Surprisingly Common Causes of Long-Term Disability Claims

Scarily enough, the odds that you will become disabled before you retire are one in three. Some disabilities are obvious, such as a spine injury due to a workplace accident, or hearing and vision loss before age 50. But there are also many causes of disability that are less obvious and much more common.

Our long-term disability benefits attorney at Bartolic Law is well-versed in the rules and regulations surrounding long-term disability benefits. We routinely assist clients in filing and fighting for the benefits they need, whether their condition is a common one or something rare that requires specific documentation from medical specialists. Here we take a look at some lesser-known but surprisingly common causes of long-term disability claims.

Common Conditions that Qualify for Long-Term Disability

A common definition of disability is a mental or physical condition that hinders a person’s ability to engage in any substantial gainful activities (SGA). This condition can be expected to result in death, or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. This means many chronic conditions are often eligible for long-term disability benefits. However, the exact definition varies from plan to plan, so it is important to review your plan carefully.

Some of the most common but least recognized causes of disability include: 

• Arthritis and Back Pain: Arthritis, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions are one of the leading causes of long-term disability in aging adults. In fact, they make up one-third of all disability claims cases. These conditions often stem from long-term work at a computer or desk, but they are also further aggravated by such working conditions.
• Heart Disease and Stroke: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking approximately one life every 34 seconds. While heart disease and stroke do not necessarily hinder one’s ability to work, they are conditions that are aggravated by stress and can result in permanent physical disabilities or even death. 
• Cancer: Cancer is another condition that does not necessarily hinder one’s ability to work; however, with radiation treatments, chemotherapy, surgery, and other cancer treatments, one may find it difficult to make it to work most days, and if they do make it into work, they may be in continuous discomfort.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is linked to a number of other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, and can be very difficult to manage. Because of its difficulty to treat and ability to impact many areas of health, diabetes can often prevent a person from working.
• Nervous System Disorders: Nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, and Multiple Sclerosis are all conditions that affect the brain and can make it next to impossible for an individual to be productive.

While many people assume that accidents are the number one cause of disability, they actually account for less than 10 percent of all disability cases.

Most insurance companies do not require a disability to meet the exact definition as listed in their manuals; however, it can still be very difficult for an individual to have their claim approved. In fact, many valid first-time claims are denied. Because of this, many claimants benefit greatly from working with a long-term disability benefits attorney.

Consult an Experienced Illinois Long-Term Disability Attorney

At Bartolic Law, our long-term disability lawyers dedicate themselves to helping disabled individuals receive the compensation they need to pay their medical expenses, keep up with their finances, and fund a comfortable lifestyle. If you suffer from a long-term disability, contact our Chicago law firm to consult with a lawyer today.