Patients with agoraphobia may be unable to work because of their disease and its related complications. Patients who find themselves unable to work because of their agoraphobia may qualify for long term disability (LTD) benefits. The insurance company will review their claim to see if they qualify under the conditions of that plan.
What is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder, defined by its panic attacks and periods of intense fear and horror. A panic attack is a short period of intensely heightened anxiety, characterized by chest pain, choking, dizziness, nausea, a racing heart, sweating, and trembling. They appear at moments of incredible stress.
Agoraphobia specifically causes anxiety in environments that are not familiar or which are thought to have no easy escape. Places like shopping malls, airports, or bridges are common areas for an agoraphobic attack, which are most likely to occur in wide-open spaces or social situations in which the person has no control.
The trigger for agoraphobia is widely felt to be a fear of public embarrassment. Most of the people who suffer from it are just as afraid of having a panic attack as they are of the settings that originally inspired them. A feeling of insecurity and disorientation can overtake an affected person when in uncomfortable situations, which cause increased anxiety. In severe cases, agoraphobic people may become too disturbed to ever leave their homes. This is why the disease is sometimes confused as a simple fear of crowds and public places.
The National Institute of Mental Health has calculated that around 3 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 54 have agoraphobia, and it is twice as likely to occur in women as men. It is assumed that people usually acquire this disease from experiencing an intense attack and fearing that one will occur again, causing avoidance of the place where it happened or anywhere similar. The illness can develop at any age but typically starts around 25.\
Qualifying for Long Term Disability
Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve for your agoraphobia. Even if you have been denied benefits, that does not mean your fight is over. Many people are denied benefits the first time they apply. You have the right to file an appeal and try to get more information that may help your case. Getting expert help is often the difference between being denied and being approved for benefits.
While the process can be daunting, your experienced disability attorney will be able to guide you through the process. They do not get paid until you win your case. You can seek help without worrying about upfront costs or unexpected bills.
The Ortiz Law Firm has successfully represented people in disability cases across the United States. If you would like to talk to an experienced disability lawyer about your agoraphobia and its impact on your ability to work, call us at (888) 321-8131. We would be happy to evaluate your case and to discuss how to help you through the appeal process.