Patients with colitis may be unable to work because of their disease and its related complications. Patients who find themselves unable to work because of their colitis 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 Colitis?
Colitis is a digestive disease caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the membrane lining of the colon or large intestine. There are several types of colitis that differ in the severity of colon damage. These include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ischemic colitis, necrotizing colitis, and fulminant colitis. In any form, colitis is a serious condition that can cause extreme pain and inflammation. In some cases, a lack of blood flow may occur and infections may arise, including those usually caused by food poisoning and bacterial viruses and parasites.
The symptoms may vary depending on the type of colitis you are experiencing. Signs may include abdominal pain and bloating, dehydration, chills, diarrhea, high fever, constant and extreme need to pass a bowel movement and the passing of bloody stools. More severe signs may also include difficulty urinating, severe rectal or abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. If a person you have shared food with begins to experience similar symptoms, this is also a bad sign.
To diagnose colitis, a physical exam is necessary to determine how long symptoms have persisted, the severity of pain, how often pain and symptoms occur and how long they last. A colonoscopy, which is performed by inserting a flexible tube into the rectum to study the different affected areas of the colon, will also usually be administered.
If you have become debilitated because of colitis, you may wish to file for disability benefits from your long-term disability insurance company. Unfortunately, many claims are denied or terminated prematurely.
Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve for your colitis. 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 colitis 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.
