Long-Term Disability Claims For Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is the top cause of thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism). Living with Hashimoto’s disease can present numerous challenges, impacting one’s ability to maintain a regular work schedule and affecting overall quality of life. From the fluctuating symptoms to the unpredictable nature of the disease, individuals dealing with Hashimoto’s may find themselves in need of financial support to cope with their health challenges.

If you have disability insurance coverage, you may be in luck. Long-term disability (LTD) insurance can support you if you can’t work for an extended period due to Hashimoto’s. If you need help with your claim or a denial, contact disability attorney Nick Ortiz. He has handled long-term disability claims since 2005, assisting people nationwide. Call us at (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case review today.

Get a Free Case Review

Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland. This chronic disorder occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to inflammation and interfering with its ability to produce hormones essential for regulating metabolism.

Overview of Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is one of the most common autoimmune disorders, especially among women. While the exact cause remains unclear, genetics, whether you have other autoimmune diseases, and environmental factors are believed to play a role in its development. The hallmark of Hashimoto’s is the gradual destruction of thyroid tissue, leading to an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. This can result in a range of symptoms that impact daily life.

Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease vary widely. When antibodies attack the thyroid, they might produce more thyroid hormones, known as Hashitoxicosis. Not everyone experiences this, but it can lead to symptoms such as feeling overly warm, a fast heart rate, sweating, weight loss, tremors, and anxiety.

If the thyroid is underproducing, symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold temperatures, hair loss, muscle weakness, and joint pain. The condition can also affect mood, causing depression and cognitive difficulties. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, leading to decreased energy levels, challenges maintaining a healthy weight, and emotional distress.

Those with Hashimoto’s disease may also experience other complications, including:

• Goiter: This is when your thyroid gland gets larger, causing a bump on your neck. It’s not cancer, but it can lead to issues like pain or difficulty swallowing, breathing, or talking.
• Cardiovascular problems: Untreated hypothyroidism can affect your heart by causing poor function, an enlarged heart, and irregular heartbeats. Additionally, it can lead to high levels of “bad” cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and heart failure. It can also damage the peripheral nerves, causing peripheral neuropathy.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Hashimoto’s disease can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder causing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the extremities. The immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, disrupting their function and causing symptoms. Signs of peripheral neuropathy include difficulty walking and gripping objects.
• Myxedema: This is a rare condition that can develop because of untreated hypothyroidism and is life-threatening. Symptoms include feeling drowsy, extreme tiredness, and unconsciousness. A myxedema coma can be triggered by exposure to cold, sedatives, infection, or other stress on your body. Immediate emergency medical treatment is essential for myxedema.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosing Hashimoto’s disease typically involves blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies. An ultrasound may also be performed to assess the size and condition of the thyroid gland. Once diagnosed, treatment aims to restore hormone levels through thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This often involves daily medication to supplement the hormones the thyroid is unable to produce adequately. Hormone replacement can also treat a goiter. If not, you may need surgery to remove it.

Long-Term Disability Claims for Hashimoto’s Disease

Living with Hashimoto’s disease can present significant challenges that may impact your ability to work and earn a living. If you’re considering pursuing a long-term disability claim due to Hashimoto’s disease, it’s essential to understand the process involved. Here’s a breakdown of filing a claim, appealing a denied claim, and seeking professional assistance navigating the complexities of long-term disability claims for Hashimoto’s disease.

Filing a Long-Term Disability Claim for Hashimoto’s Disease

When filing a long-term disability claim for Hashimoto’s disease, it’s crucial to gather all necessary medical documentation to support your case. This may include doctor’s diagnoses, treatment plans, test results, and other relevant medical records. Clearly outlining how Hashimoto’s disease impacts your ability to work is essential in strengthening your claim.

Medical documentation may also include information about other relevant diagnoses. Many individuals with Hashimoto’s disease experience complications or have other disabling medical conditions. Medical records from various specialists detailing each condition’s diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are essential. Your Hashimoto’s alone may not be disabling, but the combined effect of your conditions may be.

Be thorough when completing claim forms, ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date. Highlight how your disabling conditions affect your daily life, including symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, and other impairments that hinder your ability to perform essential job functions. Providing detailed and specific information will increase your chances of a successful claim.

RELATED POST: How to Apply for Long-Term Disability Benefits

Appealing a Denied Claim

If your long-term disability claim for Hashimoto’s disease is denied, don’t lose hope. Many claims are initially denied, but the appeal process allows you to present additional evidence and strengthen your case. Review the denial letter carefully to understand the reasons for the denial and gather any missing information or documentation.

Craft a compelling appeal letter that addresses the reasons for the denial and includes new evidence supporting your claim. Consider consulting with a disability lawyer specializing in long-term disability claims to guide you through the appeals process. Their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of appealing a denied claim and increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.

FREE RESOURCE: Appeal a Long-Term Disability Denial with our LTD Appeal Guide

Seeking Professional Assistance

Navigating the intricacies of long-term disability claims for Hashimoto’s disease can be daunting, especially when dealing with denials or appeals. Seeking professional assistance from a disability lawyer can give you the expertise and support needed to pursue your claim effectively.

A disability attorney can review your case, offer legal advice, and represent you throughout the appeal process, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome. Their knowledge of disability laws and experience in handling similar cases can be instrumental in securing the benefits you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance in navigating the complexities of long-term disability claims for Hashimoto’s disease.

Maintaining Long-Term Disability Benefits

Ensuring the continuation of your long-term disability benefits is crucial for financial stability when dealing with Hashimoto’s disease. Compliance with insurance requirements and proactively addressing changes in your medical condition are key factors in safeguarding your benefits.

RELATED POST: 10 Tips to Maintain Approval of Your LTD Benefits

Complying with Insurance Requirements

To maintain your long-term disability benefits, it’s vital to adhere to the guidelines set forth by your insurance provider. This includes submitting all necessary paperwork on time, attending medical evaluations as requested, and providing updated medical records regularly. Failure to comply with these requirements could jeopardize your benefits.

Additionally, it is essential to communicate with your insurance company and promptly inform them of any changes in your contact information or circumstances. By following their procedures and keeping them informed, you can help ensure a smooth continuation of your disability benefits.

Addressing Changes in Medical Condition

As individuals with Hashimoto’s disease know, medical conditions can fluctuate, leading to changes in symptoms and treatment needs. It’s crucial to promptly address any shifts in your health status with your healthcare providers and inform your insurance company of these changes.

If your condition improves and you plan to return to work, it’s essential to follow the necessary protocols for notifying your insurance provider and transitioning off disability benefits smoothly. On the other hand, if your condition worsens or if new health issues arise, documenting these changes and seeking appropriate medical care is vital to support your disability claim.

By proactively managing changes in your medical condition and staying compliant with insurance requirements, you can increase the likelihood of maintaining your long-term disability benefits, providing you with the financial support you need during challenging times.

Claim Denied? Schedule a Free Case Review

Navigating the intricacies of insurance policies, medical documentation requirements, and legal jargon demands patience and persistence. Remember that you are not alone in this journey; support is available to assist you. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney experienced in handling Hashimoto’s disease disability claims can provide you with invaluable support.

National disability attorney Nick Ortiz has been protecting the rights of long-term disability claimants since 2005. Ortiz Law Firm specializes in helping people get the disability benefits they deserve from insurance companies. Call us at (888) 321-8131 or contact us online to schedule a free case review with our disability insurance lawyer. The case review is free, and there is no attorney fee unless we win your claim.