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Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Claims

Posted by David P. Martin | Jan 13, 2020 | 0 Comments

A very common medical condition suffered by those filing long-term disability claims is degenerative disc disease. According to Medical News Today, degenerative disc disease is “an age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates or breaks down, leading to pain. There may be weakness, numbness, and pain that radiates down the leg. Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not a disease, but a natural occurrence that comes with aging. The rubbery discs between the vertebrae normally allow for flexing and bending of the back, like shock absorbers. In time, they become worn, and they no longer offer as much protection as before.”

Although degenerative disc disease is a natural occurrence that comes with aging, the symptoms can vary from none at all to completely debilitating, causing an inability to continue with daily activities. For these individuals, filing a long-term disability claim may be the only option, given the struggle to work. Activity, such as work, may cause pain which distracts from focusing on work.

As with any long-term disability claim, it is crucial to establish a strong claim record early in the process. This includes strong medical evidence to support the severity of your degenerative disc disease condition. This medical evidence includes imaging studies such as x-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs. It is also important that your physicians note the limitations caused by your degenerative disc disease disability such as decreased range of motion or inability to sit or stand for short or long durations.

You may be tempted to work through the pain and chalk the pain and discomfort up to “getting older.” However, it is crucial that you establish a medical claim record of continuing treatment by physicians for your degenerative disc disease disability. Even after your claim has been approved, it is important to not only continue your medical treatment for your health and well-being but to continue to show your insurance company that your condition has not improved. We have represented many claimants whose claims were approved after a strong appeal only to discover five to ten years later they stopped going to a provider, and so the insurer has found them capable of performing another occupation.

Qualifying for long-term disability for musculoskeletal/connective tissue disorders and conditions such as degenerative disc disease can be very challenging. We frequently represent claimants who are suffering debilitating back pain, leg numbness, and other symptoms related to degenerative disc disease. If your claim for long-term disability for degenerative disc disease has been denied, we will build a strong appeal, so you can obtain the benefits and relief you deserve.

You should contact us as soon as there is a hint of trouble with your disability claim, and certainly when your claim has been denied. You must act quickly because your attorney must work diligently and swiftly to make a strong claim record before the claim process is exhausted.

Our practice is focused on employee benefit claims such as long-term disability, life insurance, and pension or retirement cases only. We all know that if you do one thing, you can do it much better. We never represent insurance companies, employers, or plan administrators.

If you or your client need assistance after an ERISA long term disability claim for degenerative disc disease has been denied, contact an experienced long term disability attorney today at 800-284-9309.

About the Author

David P. Martin

Senior & Managing Attorney

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