Common Types Of Impairments Covered By Long Term Disability
Long term disabilities can happen to anyone and at any age. Even in previously healthy individuals, conditions can arise that leave you unable to work either permanently or for an indefinite period. In this situation, long term disability insurance can help offset your lost income. Find out common types of impairments frequently covered by long term disability (LTD) insurance.
Is Your Condition Covered By Long Term Disability Insurance?
Long term disability (LTD) insurance benefits are available through group policies provided by your employer, through private policies you purchase on your own, or through the Social Security Administration (SSA), provided your job deducted Social Security taxes and you have earned the required number of work credits.
One of the most common questions we hear from clients concerns what kinds of conditions LTD insurance covers. While this varies according to your policy, the SSA’s listing of impairments provides some general guidance. Covered conditions typically include:
- Accidental injuries, resulting in amputations or loss of use of body parts and injuries that cause lasting impairments, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord or column injuries, and damage to muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues.
- Chronic health conditions, which often get worse with time. This includes arthritis, asthma and other respiratory disorders, epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease and skin disorders.
- Congenital defects, such as autism, blindness, hearing loss, and other impairments;
- Illnesses, such as cancer, dementia, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease;
- Mental health issues, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Long Term Disabilities and Your Rights To Benefits
As stated above, injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions covered through the SSA may not make you eligible for benefits under a private or employer-provided LTD insurance policy. The first step in protecting your rights in a claim is to thoroughly review all policy related documents. With a private policy, you can request copies of these documents directly through the insurance. With employer-provided LTD benefits, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires the company you work for to provide copies, free of charge and at your request.
In addition to confirming your condition is covered, another important way to protect your rights to LTD benefits is to ensure it is well-documented. This involves:
- Visiting your doctor regularly and reporting all symptoms;
- Following their recommendations in regards to testing, treatment, and follow-up care;
- Getting an official long term disability diagnosis;
- Keeping thorough medical records and documenting the impacts your condition has on your life.
Let Us Help You Today
When you suffer long term disabilities, benefits available through the SSA or through private and employer-provided LTD policies can help offset losses in income. Unfortunately, determining eligibility and getting your benefits approved is often challenging. To prevent lengthy delays or a denial of your claim, reach out to Farrell Disability Law. Call or contact our Jacksonville long term disability attorney online and request a consultation in our office today.
