Long-Term Disability For Organ Transplant Recipients

Organ transplants are often life-saving, but they are also life-altering. While the goal of a transplant is to restore health and quality of life, the recovery process and potential complications can be overwhelming.

Many transplant recipients are unable to return to work due to physical limitations, ongoing treatment needs, or serious post-operative complications. Despite this, many applicants are denied long-term disability benefits. If you have received a long-term disability (LTD) insurance denial after undergoing an organ transplant, you are not alone—and you may have a right to appeal.

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we help individuals nationwide who have been unfairly denied long-term disability benefits. Nick Ortiz has been representing disability insurance claimants since 2005. We understand the unique challenges transplant recipients face and how to build a strong claim for benefits.

How an Organ Transplant Can Affect Your Ability to Work

Major solid organ transplants—such as heart, lung, liver, kidney, or pancreas transplants—are major surgeries with long recovery times and lifelong medical considerations. Even if the surgery is successful, many recipients experience complications or side effects that interfere with daily functioning and employment.

Some of the most common post-transplant issues that can affect your ability to work include:

• Side effects of immunosuppressive therapy, such as fatigue, increased risk of infection, nausea, headaches, and cognitive problems.
• Organ rejection or failure, which may lead to hospitalization or further medical intervention.
• Chronic fatigue or weakness, even after initial recovery.
• Infections due to suppressed immune function
• Depression or anxiety related to the stress of the procedure and ongoing health monitoring
• Kidney or liver dysfunction due to anti-rejection medications
• Frequent medical appointments for lab work, monitoring, and follow-up procedures

These symptoms and complications can make it impossible to perform the duties of your job, especially if your job is physically demanding, highly stressful, or requires regular attendance.

Why Long-Term Disability Claims Are Denied After a Transplant

Despite the seriousness of organ transplantation, LTD claims are often denied. Insurance companies may:

• Claim that you’ve recovered enough to return to work.
• Argue that your current symptoms are not severe enough to be disabling.
• Require “objective evidence” of subjective symptoms like fatigue or brain fog.
• Use biased medical reviews to dispute your treating physician’s opinion.

These denials can be devastating, especially when you’re still dealing with the physical and emotional effects of your transplant.

Medical Evidence That Supports a Disability Claim

To be successful on appeal, your claim must be supported by strong, consistent medical evidence. This may include:

• Detailed medical records from your transplant team.
• Evidence of complications such as rejection or infection.
• Treatment notes documenting fatigue, pain, cognitive problems, or side effects
• Statements from your transplant surgeon or primary care physician
• Neuropsychological testing, if cognitive symptoms are at issue
• A personal statement explaining how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work

It’s also important to continue to receive regular treatment and follow all prescribed medical advice, as gaps in care can be used against you.

How We Help Transplant Recipients Fight LTD Claim Denials

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we know what it takes to overcome a wrongful LTD denial. Our team:

• Reviews your denial letter and policy to identify key issues
• Gathers the medical and vocational evidence needed to support your appeal
• Works with your doctors to obtain strong supporting opinions
• Handles all communications with the insurance company
• Builds a persuasive legal argument on your behalf

Unlike large, impersonal firms, we offer a personalized experience. We take the time to understand your situation and keep you informed every step of the way. Nick Ortiz will personally oversee your case to ensure that no detail is overlooked.

We Represent Clients Nationwide

You don’t have to live in Florida to work with us. We represent long-term disability claimants throughout the United States. If your LTD claim was denied after an organ transplant, contact us to discuss your appeal. We’ll help you fight for the benefits you deserve. Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case evaluation today.