Vestibular Dysfunction and Long-Term Disability Claims

Vestibular dysfunction refers to disorders that affect the inner ear and brain systems. It causes debilitating symptoms such as chronic dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and nausea. For individuals with severe vestibular disorders, continuing to work may become impossible. For those who cannot work, long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide financial support.

Overview of Vestibular Dysfunction

The vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear and brain. This system helps control balance and eye movements. Common causes of dysfunction include vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), acoustic neuroma, and traumatic brain injury.

Symptoms vary but often include:

• Persistent dizziness or vertigo
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Visual disturbances
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cognitive difficulties due to disorientation

These symptoms can fluctuate and may worsen with physical activity or certain environments. Over time, some individuals may develop anxiety or depression due to chronic symptoms.

Functional Limitations That Can Prevent Employment

Severe vestibular dysfunction can interfere with daily functioning and work capacity. For example:

• An office worker may struggle to focus or remain seated due to dizziness.
• A teacher may have difficulty standing or walking without support.
• A construction worker may be unable to safely navigate a job site due to impaired balance.

Symptoms may also interfere with concentration, head movements, or visual tracking. These limitations could cause excessive absences or performance issues that make working infeasible. In some cases, even sedentary jobs can become unmanageable.

Medical Evidence to Support a Disability Claim

Getting LTD benefits requires strong medical documentation. Evidence may include:

• Clinical evaluations by a neurologist or ENT specialist
• Hearing and vestibular testing (e.g., VNG, ENG, posturography)
• MRI or CT scans to rule out structural causes
• Blood tests to check for infections
• Detailed symptom diaries tracking frequency and severity
• Records of failed treatment efforts, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy or medications

Your treating physicians should describe how your symptoms affect your ability to work.

Challenges in Vestibular Dysfunction Disability Claims

Insurance carriers may deny claims due to the subjective nature of symptoms. Common obstacles include:

• Lack of “objective” test results despite disabling symptoms
• Surveillance intended to discredit reported limitations
• Misinterpretation of improvement based on sporadic medical records
• Biased medical reviews by insurance consultants

Symptoms are often invisible and variable. Insurers may claim that you can perform sedentary work, even when that is not feasible.

Hypothetical Case Example

Consider a paralegal with vestibular migraines and chronic vertigo from a head injury. Daily episodes of disorientation make it unsafe to drive and difficult to concentrate. Despite consistent treatment and vestibular therapy, symptoms persist. The insurer denies the LTD claim, arguing that the claimant can still work at a desk.

How a Disability Attorney Can Help

An attorney experienced in long-term disability claims can:

• Gather and present the necessary medical evidence
• Ensure treating physicians use language insurers look for
• Challenge unfair denials through appeals or litigation
• Protect your rights against insurance company tactics

The Ortiz Law Firm offers nationwide representation for LTD claims and appeals. We provide personalized attention and have deep knowledge of vestibular disorders. We can help you build the strongest possible case.

Get Help With Your LTD Claim

If you have received long-term disability denial, don’t give up. Call us at (888) 321-8131 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We have a proven track record of success in LTD appeals and are ready to fight for the benefits you deserve.