Will I Qualify for Long Term Disability Insurance if I Have Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, also referred to as simply “MS,” is a sometimes disabling disease of the spinal cord and brain. When someone has multiple sclerosis, the protective sheath around their nerve fibers is attacked by their immune system, causing communication problems between their brain and the rest of their body. 

Those who suffer from multiple sclerosis face numbness or weakness in their limbs, electric-shock sensations from simple, non-erratic neck movements, tremors, lack of coordination, and several other problems relating to their nervous system.

Multiple sclerosis patients may also experience waves of blurry vision, double vision, or even complete loss of vision, usually one eye at a time. This sensation is often accompanied by severe pain. MS patients may also have bouts of slurred speech, dizziness, fatigue, and tinging in different areas of their bodies. The point is, sometimes, people that suffer from MS are unable to return to work. When this happens, they will very often need long term disability insurance to help both them and their families financially. If you suffer from MS, here are some of the questions you may have:

What is long term disability insurance?

Essentially, those who qualify for long term disability insurance will receive either one lump sum or scheduled monthly payments from their insurance company. This insurance payout will help you cover the cost of your medical bills, compensate for your lost wages, and more. However, the insurance companies are not necessarily looking out for your best interest, and may sometimes try to deny you of these benefits. This is why it is so important you contact an experienced attorney today.

How do I file a long term disability insurance claim?

The first thing you must do is speak with your employer or insurer to learn more about your insurance policy. From there, you will file a claim in 180 days. This claim should include MRI results, doctor’s opinions, medical records, and more. In these letters, your doctor should stress how your medical condition prevents you from working any longer, and how your condition affects your daily life as a whole. Hiring an experienced attorney can help ensure you have all the documentation you need to help prove your claim.

What other conditions may qualify for long term disability insurance?

• Vision loss or blindness
• Hearing loss or deafness
• Osteoarthritis 
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Lyme disease
• Autoimmune disease
• Neurological disorders
• Lupus
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Respiratory illnesses, such as COPD or asthma
• Digestive tract problems
• Kidney disease
• Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Serious back injuries

Contact our experienced firm

If you or someone you know is looking to receive long term disability benefits and needs the help of an experienced attorney, contact Walker & Hern today.

Our firm has significant experience helping people just like you retain or defend their Long Term Disability Benefits. Contact Walker & Hern for a free consultation.