Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and Long-Term Disability

Living with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) can be physically and emotionally draining. This progressive neurological disorder can make it difficult—if not impossible—to maintain steady employment due to debilitating symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and chronic fatigue.

Many people with CIDP turn to long-term disability (LTD) benefits for financial support, only to face complex application processes and insurance company denials. Understanding how CIDP affects your ability to work, and the medical evidence required can help you strengthen your claim and improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

Understanding CIDP

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare, progressive neurological disease that affects the peripheral nerves. It is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves’ protective sheath (myelin). The result is weakness, numbness, and a gradual loss of motor function. CIDP is often compared to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), but unlike GBS, which develops rapidly and typically resolves within weeks or months, CIDP is a chronic condition that can worsen over time or occur in cycles of relapse and remission.

Types of CIDP

There are several variations of CIDP, each with different symptoms and patterns of progression:

• Multifocal Motor Neuropathy: Primarily affects motor nerves, resulting in weakness without significant sensory loss. It is often asymmetric and may mimic motor neuron diseases such as ALS.
• Lewis-Sumner Syndrome: Also known as multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM), this form involves asymmetric weakness and sensory loss, often affecting one limb more than the others.
• Pure Sensory CIDP: This type affects only the sensory nerves, resulting in numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation without significant muscle weakness.
• Pure Motor CIDP: A rare form of CIDP that affects only motor function, causing progressive muscle weakness without affecting sensation.

Symptoms and How They Affect Work

CIDP symptoms vary in severity, but typically include:

• Progressive muscle weakness in the arms and legs
• Tingling or numbness, usually starting in the hands and feet
• Loss of reflexes
• Difficulty walking, standing, or balancing
• Pain or aching sensations in the limbs

These symptoms can make it difficult to perform even sedentary work, as persistent numbness and weakness can interfere with typing, handling objects, or maintaining concentration due to chronic pain and fatigue.

Medical Evidence to Support a Disability Claim

To qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, claimants must provide comprehensive medical evidence showing how CIDP affects their ability to work. Important documentation includes:

• Neurological Examinations: Reports from a neurologist detailing weakness, loss of reflexes, and sensory deficits.
• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests confirm nerve damage and demyelination.
• Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): Elevated levels of protein in the cerebrospinal fluid may indicate CIDP.
• MRI of the Spine: May show nerve root inflammation.
• Treatment History: Records of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), corticosteroids, or plasmapheresis many indicate the severity of the condition.
• Assessment of Functional Limitations: A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form from a treating physician outlining physical and cognitive limitations.

Challenges in Obtaining Long-Term Disability for CIDP

Insurance companies often deny CIDP-related LTD claims by arguing:

• The condition is not severe enough to prevent work.
• Symptoms are subjective and not supported by objective evidence.
• The claimant can still perform sedentary work.
• The claimant’s condition will improve with treatment.

Because CIDP varies in severity, insurers may also dispute whether the symptoms are disabling for an extended period of time. A well-documented medical record, combined with a detailed RFC evaluation, can help overcome these challenges.

How a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a long-term disability claim for CIDP can be challenging. Insurance companies often scrutinize claims, looking for reasons to deny benefits. An experienced disability attorney can help address claim denials by:

• Collecting and organizing comprehensive medical and vocational evidence.
• Communicating with treating physicians to ensure proper documentation of functional limitations.
• Representing claimants in court if litigation is necessary.
• Ensuring that all deadlines and procedural requirements are met.

Why Choose the Ortiz Law Firm for Your CIDP Disability Claim?

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we specialize in handling long-term disability insurance claims nationwide. Nick Ortiz has been advocating for disability claimants since 2005 and understands the complexities of fighting denied claims. Unlike large firms where clients may feel like just another case number, our team provides personalized attention and a dedicated strategy tailored to your unique medical situation.

If your CIDP long-term disability claim has been denied or terminated, you have the right to appeal. Contact us online or call us today at (888) 321-8131 for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case, guide you through the appeal process, and work tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve.