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HomeNewsRepetitive Strain Injuries in Tech Workers: Can You Qualify for Long-Term Disability?

Repetitive Strain Injuries in Tech Workers: Can You Qualify for Long-Term Disability?

Repetitive Strain Injuries in Tech Workers: Can You Qualify for Long-Term Disability?

Aching wrists, a stiff neck, and persistent shoulder pain—these are often dismissed as minor discomforts of a desk job. For many tech workers, however, they are symptoms of a debilitating Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) that can make work impossible. If an RSI has forced you to stop working, you may be entitled to Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits.

RSIs and Your LTD Claim

  • What is an RSI? An injury to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, or sustained awkward positions. Common examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendinitis.
  • Eligibility for LTD: To qualify, you must prove that your RSI prevents you from performing the essential duties of your occupation.
  • Proving Your Claim: Success depends on strong medical evidence, including diagnostic tests, physician statements, and a clear connection between your symptoms and your job functions.
  • Filing Your Claim: Document everything—your symptoms, your work tasks, and all medical treatments. Missed deadlines or incomplete information can lead to a denial.

At Bartolic Law, we understand the importance of a strong LTD claim and the impact it can have on your financial stability. Our team will work tirelessly to help you gather and present compelling medical evidence, communicate effectively with insurers, and navigate the complex appeal process.

What Qualifies as a Repetitive Strain Injury?

A Repetitive Strain Injury isn’t a single diagnosis but a category of conditions affecting muscles, nerves, and tendons. For tech workers, these injuries often develop from thousands of daily keystrokes, prolonged mouse use, and poor ergonomic setups. You might hear your doctor refer to specific conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendinitis, or Bursitis. While a specific diagnosis is helpful, what matters for an LTD claim is demonstrating how the symptoms, such as chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of strength, prevent you from doing your job.

How Can I Prove My RSI Is Work-Related and Disabling?

Insurance companies often challenge RSI claims, arguing they are “subjective” or not severe enough to prevent work. This is a significant hurdle, especially for tech professionals whose work is cognitive rather than physical. To build a strong case, you need to connect the dots for the insurer.

Your medical records must go beyond just a diagnosis. They need to create a clear narrative that shows how your condition has worsened over time and directly impacts your ability to perform your job duties. For example, a software developer with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome would need documentation from their doctor explaining that they can no longer type for extended periods without severe pain, making coding impossible. Objective evidence, like nerve conduction studies, can further validate your self-reported symptoms and prove the functional limitations your RSI imposes.

What If My Insurer Denies My Claim?

Denials are frustratingly common, but they are not the final word. Insurers often use tactics like hiring their own “independent” medical examiners who may downplay the severity of your condition without ever meeting you. They might also argue that since you can still think, you can still work, completely ignoring the physical pain required to perform your job.

If your claim is denied, the appeal is your opportunity to fight back. This is your one chance to submit all the evidence that will be considered if your case goes to court. A well-prepared appeal should include:

  • Detailed statements from your treating physicians and specialists.
  • A vocational expert’s opinion on how your RSI prevents you from performing your occupation.
  • Personal statements or even video evidence showing how the RSI affects your daily life and work-related tasks.

Get the Legal Guidance You Need

Navigating an RSI-based LTD claim requires a deep understanding of how to document and present your case. Our team at Bartolic Law turns denials into payments. We understand the unique challenges tech workers face and have a proven strategy for building compelling appeals that insurers can’t ignore.

If you are struggling with an RSI and have been denied the benefits you deserve, don’t face the insurance company alone. Contact us today for a consultation.

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