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Nystagmus and Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims

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Nystagmus is a vision condition characterized by involuntary, rapid eye movements. These movements can significantly affect a person’s ability to see clearly and maintain visual focus. For individuals whose jobs require precision, coordination, or consistent visual input, nystagmus can be a disabling condition. If the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with job performance, filing for long-term disability (LTD) benefits may become necessary.

Can You Get Long-Term Disability Benefits for Nystagmus?

Yes, if your nystagmus symptoms interfere with your ability to work full-time, you may qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits.

Insurance companies do not always understand nystagmus, especially when its impact on job performance isn’t clearly documented. That’s why it’s essential to present strong medical evidence and explain how your symptoms affect your functional capacity. If your condition prevents you from performing the duties of your occupation (or any occupation, depending on your policy) you may be entitled to benefits under your long-term disability insurance policy.

Understanding Nystagmus: Causes, Symptoms, and Prognosis

Nystagmus can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to a variety of underlying conditions, including:

The hallmark symptom of nystagmus is involuntary, rhythmic eye movement. It can be a side to side, up and down, or circular motion. These movements can cause:

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty with depth perception
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Problems with balance and coordination
  • Light sensitivity or difficulty seeing in low-light conditions

Many people with nystagmus also experience “oscillopsia,” which is a sensation that the environment is moving. This can be deeply disorienting and disruptive.

How Nystagmus Affects Work Ability

Nystagmus can impact various types of work, particularly those that require visual accuracy or spatial judgment. Some of the most affected job types include:

  • Office Work: Reading, typing, and prolonged screen time can be difficult due to constant eye movement and fatigue.
  • Driving or Operating Machinery: Most employers prohibit individuals with uncontrolled nystagmus from driving for safety reasons.
  • Jobs Requiring Fine Motor Skills: Tasks like assembly line work, lab work, or inspection may be impossible due to poor visual acuity.
  • Customer-Facing Roles: The condition may affect eye contact and communication, creating challenges in client-facing jobs.

Even with visual aids or adaptive techniques, many individuals with moderate to severe nystagmus are unable to sustain full-time employment.

Medical Evidence Needed for an LTD Claim for Nystagmus

Successfully filing a long-term disability claim for nystagmus requires strong objective medical evidence and documentation of functional limitations. Important components of a claim include:

  • Diagnosis from an ophthalmologist, neurologist, or otorhinolaryngologist
  • Visual acuity measurements (e.g., Snellen chart or Full-FieldE tests)
  • Eye movement studies such as electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG)
  • MRI or CT scans if a neurological cause is suspected
  • Treatment records detailing attempts to manage symptoms
  • Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) documenting how the condition limits the ability to work
  • Statements from treating physicians explaining how symptoms impact daily function

Common Issues in Nystagmus LTD Claims

Insurance companies often challenge nystagmus-based LTD claims, especially when:

  • The condition appears invisible or lacks dramatic physical symptoms
  • Claimants fail to adequately document how nystagmus affects their work
  • There is a lack of consistent treatment or failure to follow up with specialists
  • Surveillance is used by the insurer to suggest a claimant can perform daily activities

Another common challenge is that insurers may claim that corrective lenses or surgery should ease symptoms. Yet, these interventions are often ineffective.

Example Scenario: A Job Lost to Unseen Vision Struggles

Consider a quality control technician diagnosed with acquired nystagmus after a traumatic brain injury. Despite using magnifiers and assistive technology, her eye movements make it impossible to read labels or detect product defects reliably. After several months of trying to adapt, her employer places her on medical leave. She applies for LTD benefits, but the insurer denies the claim, stating she can perform “sedentary work.” With the help of legal counsel, she gathers additional medical evidence and eventually wins her appeal.

Legal representation is especially critical if your claim has been denied or you’re approaching a deadline to appeal. An experienced long-term disability attorney can:

  • Help gather the right medical and vocational evidence
  • Identify and counter common insurer tactics
  • Guide you through the appeal process after a denial or termination
  • Communicate directly with the insurer on your behalf

Attorney Nick Ortiz has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for those with vision disorders like nystagmus to get the benefits they deserve.

Contact Ortiz Law Firm

If you or a loved one is unable to work due to nystagmus and needs help appealing a long-term disability insurance claim denial, contact the Ortiz Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Call (888) 321-8131 to speak with an experienced disability attorney who understands what it takes to win these complex claims.

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