Seeking long-term disability benefits for immunodeficiency disorders requires a thorough understanding of the process and a proactive approach to overcome potential challenges. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge and strategies, you can increase your chances of a successful claim approval. If your claim is denied, a long-term disability attorney at the Ortiz Law Firm can help you appeal.
What Are Immunodeficiency Disorders?
Immunodeficiency disorders are characterized by the immune system’s inability to protect the body against bacteria or viruses. They cause a low level of white blood cells (called Leukocytes). A “normal” white cell count can range from 4,000 to 11,000 per microliter of blood. A low white cell count is anything under 4,000 per microliter of blood.
Genetic Immunodeficiency Disorders
Many immunodeficiency disorders are genetic and detected at birth or when a person is very young. Many types develop in people as they are exposed to different diseases and viruses throughout life.
- B-cell deficiencies—Examples include: anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancers.
- T-cell deficiencies—Infections can be very severe and fatal. The most common is DiGeorge Syndrome and a lack of thymus gland, which usually has physical symptoms as well.
- X-cell deficiencies—These only affect males and cause severe chronic nose, throat, ears, and lung infections.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Disorders
Another type of common immunodeficiency disorder is acquired. This means an outside environmental factor caused the disorder. Immunodeficiency disorders include illnesses like:
Common Symptoms of Immunodeficiency Disorders
The most common symptom of immunodeficiency disorders is a higher infection rate. Frequent sinus and ear infections are common. Infections are usually harder to recover from and last much longer than in a normal body. Other symptoms include:
- Mild colds turning into pneumonia and bronchitis;
- Inflammation of the organs;
- Blood disorders; and
- Digestive problems.
Treatment for Immunodeficiency Disorders
Treatments for immunodeficiency disorders usually include a comprehensive plan that involves aggressive antibiotics, immune-boosting therapy, immunoglobulin therapy, cell growth therapy, and stem cell transplants. Stem cell transplant therapy is the only known therapy that can cure immunodeficiency disorders. Unfortunately, stem cell transplants aren’t available for all patients as they require very specific conditions to be successful.
Long-Term Disability Claims for Immunodeficiency Disorders
Immunodeficiency disorders can cause problems for a lifetime. Chronic illnesses linked to immunodeficiency disorders can hinder your ability to work. Treatment options like aggressive antibiotics can make your body more susceptible to illnesses over time. Steroids used to support your immune system can cause rapid bone decay, leaving your skeletal system weak. If you are suffering from an immunodeficiency disorder, you need to think about applying for long-term disability.
Talk to Your Doctor
A diagnosis of an immunodeficiency disorder can be frightening, especially with no simple cure. Don’t be afraid to let your doctor know that you plan to file for long-term disability while you are receiving treatment. Here are some questions to ask your doctor:
- What further testing should be done?
- What’s the prognosis?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the known side effects of these treatments?
- Can I still work?
- How long will I be out of work?
- What restrictions do I have?
Residual Functional Capacity
When you file for long-term disability, the insurance company will request your doctor’s opinion regarding your residual functional capacity. Your doctor can complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form to document your residual functional capacity for the insurance company. Some of the questions will be:
- Lifting: How much weight can you lift, and with what frequency? For instance, lifting 25 lbs regularly and 50 lbs occasionally will categorize you under a medium RFC rating. However, if you can only lift between 10 and 25 lbs regularly, you will fall under the light RFC rating.
- Sitting and Standing: How long can you remain seated or stand continuously? Would you be capable of handling jobs that demand prolonged periods of either sitting or standing?
- Reaching: How efficiently can you reach out or overhead? It’s crucial to note that individuals with immunodeficiency disorders may face general weakness.
- Flexibility and Mobility: How proficient are you at bending, stooping, or crouching? Many jobs, especially in manual labor, necessitate these movements. An inability to carry them out may narrow down your job options.
What to Do If Your Long-Term Disability Claim Is Denied
If you have been denied disability benefits, do not lose hope. Many people are denied benefits the first time they apply, but you can gather additional evidence to support your claim and file an appeal. Since the appeal process is critical to recovering the benefits you deserve, consider consulting a disability attorney very early on.
Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve. An experienced long-term disability attorney can help you stay on top of your deadlines, gather evidence to support your appeal, assist you with vocational assessments and peer review reports, and give you guidance that will help you get your claim approved. Expert help is often the difference between being denied and being approved for benefits.
Nick Ortiz and the Ortiz Law Firm have successfully appealed long-term disability denials for countless claimants nationwide. If your claim has been wrongfully denied or terminated, we offer a free case evaluation with no obligation to use our firm. We do not get paid unless we recover your benefits. Call us at (888) 321-8131 to get help with your claim.
