Transverse Myelitis and Long-Term Disability Benefits

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare but serious disorder that impairs mobility, sensation, and bodily functions. The physical and cognitive limitations can make it impossible to sustain gainful employment. Unfortunately, many long-term disability (LTD) claims get denied due to the condition’s complexity and fluctuating symptoms.

What Is Transverse Myelitis?

Transverse myelitis is a neurological condition caused by inflammation on both sides of one segment of the spinal cord. It can arise from infections like Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr or autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis or lupus. Sometimes, there is no identifiable cause. TM can develop suddenly over hours or days or may progress over several weeks. It often results in:

• Pain, often in the back or extremities
• Weakness or paralysis in arms or legs
• Abnormal sensations (tingling, burning, numbness)
• Bladder and bowel problems

While some people recover, others experience lasting impairments. TM can cause permanent loss of mobility or sensory function, spasticity, and depression or anxiety.

Functional Limitations That Affect Work Capacity

Transverse myelitis can lead to both physical and neurological symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and work. Limitations may include:

• Inability to walk or stand for extended periods due to paralysis or balance issues
• Difficulty with fine motor skills, impacting typing or manual tasks
• Chronic pain and fatigue, reducing stamina and concentration
• Bladder and bowel urgency that disrupts work routines

These limitations can be connected to specific job duties. For example, an attorney might struggle with typing and sitting for long hours; and a teacher may have difficulty managing a classroom due to fatigue or incontinence.

Medical Evidence That Supports a Disability Claim

Because TM symptoms can vary, strong medical evidence is critical. Key documentation may include:

• MRI scans showing spinal cord inflammation or lesions
• Neurological exams assessing reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory loss
• Reports documenting the progression or stability of symptoms
• A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) to assess physical limitations

Regular treatment also strengthens your claim. Consistent treatment and follow-up visits help to prove the severity and persistence of your condition.

Challenges in Transverse Myelitis Disability Claims

Claimants with TM often face hurdles such as:

• Insurance companies minimizing symptoms or attributing them to psychological causes
• Lack of visible disability, especially in cases where symptoms fluctuate
• Requests for independent medical exams (IMEs) or peer review reports by biased doctors
• Surveillance to capture activities that appear inconsistent with reported limitations

Insurers may also argue that improvement is likely, even when long-term deficits remain.

Hypothetical Case Example: Olivia the Marketing Manager

Olivia, a 42-year-old marketing manager, was diagnosed with transverse myelitis after suddenly losing feeling in her legs. After treatment, she regained partial mobility but continued to experience leg weakness, fatigue, and urinary urgency. Although she tried to return to work, she couldn’t maintain a full schedule or concentrate during long meetings.

When Olivia filed for LTD benefits, her insurer initially approved her claim. However, after a year, they terminated benefits based on a brief IME suggesting she could perform sedentary work. Olivia’s treating neurologist strongly disagreed, so she contacted an LTD attorney to help appeal the denial.

How Legal Representation Can Help

Navigating a transverse myelitis disability claim can be overwhelming. This is especially true when dealing with insurers who downplay the severity of neurological impairments. A long-term disability attorney can:

• Gather compelling medical and vocational evidence
• Coordinate supportive opinions from treating specialists
• Challenge unfair IMEs and surveillance tactics
• Represent you during appeals and litigation

The Ortiz Law Firm has extensive experience helping individuals with complex neurological conditions like TM recover the benefits they deserve.

Need Help with Your LTD Claim? Contact the Ortiz Law Firm

If your long-term disability claim for transverse myelitis has been denied or wrongfully terminated, don’t give up. The Ortiz Law Firm offers nationwide representation and personalized legal support to help you fight back. Call (888) 321-8131 today for a free case evaluation.