Spinal Arachnoiditis and Long-Term Disability Claims

Spinal arachnoiditis is a rare but serious condition involving inflammation around the spinal cord, which can lead to nerve damage, scar tissue, and persistent nerve pain. Symptoms often include burning or stinging pain in the back or legs, numbness, muscle spasms, weakness, and problems with mobility or bladder function.

When these symptoms interfere with your ability to perform your job duties, long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits may provide critical financial support. However, proving disability from spinal arachnoiditis can be challenging, especially when insurance companies underestimate the severity of chronic pain and neurological limitations.

What Is Spinal Arachnoiditis?

Spinal arachnoiditis is the inflammation of the lining around the spinal cord. When this happens, the nerve signals that run throughout the body can start to overreact causing incredible pain. The cause of spinal arachnoiditis is being studied, but is still unknown. However, several triggers may be related to the onset of symptoms:

• The contrast dye previously used in CT scans and MRI’s;
• Spinal surgery;
• Spinal injections; and
• Scar tissue build up around the spinal cord.

All of these triggers are related to the treatment of another disease or injury. Therefore, It is possible to develop spinal arachnoiditis as a secondary disability as a result of your first disability. Less commonlt reported causes include Guillain-Barré syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of spinal arachnoiditis include:

• Shooting pain;
• Muscle twitching;
• Muscle cramps or spasms;
• Numbness or tingling; and
• An odd feeling like crawling up your skin.

Treatments

Treatment options are determined based on the suspected cause. Options include oral pain medication or injections, physical therapy, and even spinal cord stimulation.

Because there is no cure for spinal arachnoiditis, you will suffer from symptoms for the rest of your life. The symptoms and side effects of spinal arachnoiditis will make it very hard to continue to work.

Applying for Long-Term Disability with Spinal Arachnoiditis

Since spinal arachnoiditis can be caused by another disability, proving your claim can be tricky. You would think that it would be even easier to get long-term disability approved if you suffer from more than one disability, but the opposite is true. In fact, insurance companies have tactics they use to leave out details about your other disabilities. They hope the doctors reviewing your claim will not see a link between them. It’s critical that you build a strong claim.

Ways to Build a Strong Claim

The long-term disability process can be long and frustrating. Having to speak to doctors, lawyers, and insurance representatives can be tiresome, especially if you are dealing with the daily frustrations of your disability. Creating a complete administrative file will help you build your long-term disability case.

Keep a Record of Everything

Keeping a journal that records everything is very important to keeping your claim on track. Your journal is your evidence that you have been tracking everything regarding your claim. When a disability claims adjuster questions you, you will be able to recall the information quickly.

Gather Detailed Medical Evidence

Proving that you are disabled enough to receive long-term disability benefits involves providing complete medical information, prognosis, and functional limitations. A note from the doctor will not be enough. Read your policy to understand how your insurance company defines “disability.”

Familiarize Yourself with Your Policy

Ensure that you obtain a copy of your disability policy before you file a claim. Familiarize yourself with how your insurer defines a disability and what doesn’t fall under their definition. It’s crucial to adhere to these dates. Jot down important dates and timelines. Failing to meet a deadline could result in the rejection of your claim.

When to Consult with a Long-Term Disability Attorney

The long-term disability insurance company may deny your spinal archnoiditis claim. Since you are so limited by the appeals process, you should consult a disability attorney as soon as you receive a denial letter.

An experienced disability attorney will stay on top of your deadlines, gather evidence to support your claim, assist you during field interviews or independent medical reviews, and give you guidance that will help you get approved for LTD benefits.

The national disability attorneys at the Ortiz Law Firm can support you through administrative appeals and possible lawsuits. We only get paid if you win your case, so you can seek help without worrying about upfront costs or unexpected bills. Our experienced legal team will focus on your case so you can focus on your illness.

The Ortiz Law Firm offers a free case evaluation with no obligation to work with our firm. We have successfully represented people in disability cases across the United States. To get answers to your questions and to see how we can help you win your long-term disability case, call us today at (888) 321- 8131.