Long-Term Disability for Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses in the world. Symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks, but some people continue to suffer from chronic fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues that prevent them from working. If you suffer from chronic symptoms of EBV and have a medically determinable impairment, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits. Long-term disability claims for EBV are often denied, but you should not give up on your case.

Although the insurance company will make it difficult, it is possible to receive disability benefits for the Epstein-Barr virus. There are many obstacles to overcome and deadlines to keep track of during the appeal process, but an experienced disability lawyer will help you and ensure your rights are protected. If you are unable to work due to an Epstein-Barr infection or its complications you can request a free case evaluation with a long-term disability insurance attorney.

Those who apply for long-term disability benefits may also need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Many disability insurance companies will require claimants to apply for any other benefits they may be eligible for. However, this is not an example of a disability insurance company looking out for your best interests. More often than not, the insurance company will be able to reduce the amount they pay you by the amount you receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA). At the end of the day, the insurance company is a business, and its objective is to make as much money as possible.

What Is Epstein-Barr Virus?

The Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpes family, is the virus most commonly associated with infectious mononucleosis, or mono. Symptoms of the condition usually last for two to four weeks, although feelings of fatigue may linger for weeks or months. In some cases, EBV infection can lead to a chronic condition called chronic active EBV (CAEBV). CAEBV is characterized by ongoing symptoms and blood test evidence of an active EBV infection.

Symptoms of Epstein-Barr Virus

The effects of the condition vary from one individual to another and result in varying levels of impairment. You may be able to get your doctor to issue a statement regarding your symptoms and how they affect your ability to work, which can be a good way to support your disability case. Common symptoms of an Epstein-Barr infection include:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Head and body aches
• Rash
• Swollen liver and enlarged spleen
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Extreme fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

Some experts believe that there may be a connection between EBV and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, no conclusive link has been found yet.

Diagnosis of Epstein-Barr Virus

A common challenge in diagnosing EBV is the similarity of its symptoms to those of other conditions such as the flu or a cold. Your doctor should order blood tests for antibodies or white blood cells that are specific to EBV. Various Epstein-Barr-related diseases can be diagnosed using different tools depending on the condition being investigated. Make sure the results of any diagnostic testing that confirms your diagnosis is included in the medical records you submit to the insurance company or the SSA.

Treatments and Therapies for Epstein-Barr Virus

The combination of antivirals with immunomodulatory drugs such as corticosteroids could be effective. Some of the specific treatments and therapies used to treat chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection include:

• Antivirals such as ganciclovir, acyclovir and vidarabine
• Immunomodulatory agents such as interleukin-2 and interferon
• Cell therapy by use of EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Chemotherapeutic agents

You may experience side effects that contribute to your impairment. Report any negative side effects to your doctor so that they can be documented in the medical records that you will submit to support your disability claim.

Qualifying for Long-Term Disability

It’s challenging to qualify for long-term disability for EBV because this virus isn’t usually expected to produce any long-term complications or symptoms that prevent work activity. However, those people who do suffer from chronic EBV infection may qualify for disability benefits if a medical professional can confirm that the claimant’s symptoms are not only chronic but disabling. The claimant must experience complications that are so severe that they are unable to work. Chronic fatigue and sore muscles may cause an inability to push, pull, lift objects or stand and walk for an extended period of time. Chronic fatigue is an EBV symptom that your long-term disability insurance company and the Social Security Administration (SSA) use to determine whether an individual is eligible for the benefits.

Individuals who seek to qualify for long-term disability benefits or Social Security Disability benefits face the challenge of gathering the necessary medical documentation to help support their claim. Without the required documents, the insurance company and the SSA cannot approve a claim for benefits. Even with help from the best disability lawyers, you need to present the necessary medical evidence. The medical evidence required when applying for disability benefits include:

• A physician’s report documenting your symptoms and prognosis
• A residual functional capacity evaluation or attending physician’s statement
• Your history and response to treatments
• A document explaining complications caused by your EBV infection
• History of any hospitalizations associated with EBV

Ask your doctor to provide you with a complete copy of your medical records as soon as possible once you decide to file for disability benefits.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability

As we stated at the beginning of this article, most of the individuals who file a disability claim with an insurance company will eventually be required to file for Social Security Disability benefits as well. This is because the insurance company knows they can reduce our monthly benefit amount by the amount you receive from Social Security. If your benefit from the SSA is equal to or greater than that which you receive from the insurance company you may only qualify to receive a minimum disability insurance benefit.

However, being approved for long-term disability does not guarantee that you will be approved for Social Security Disability. Disability claims with the SSA must meet different requirements than what is required by an insurance company. For example, the SSA will only approve a claim if the disability lasts or is expected to last at least 12 months.

How a National Disability Attorney Can Help

If you suffer from chronic EBV, you are probably worried about your deteriorating health and income loss now that you have lost the ability to work.  You have enough to worry about already, so let us help you qualify for the benefits you deserve. Fighting for long-term disability benefits or SSD benefits can be difficult and frustrating. Even if you cannot work due to EBV the insurance company could deny your claim for benefits. If you try to fight for your rights alone, you could get stressed and frustrated, which only makes matters worse.

The insurance companies know the rules and regulations for disability and will use them against you. A free referral service may connect you with a general practitioner, but they likely will not have much experience with complex disability law. Instead, you should work with an experienced long-term disability lawyer who understands the rules and regulations of disability law, such as ERISA, to fight for you and protect your rights. Experienced attorneys improve your chances of receiving your benefits if the insurance companies have wrongfully denied your claims.

The Epstein-Barr virus can be found globally, and anyone can become infected. If you experience chronic indicators of the virus that prevent you from working, you should file a claim for disability. Even if you have a severe impairment, insurance companies are rarely willing to give you the disability benefits you are entitled to without a fight. Those who suffer from a disabling condition should get help with their claims by hiring a highly skilled disability attorney to fight for their rights.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

When you suffer from an impairment that prevents you from working you do not have time for your case to be denied. The Ortiz Law Firm is a disability law firm that represents claimants anywhere in the United States. If you need help with your claims you can contact us for a free case evaluation. If you have already been denied, you only have a limited time to appeal your denied case. Call us at (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation today.