Patients with anxiety may be unable to work because of their disease and its related complications. Patients who find themselves unable to work because of their anxiety 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 Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that we have all experienced at some point or another. It is a term that is used to describe a feeling of combined fear, worry, and apprehension that is driven by four different characteristics. The cognitive aspect of anxiety refers to the person’s expectation of danger and knowing that it will appear at some unknown time. The somatic aspect is that your body reacts physically to the fear you are experiencing mentally. This is known as an emergency reaction and causes the heart rate and blood pressure to increase and sweating to begin. The emotional aspect of anxiety brings serious mental dread and physical nausea. The behavioral aspect allows the person to try all manner of ways to escape the source of anxiety, sometimes involuntarily.
Anxiety on its own is not a serious condition, as it is a relevant and common emotion alongside happiness, sadness, fear and anger. However, in people who have anxiety disorders, it can elevate to a state of extreme panic or terror. There are several different kinds of anxiety disorders, but these are some of the most common.
- Generalized anxiety disorder— This is diagnosed when a person has experienced over six months of constant worry about no one specific thing. All everyday activity becomes a fearful circumstance;
- Phobic disorders— This is the largest type of anxiety, affecting between 5% and 12% of the world population. It includes any case of anxiety triggered by a certain object or situation; and
- Panic disorder— This type is defined as a situation where anxiety occurs and peaks in less than ten minutes. These attacks usually result in intense shaking, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. They can be brief or last for several hours.
Other common and more specific types of anxiety disorders include social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and separation anxiety.
Anxiety disorders can affect people in many different ways. Nausea, headaches, stomach-aches, heart palpitations and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Cases can cause as little as occasional nervousness or can be as extreme as some of the instances listed above. In any form, anxiety disorders can cause life-affecting psychological and physical damage.
Work With an Experienced Long Term Disability Attorney
Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve for your anxiety. 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 anxiety 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.