{"id":1533,"date":"2020-03-10T20:52:41","date_gmt":"2020-03-10T20:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nolfinal.wpengine.com\/?page_id=1533"},"modified":"2023-03-28T14:06:05","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T14:06:05","slug":"spina-bifida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nickortizlaw.com\/practice-areas\/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer\/medical-conditions\/spina-bifida\/","title":{"rendered":"Spina Bifida and Long Term Disability Insurance Claims"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Patients with spina bifida may be unable to work because of their disease and its related complications. Patients who find themselves unable to work because of their spina bifida may qualify for long term disability (LTD)<\/a> benefits. The insurance company will review their claim to see if they qualify under the conditions of that plan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What is Spina Bifida?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Spina bifida, also known as splint spine syndrome, is a rare birth defect in which the spinal cord and vertebrae do not properly develop. There are gaps in the vertebrae that can expose sections of the spinal nerves, which can allow the spinal nerves to protrude out into the tissues of the back.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are three different types of spina bifida, which range in severity. spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form; some people never know that they have it until it shows up on a diagnostic test. In meningocele, the membranes that surround the spinal cord are pushed through an opening in the vertebrae and form a fluid-filled sac. Since the spinal nerves are not affected, there is less chance of nerve damage for people with meningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. Large or multiple openings in the vertebrae expose large sections of the spinal cord, pushing out through the openings and leaving the person vulnerable to nerve damage and infection.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Spina Bifida cannot be cured. People with spina bifida often have issues with learning disabilities and cognitive disabilities. Secondary conditions include\u00a0gastrointestinal disorders, mobility issues,\u00a0tendinitis<\/a>, obesity<\/a>, and\u00a0depression<\/a>. Severe cases of spina bifida can include paralysis<\/a>, weakness of the extremities, mobility issues, abnormal eye movement, and\u00a0cognitive dysfunction<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Diagnosing Spina Bifida<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Spina bifida is usually diagnosed before or immediately after birth. Abnormalities can show up on ultrasound images in fetuses and infants. Often there are physical symptoms with more severe cases. Dimples, patches of hair or darkened skin, or lumps can develop over the area that is affected. If the nerves are damaged, the infant may have difficulty moving or responding to stimulus.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In more mild cases, the individual may not know that they have the condition until it shows up in diagnostic images, usually taken for unrelated disorders. Even if the person already has a diagnosis, diagnostic tests are needed to determine the extent of the damage. Tests include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n