Diabetes can take a severe toll on your health. If your condition keeps you from working, a Winter Park Long Term Disability lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for benefits.
Diabetes is a health condition that many Americans live with. In only a few minutes of watching television, you will likely see multiple ads from pharmaceutical companies targeting individuals with this diagnosis.
Take a look at these staggering U.S. statistics from the CDC:
- 38.4 million people have diabetes (11.6% of the U.S. population).
- 29.4 million adults have been diagnosed with the disease.
- 8.7 million people have diabetes but have not been officially diagnosed.
Add to these numbers the individuals who are living with pre-diabetes:
- 97.6 million people 18 years old or older have pre-diabetes (38.0% of the U.S. adult population).
- 27.2 million people 65 years old or older (48.8%) have pre-diabetes.
These statistics represent individuals whose daily lives and work may be significantly affected by diabetes. Navigating disability insurance claims with diabetes can be complex, as the disease uniquely impacts each person’s ability to fulfill their professional duties.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. This may be due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. There are different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
What Diabetes Symptoms May Make It Difficult To Work?
Symptoms of diabetes can vary in severity and may fluctuate throughout the day, making it challenging for individuals with diabetes to maintain consistent work performance.
Some diabetes symptoms include:
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy can affect concentration and productivity.
- Frequent Urination: The need to urinate frequently can disrupt work tasks and require frequent breaks.
- Increased Thirst: Excessive thirst and frequent drinking lead to more frequent restroom breaks and interruptions.
- Blurry Vision: Vision problems such as blurry or fluctuating vision can make it difficult to read or use screens.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage can result in numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands, feet, or other areas, impacting agility and mobility.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar episodes can cause confusion, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), both of which can be life-threatening.
Long-Term Impact of Diabetes
Living with diabetes means not only managing the day-to-day symptoms but also watching out for significant long-term health risks, including:
- Cardiovascular and Organ Damage: Diabetes can cause harm to blood vessels, severely impacting vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. This vascular damage heightens the risk of severe health crises like heart attacks and strokes.
- Kidney Disease: Progression to kidney failure is a potential complication of diabetes, often necessitating life-altering treatments such as dialysis.
- Vision and Nerve Impairment: Prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to permanent vision impairment. Additionally, diabetes may induce nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain or numbness, especially in the extremities.
- Foot Ulcers and Amputation Risk: Diabetes-related foot ulcers, a common complication, can lead to severe consequences, potentially requiring amputation.
These long-term effects of diabetes can significantly impair an individual’s ability to work or carry out daily activities, making them essential considerations in claims for Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance benefits.
How Do You Submit an LTD Claim Based on Diabetes?
To submit a Long Term Disability claim based on diabetes, we recommend having the assistance of a Winter Park Long Term Disability lawyer. A skilled and experienced legal representative can help ensure that you meet all criteria for your application, increasing your chances of approval.
Together, we will follow these steps to apply for LTD benefits:
- Document Your Symptoms: Clearly articulate how diabetes hampers your ability to fulfill your job duties. Detail any work-related tasks you cannot perform due to the disease’s symptoms or long-term health complications.
- Gather Comprehensive Medical Documentation: Back your claim with comprehensive medical documentation that outlines your diagnosis, treatment, and how your condition impacts your daily life and work. This documentation should paint a clear picture for your insurer, showing the direct link between your diabetes and your reduced work capacity.
Consulting with a Winter Park Long Term Disability lawyer experienced in handling diabetes-related disability claims can help you navigate the claims process. Your attorney can ensure your documentation is in order and advocate to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
Remember, the key to a successful disability insurance claim for diabetes is demonstrating how the condition uniquely affects your professional responsibilities and overall ability to work. Working with a knowledgeable legal professional can significantly aid in presenting a compelling case to your insurer.
What Do You Do If Your LTD Application Was Denied?
If your insurance company initially denies your disability claim, it does not mean you cannot receive benefits. You have a legal right to appeal the denial. Navigating an appeal can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process.
If you have diabetes and need disability benefits or are considering filing a claim, it is essential to contact a Winter Park Long Term Disability lawyer like Herbert M. Hill, P.A. Our team is experienced in Long Term Disability benefits and appealing claim denials. We have a proven track record of securing benefits for our clients. Contact our firm today to discuss your case and schedule a consultation.