The sudden onset of Bell’s palsy can be a frightening experience. Most people assume they are having a stroke since the symptoms of the two conditions can appear to be similar. Once you reach your doctor, he or she should be able to tell the difference and help you start treatment right away.
If you are suffering from Bell’s palsy, you may qualify for long term disability benefits to help you financially while you recover from your severe medical condition.
What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a type of facial paralysis that affects one side of your face. It comes on suddenly (within 72 hours) and usually lasts for up to six months. The root cause is due to a malfunction of the facial nerve, but the environmental cause is still unknown. Scientists think that it can be related to a virus or underlying health condition like diabetes, migraines, or even nerve trauma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can appear suddenly and range from mild to severe. Some symptoms include:
- Sudden facial droop
- Loss of taste sensation
- Drooling
- Pain in your ear
- Sudden sensitivity to sound
- Facial tingling
- Balance problems
- Excessive tear production
- Vision problems
Treatments
Several treatment options are available for Bell’s palsy. These include:
Steroids: Corticosteroids like prednisone have been used to treat Bell’s palsy. Early invention (within three days of symptoms) has shown to decrease the time it takes to recover.
Eye Protection: The use of an eye mask to rest the eye at night is recommended. During the day, the use of eye ointments and eye drops will help with the dry irritation caused by the eye drooping.
Physiotherapy: Using exercises to work the facial muscles is very important to help recovery. This treatment method is very effective.
Applying for Long Term Disability with Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is usually a one-time occurrence. Recovery is typically up to six months, but sometimes it can take much longer. If you have a job where you must be in front of people often like a sales position, marketing position, or training position, it will be tough to continue to work. Even if you are a customer service representative, you will have a difficult time communicating without the full use of your mouth and tongue. It is a good idea to look into applying for long term disability benefits to help you financially while you are on a treatment plan.
Ways to Build a Strong Claim
The long term disability process can be long and frustrating. Having to speak to doctors, lawyers, and insurance representatives can be tiresome, especially if you are dealing with the daily complications of your disability. Creating a complete administrative file will help you build your long term disability case.
Keep a Record of Everything
Keeping a journal that records everything is very important to keeping your claim on track. Your journal is your evidence that you have been tracking everything regarding your claim. When a disability claims adjuster questions you, you will be able to recall the information quickly.
You Need More Than a Doctor’s Note
Proving that you are disabled enough to receive long term disability benefits involves providing complete medical information, prognosis, and functional limitations. A note from the doctor will not be enough. Read your policy to understand how your insurance company defines the term “disability” or “totally disabled”.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Policy
Be sure to request a copy of your disability policy from your employer (or insurance company) as soon as you know you will be filing a claim. Take the time to read through your entire policy to be sure you understand what your insurance company qualifies as a disability and what they do not. Make notes in your journal of timelines. This is critical. If you missed a deadline, your claim would be most likely be denied.
Consult An Attorney
Since you are so limited by the appeals process, consider consulting a disability attorney very early on. An experienced disability attorney can help you stay on top of your deadlines, help you gather your documents, assist you during field interviews, and give you guidance that will help you get your claim approved.
Mr. Ortiz is an experienced disability attorney and the founder of the Ortiz Law Firm. The Ortiz Law Firm can help you through every step of the process, from appeals to potentially filing a lawsuit. They only get paid if you win your case. You can seek help without worrying about upfront costs or unexpected bills. Our law experts will focus on your case so you can focus on your illness.
The Ortiz Law Firm offers a free consultation with no obligation to use our firm. During the call, you can ask any questions you have regarding your letter to your employer, and we will answer them. The Ortiz Law Firm has successfully represented people in disability cases across the United States. To see how we can help you win your long-term disability case, call us at (888) 321- 8131.