Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by uncontrolled muscle contractions. These contractions can make the affected body part experience cramping, irregular movements, or abnormal postures. Dystonia can affect just one body part (focal dystonia), two or more adjoining body parts (segmental dystonia), or the entire body (general dystonia). The condition can occur either by itself or as a result of another condition or disease.
The early signs of dystonia are usually mild and occur only during certain activities. Symptoms can vary depending on which body part is affected. For instance, dystonia affecting the eyelids can cause rapid or irregular blinking or the eyes to close randomly. If the tongue or throat is affected the person can experience slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, or drooling. Symptoms often become worse with stress or fatigue. Over time, the symptoms can worsen or spread to other areas of the body.
Complications can vary depending on which parts of the body are affected. Pain, stiffness, and fatigue can result from muscle contractions. Changes in mood and ability to concentrate can be a particularly distressing symptom for patients. Difficulty eating or speaking can result. Any person living with dystonia can experience social anxiety and depression from the symptoms.
Diagnosing Dystonia
People experiencing dystonia should see their physicians as soon as possible as it could be the result of a serious illness. Dystonia can be diagnosed from a clinical exam and patient medical history. Diagnostic tests are used to determine the root cause and can include:
- Blood and urine tests to screen out poisoning and toxicity;
- MRI to see any abnormalities like lesions, scarring, or signs of a stroke; and
- Electromyography (EMG) to test how well the muscles respond to an electrical stimulus.
Treating Dystonia
Dystonia is not curable, but some treatments can help. Working to eliminate symptom triggers and lessen stress can also help reduce the occurrence and severity of symptoms. Medications, physical therapy, and surgery are all options for treatment. Botox injections can decrease or eliminate troublesome muscle movements. Oral medications target the brain chemicals responsible for muscle movement. Physical therapy can lessen symptoms, improve working function, and ease the pain. As a last resort, surgery is used to sever or control the nerves or specific regions of the brain.
Disability Evaluation of Dystonia
Definition of Disability
Most long term disability (LTD) plans consider a person disabled if they have a medical condition that causes them to 1) be unable to perform their work duties for the first two years of the policy and 2) be unable to work in almost any job for the following years. Each LTD plan defines disability as slightly different, so look over your plan policy to see how your plan determines “disabled.”
Evaluating Disability for People with Dystonia
Patients seeking disability benefits for dystonia must prove that they are impacted in a way that they cannot perform their old job (or depending on the language of the long term disability insurance policy – any job that they could be trained to work). The insurance company will look to see if the patient’s symptoms are so severe as to prevent full time employment, and to see if the medical records support that level of impairment.
For individuals looking to obtain disability benefits due to dystonia, the main criterion is the evaluation of their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which demonstrates the impact of dystonia on their daily activities. You may not be able to use fine motor skills for a long period of time, preventing you from working at a job that requires a lot of writing, typing, or using your hands. If you have difficulties speaking, even a call center job may be out of the picture. The irregularity and unpredictable nature of symptoms can prevent many people from working if their symptoms are severe.
If an underlying condition leads to your dystonia, you might qualify for disability based on that condition’s criteria. Even if your dystonia isn’t intense enough to qualify, you may still be eligible for benefits.
Information Your Insurance Provider Needs From You and Your Doctors
It’s crucial to inform your insurance provider about any medical professionals you have seen concerning your dystonia or any related issues. For a comprehensive understanding of your health, the insurance company will require access to all pertinent medical records. It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurer receives all of your medical records.
You should provide examination notes along with any related medical tests and laboratory findings. Evidence of your diagnosis, your symptoms, and the extent to which these symptoms affect you are critical. Thorough documentation plays a pivotal role in ensuring your claim’s success. A residual functional capacity (RFC) evaluation sheds light on the impact of the disorder on you and your abilities. This assessment also pinpoints potential professions you might still be able to engage in, given your constraints.
Working with a Long Term Disability Attorney
The Ortiz Law Firm has successfully represented people in disability cases across the United States. We have represented claimants in claims with Cigna, Hartford, Lincoln, MetLife, Prudential, Reliance Standard, Unum, and a variety of other disability insurance companies. If you would like to talk to one of our experienced disability lawyers about your dystonia 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.