Thoracolumbar Levoscoliosis and Long-Term Disability Claims

Living with chronic back pain and limited mobility can make holding down a job nearly impossible—especially if your condition worsens over time. For individuals diagnosed with thoracolumbar levoscoliosis, the physical challenges and ongoing symptoms can have a serious impact on their ability to work full-time. Understanding how this condition affects daily function, what medical evidence is needed for a long-term disability claim, and how to overcome insurance barriers is key to securing the benefits you deserve.

Understanding Thoracolumbar Levoscoliosis

Thoracolumbar levoscoliosis is a type of scoliosis characterized by a leftward (levo) curvature of the spine that spans the thoracic (middle back) and lumbar (lower back) regions. This condition can be congenital, idiopathic (of unknown cause), or develop secondary to other spinal conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the curve and may include uneven shoulders and hips, as well as back, chest, and leg pain. In more severe cases, thoracolumbar levoscoliosis can lead to postural deformities, difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, and even respiratory or gastrointestinal complications due to the pressure exerted on internal organs.

How It Limits the Ability to Work

The physical effects of thoracolumbar levoscoliosis can significantly limit a person’s ability to maintain regular employment, especially in physically demanding jobs. For example:

• Construction Worker or Nurse: Jobs that require frequent lifting, bending, or prolonged standing can exacerbate pain and spinal instability.
• Office Worker: Prolonged sitting can increase lower back pain and stiffness, making desk jobs challenging.
• Retail or Warehouse Workers: Repetitive motions and constant mobility can become intolerable due to pain and fatigue.

In some cases, pain can interfere with concentration, productivity, and consistent attendance, even in sedentary jobs.

Medical Evidence to Support a Claim

Comprehensive medical documentation is essential to support a long-term disability (LTD) claim for thoracolumbar levoscoliosis. This includes:

• Diagnostic imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, that show the degree of spinal curvature.
• Reports from treating physicians, especially specialists such as orthopedic surgeons or neurologists.
• Clinical notes describing pain levels, functional limitations, and response to treatment.
• Documentation of prescribed treatments, including physical therapy, bracing, medications, or surgery.
• Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) to assess work-related limitations.

Consistency in medical records and ongoing treatment demonstrates the chronic and disabling nature of the condition.

Hypothetical Case Example

Consider Sarah, a 46-year-old warehouse manager with a long history of back problems. Over time, she develops thoracolumbar levoscoliosis, which is confirmed by an MRI. Despite pain management and physical therapy, Sarah finds it increasingly difficult to lift boxes, supervise employees on her feet, and climb stairs at work. Her pain disrupts her sleep and leaves her tired during the day.

When her condition forces her to reduce her hours and eventually stop working, she applies for long-term disability benefits. Her claim includes extensive imaging results, notes from her orthopedic specialist, and a functional capacity evaluation. Nevertheless, her insurer questions the severity of her symptoms and denies her claim.

Common Claim Challenges

LTD claims involving thoracolumbar levoscoliosis often face the following challenges:

• Subjectivity of Symptoms: Pain and fatigue are difficult to measure objectively.
• Inconsistent Imaging Results: Some curves may appear mild on X-rays, leading insurers to downplay their impact.
• Surveillance or Social Media Monitoring: Insurers may try to show that the claimant is more active than reported.
• Biased Medical Reviews: Physicians hired by insurers may downplay limitations or suggest alternative diagnoses.

Legal Assistance for a Denied Claim

If your LTD claim for thoracolumbar levoscoliosis is denied or terminated, a long-term disability attorney can help you appeal the decision or file a lawsuit. An experienced attorney can gather additional medical evidence, obtain supportive expert testimony, and ensure that your insurer follows ERISA guidelines and deadlines.

The Ortiz Law Firm has a proven track record of handling LTD appeals nationwide. Attorney Nick Ortiz and his team provide personalized support to help clients navigate complex insurance requirements and secure the benefits they deserve.

Get Help Today

If your long-term disability claim for thoracolumbar levoscoliosis has been denied, don’t give up. Contact the Ortiz Law Firm for a free case evaluation at (888) 321-8131. We offer nationwide representation and a commitment to fighting for the benefits you need to move forward with confidence.