Multiple sclerosis or MS is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. Impacting the central nervous system, MS can cause a variety of symptoms from balance and coordination issues to speech, hearing, and other neurological deficiencies. In many cases, MS progressively worsens over time and eliminates the ability for many of those affected to continue working.
While long-term disability benefits often help those with multiple sclerosis pay for their medical, rehabilitation, and living expenses as they cope with the disease, successfully filing for disability benefits with MS is not as simple as it may seem.
Meeting the Definition of “Totally Disabled”
To get approved for LTD benefits for MS or any other medical condition, you must first meet the definition of “totally disabled,” as it is stated in your disability insurance policy. Each policy is unique, but most define it as the inability to perform the essential duties of your usual occupation for the first two years under the insurance policy. After two years of disability, the definition will typically change to the inability to perform the essential duties of any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience.
The Debilitating Nature of the Disease
For employees with multiple sclerosis, the symptoms of the disease can have a severe impact on their ability to perform their essential job duties. These symptoms include:
● Balance and coordination issues
● Difficulty walking
● Tremors and weakness in the extremities
● Bladder and bowel issues
● Vision and hearing loss
● Memory and concentration difficulties
● Speech problems
● Extreme fatigue
● And many more
Proving Disability from MS on an LTD Claim
To receive long-term disability benefits, you must provide substantial medical documentation in your claim and demonstrate your inability to continue working due to your disease. It is critical that you gather as much medical evidence as possible when first submitting your claim. For patients with MS in and around Philadelphia, we provide the disability insurance legal services they need to successfully file their LTD claims.
Our firm offers expert disability insurance legal services to clients in Montgomery County and throughout the greater Pennsylvania region and beyond. Contact us today, so we can discuss your case and get to work filing your LTD claim.