Your Sanford Long Term Disability lawyer can decipher your insurance policy to help you understand if your disability qualifies you for benefits.
Every Long Term Disability (LTD) policy is different. And while they all share similar standards, each has its own definition of “disability.” Knowing whether your illness or injury qualifies under your insurance plan is crucial to your claim. We highly recommend having a qualified Sanford Long Term Disability lawyer examine your insurance policy to discover what disabilities are included and if yours qualifies.
Your financial stability often hinges on securing Long Term Disability benefits following a severe illness or injury. LTD insurance compensates for a portion of lost income from your inability to work. While this list isn’t exhaustive, these disabilities commonly align with various insurance companies and policy coverages.
Cancers
Many types of cancer may qualify for LTD benefits, the most common of which include:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Autoimmune Disorders
An autoimmune disorder is when the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and organs, considering them foreign invaders. This leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired functionality of the affected organs or systems. Common autoimmune disorders include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Crohn’s disease
Neurological Disorders
A neurological disorder is any medical condition affecting the nervous system. These disorders can present various symptoms, such as muscle weakness, seizures, impaired coordination, sensory disturbances, memory problems, or changes in cognition or behavior. Common neurological disorders include:
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Migraines
- Bell’s Palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Huntington’s disease
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders refer to a broad category of conditions that affect a person’s thinking, mood, behavior, or overall mental well-being. Common mental health disorders that could qualify for LTD benefits include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- And others
Chronic Illness
A chronic illness is a long-term medical condition that persists for an extended period, typically lasting three months or longer. These conditions often require ongoing management and medical care as they tend to be persistent and may have periods of remission and exacerbation. Chronic illnesses can impact various aspects of a person’s life, including physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. Some examples include:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Asthma
- Chronic lung disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Degenerative Diseases
Degenerative diseases are conditions characterized by the progressive deterioration or breakdown of tissues or organs over time. These diseases often worsen as tissues or organs gradually lose function or structure. Degenerative diseases can affect various parts of the body and are typically chronic and irreversible. Common degenerative diseases include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Huntington’s disease
- Certain eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration
Other Conditions That May Qualify
Beyond the previously mentioned conditions, various other health issues or symptoms might qualify individuals for Long Term Disability benefits, such as:
- Blindness or vision loss
- Deafness or hearing loss
- Chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Certain long-term injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Please be aware that several conditions above may fall under similar categories, and eligibility for Long Term Disability benefits hinges on the specifications outlined in your policy. Additionally, numerous other conditions may meet the criteria for LTD coverage, and the combination of multiple conditions could qualify you for LTD benefits.
Herbert M. Hill, P.A. Can Help
It can be confusing to match a clinical diagnosis with the language in your Long Term Disability insurance policy. Some policies can be intricate in their language and requirements, making it challenging for policyholders to understand the exact terms and conditions regarding claims.
The claim approval process is complex, and denials by insurance companies may occur due to policy misinterpretation, insufficient evidence, or administrative errors. Consulting an experienced Sanford Long Term Disability lawyer familiar with LTD policies can significantly boost your claim’s success. Contact us today for LTD policy or claim inquiries.