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Chronic Conditions That Can Result in Long Term Disabilities

Among the many goals you set in terms of your personal life or professional development, maintaining your health and managing any chronic conditions you suffer from should be a top priority. Even with the appropriate medical care, these can steadily progress to the point that they result in long term disabilities, leaving you unable to work or provide for yourself. In this situation, long term disability benefits available through your employer can provide the safety net you need. The following outlines some of the common conditions that can result in disabilities and the steps you need to protect your rights to benefits. 

Assessing Your Disability Risks

Chronic health conditions can occur as a result of overuse, exposure to dangerous substances, accident injuries, lifestyle factors, or family hereditary. According to the National Health Council (NHC), roughly 40 million people suffer some type of chronic illness, disease, or symptoms that require them to visit their doctor on a regular basis. These range from relatively mild to serious and potentially life-threatening. Generally, there are steps you can take both in terms of modifying your behavior and in adhering to treatment, such as taking medications, that can help to prevent your condition from deteriorating and further impacting your health. 

Unfortunately, even when you follow your doctor’s instructions, chronic conditions can eventually result in long term disabilities. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that those most likely to impact your functioning and mobility include:  

  • Arthritis;
  • Asthma;
  • Blood diseases;
  • Cancer;
  • Congestive heart disease;
  • Depression and other mental health issues;
  • Diabetes;
  • Heart disease;
  • High blood pressure;
  • Lung disease and respiratory disorders;
  • Nervous system disorders;
  • Soft tissue injuries. 

Protecting Your Right to Long Term Disability Benefits

If you suffer from any of the above or other health conditions, it is important to take precautions now to protect your health and your rights to long term disability benefits. This includes: 

  • Visit your doctor regularly. Obtain all recommended treatments, attend follow up visits, and adhere to any dietary or activity restrictions they advise. Your actions now can impact your rights to future benefits. 
  • Review your long term disability policy. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), your employer must provide copies of all policy-related documents at your request. Review these carefully, paying close attention to eligibility dates and any exclusions they contain. 
  • Keep records. Keep copies of medical records and statements from providers. Maintain a journal to record treatments and any impacts you suffer at work or home as a result of your condition. 

Contact Our Chicago Long Term Disability Attorneys

At Bartolic Law, we are dedicated to helping you get the benefits you deserve. To discuss your case, contact our Chicago long term disability attorneys to request a consultation today.    

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