If you are unable to work because you are suffering from symptoms of long COVID and need to file a Maitland Long Term Disability appeal, our team is ready to help.

Even though we have made it through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, those with lingering symptoms are seeking Long Term Disability benefits. A diagnosis of “long COVID” is a relatively new one in the medical and insurance communities, and at Herbert M. Hill, P.A., we welcome the chance to help you if you are working on a Maitland Long Term Disability appeal due to long COVID.

What Is Long COVID?

It has many names (Long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID) and is being called our “next national health disaster” and “the pandemic after the pandemic.” While the majority of those who were infected with COVID recovered after a few weeks, some are experiencing symptoms well after the typical recovery period.

What Are The Symptoms Of Long COVID?

The CDC reports that long COVID can last weeks, months, or even years after infection. Symptoms of long COVID can come and go and this condition affects everyone differently. Symptoms of long COVID can include, but are not limited to:

• General symptoms including fatigue that interferes with daily life, post-exertional malaise, and fever.
• Respiratory and heart symptoms including cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
• Neurological symptoms including brain fog, headache, dizziness, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and changes in taste and smell.
• Digestive symptoms including stomach pain and diarrhea.
• Other symptoms can include joint pain, muscle pain, rash, and changes in menstrual cycles.

As you can see, some symptoms are more debilitating than others, but if you are unable to work due to your post-COVID illness, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider to see if a long COVID diagnosis is warranted. If you have already been diagnosed and need to submit a Long Term Disability claim, you need help from a law firm like ours that specializes in Long Term Disability cases.

Why Your Long Term Disability Claim May Have Been Denied

Because this diagnosis is so new, it is taking some time to be fully recognized by insurers. The good news is that the Office of Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has determined that long COVID can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This consideration is based on an individual evaluation that determines it substantially limits major life activities.

However, to qualify for federal programs like Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, you must have been out of work for documented health reasons for at least five months (for SSD), and it can sometimes be longer than the typical Long Term Disability Elimination Period. The conundrum of this definition is that you could be too sick to work but not technically disabled. If you had symptoms for some time before getting a long COVID diagnosis from your healthcare provider, it could affect your Long Term Disability case.

Herbert M. Hill, P.A. Is The Long Term Disability Firm You Need

If you were denied in your Long Term Disability claim after a diagnosis of long COVID, our experienced team can help with your Maitland Long Term Disability appeal. When you are unable to work due to lingering COVID symptoms, we will strive to get you the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.