Huntington’s Disease and Long-Term Disability Claims
Nov. 2, 2020
What Is Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease is a genetic condition that causes nerve cells to degenerate over time. Although many people with Huntington’s do not begin showing symptoms until their late thirties or early forties, the progressive nature of the disease makes it very likely that an individual’s condition will worsen over time.
Even if you have been able to work through the early symptoms of your Huntington’s disease, it is important to understand how to successfully document your condition in order to receive the disability benefits you rightfully deserve.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease causes a wide mix of physical and cognitive limitations that vary from person to person. Physical symptoms include involuntary jerking movements, poor gait and balance, slow eye movements, and muscle rigidity and stiffness, among others. Given these wide-ranging symptoms, people with Huntington’s can have difficulties utilizing their hands, reading and working on computers, and problems with walking, standing and sitting.
In addition to these physical limitations, Huntington’s can also result in a number of cognitive impairments which can lead to further issues in the workplace. Some of these issues include difficulties learning new information, effectively communicating with others, and remaining focused and organized throughout the day.
Steps to A Successful Huntington’s Disease Claim
It is important to understand that your insurance company will not make it easy for you to get the benefits you deserve. Adhering to the below steps is the safest way to ensuring a successful claim.
Treat with your doctor regularly. It is essential for the progression of your Huntington’s disease to be clearly outlined in your medical records. These records should also include how the symptoms of your Huntington’s disease are affecting you both at home and at work. In general, your medical records should serve to corroborate the restrictions and limitations you are reporting.
Obtain a copy of your disability policy. Once you have a copy of your policy, review it carefully and slowly. Keep an eye out for how it defines certain terms such as “disability” and “occupation.” It is important to understand what you will have to prove prior to filing a claim.
Provide a copy of your job description to your doctor. And then ask him or her to provide a brief letter explaining how your Huntington’s disease prevents you from being able to work. Objective documentation supporting your inability to perform the duties of your job is crucial to a successful case.
Keep track of your symptoms in a diary. Include how your symptoms affect you on a daily basis. A symptom diary can also be helpful to submit along with an appeal.
Choose an Experienced Long Term Disability Attorney to Help with Your Disability Claim
Perhaps most important of all, selecting a compassionate, skilled attorney is one of the safest ways of ensuring a successful disability claim. At Murray Law Office, our attorneys can help you file an initial application, assist in the management and ongoing claim, or prepare an appeal of a wrongful denial. We can also review your medical records and policy and explain to you how to proceed moving forward.
Don’t forget – insurance carriers will not make it easy for you to receive the benefits you deserve. If you or a loved one is suffering from Huntington’s disease, call Murray Law Office for a free consultation or visit our website.