Severe cases of syncope makes it unsafe for the person to work, and limits their ability to drive or leave the house without assistance.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Proving You Are Disabled by Syncope
Not everyone with syncope will qualify for long term disability benefits. The severity and recurrence of the condition must be so burdensome that you can no longer engage in meaningful employment and earning an independent living.
Your medical history is extremely important. You need as much evidence as you can produce to prove disability. We will ensure that your medical evidence includes a proper diagnosis supported by x-rays, MRIs or CT scans and lab work. Your vital signs should be documented in the physical exam, including orthostasis (blood pressure while standing) and irregular pulse. The workup may also involve a chest x-ray and EKG.
In cases of heart disease related syncope disability, an echocardiogram is another extremely important part of the medical records. A cardiac exam may establish the possibility of an underlying cardiac or pulmonary pathology.
It is key to establish the situation surrounding syncopal fainting episodes. The duration of the fainting event, frequency of fainting, your position at the time you fainted are all important. We may also consult with qualified vocational experts to develop proper evidence regarding your Residual Functional Capacity that is the key to your disability claim.
Trust Your Syncope Disability Insurance Claim to Us
If you have a short term or long term disability claim that was wrongly denied regarding syncope, you need experienced disability insurance attorneys, such as the lawyers at Marc Whitehead & Associates, on your side. Let us review your case and discuss how we can assist you.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form