Getting Long-Term Disability (LTD) for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects millions of individuals around the world. It is the most common form of arthritis, which is a medical condition that often requires a person to file for long-term disability benefits. If osteoarthritis prevents a person from working, then they should consider filing for these benefits.
However, successfully obtaining LTD benefits can be challenging. Insurance companies frequently deny these claims. In these situations, claimants have the right to file an administrative appeal to get their benefits.
In this article, CCK Law will discuss
- Osteoarthritis and how it can prevent a person from working
- How osteoarthritis can qualify for LTD benefits
- How to file for LTD benefits
- And more
An Overview of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage between load-bearing joints erodes slowly over time, resulting in joint stiffness, limited mobility, and pain.
Osteoarthritis affects approximately 27 million people across the United States. It is also a top cause of disability in the country, with about every one-in-two adults developing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis during their lives.
A variety of factors can put a person at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Some of these risk factors include genetics, weight, injuries, overuse of joints, gender, and other diseases.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis will vary from person to person. Some common symptoms and complications include:
- Soreness or stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Swelling around one or more joints
- Limited range of mobility
- A “scraping” sensation (i.e., the sensation that the bones are rubbing together)
- Pain
- Bone spurs forming near damaged joints
- Joints “giving away” or “locking”
Joint function and/or pain can worsen over time as more “wear and tear” occurs to the cartilage.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To receive an osteoarthritis diagnosis, a physical examination must be conducted. Following a physical exam, doctors may order an array of lab tests to check for osteoarthritis and to rule out other conditions. Tests can include:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- Joint aspiration, or joint fluid analysis
- Blood tests
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Many forms of treatment are available for those with the condition, with the purpose of making symptoms more manageable. The treatment a doctor selects for will be based on the person’s age, medical history, overall health, the location(s) in which osteoarthritis has manifested, and the severity of the symptoms.
Can Osteoarthritis Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Yes, osteoarthritis can qualify for long-term disability benefits. However, a person suffering from this medical condition must prove that it disables them under the terms of their policy—specifically, the “definition of disability.” To learn more, be sure to read our article on the definition of disability.
Nonetheless, osteoarthritis can severely limit a person’s motor capabilities due to chronic pain and limited range of motion. It can negatively impact anyone trying to remain working, especially for those with physically demanding jobs. Osteoarthritis can prevent these individuals from performing required occupational tasks.
Even for those with sedentary jobs, it can make it difficult to work. For example, osteoarthritis in the hands can prevent a person from typing consistently throughout the day due to pain and limited mobility in the fingers.
How Can CCK Law Help with a Long-Term Disability Claim?
If osteoarthritis prevents a person from working, then long-term disability benefits may be necessary. Filing for these benefits can be difficult. Insurance companies may dispute an osteoarthritis claim if the claimant was able to consistently work through the condition—despite its progressive nature.
Therefore, if an LTD claimant with osteoarthritis files a claim that receives a denial, they can file an appeal.
All claimants have the right to file an administrative appeal. This stage of the process is often the best time to contact a long-term disability attorney, especially if ERISA governs their claim.
Some of the ways CCK Law can help with a long-term disability claim include:
- Finding insurance company errors
- Collecting and submitting all evidence
- Acting as a point of contact with the insurance company
- And more
Call CCK Law Today
If you suffer from osteoarthritis and cannot work due to your condition, then you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits. CCK Law has been helping LTD claimants for over 25 years and may be able to help you, too.
Whether you’re filing an initial claim, submitting an appeal, or filing a lawsuit, we may be able to assist you. Call us today at (800) 544-9144 for a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
