Eight Common Conditions Covered by Long-Term Disability Insurance

Long-term disabilities can happen at any age. When they do, you may be unable to work for an extended period of time. In this situation, long-term disability insurance provided through your employer can help protect your financial security during the treatment and recovery period.  While most people tend to think a disability will never happen to them, statistics show otherwise. It is important to be aware of the details surrounding your policy and the types of conditions often cited in claims.

Commonly Cited Conditions on Long-Term Disability Claims

 Disabilities can happen due to accidental injuries, illnesses, or chronic health conditions. According to statistics from the non-profit, consumer advocacy group the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA), the average disability lasts more than 34 months. During this time, long tend disability benefits provide a lifeline in terms of being able to support yourself and your loved ones.

Currently, roughly 600,000 people receive disability benefit payments, with close to 200,000 new claims being filed each year. Among the most common conditions cited in these claims include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: These are a leading cause of long-term disability and include injuries such as herniated discs and those involving soft tissues, as well as conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, osteoporosis, and sciatica.
• Cancer and tumors: The National Cancer Institute reports that breast cancer, colon or rectal cancer, melanoma, prostate, and lung cancers are among the most common diagnosis.
• Mental health and substance abuse disorders: The CDA states that these represent roughly 10 percent of all new long disability claims. They include alcohol and drug addiction, conditions such as anxiety or depression, and diseases such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
• Cardiovascular/circulatory conditions: Circulatory issues such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular disorders.
• Nervous system disorders: These include conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other debilitating conditions.
• Respiratory issues: Chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can result in long-term disabilities, as can exposure to dangerous inhaled substances, such as asbestos and certain types of chemicals or fumes.
• Diabetes and related issues: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that diabetes related issues are a common cause of disability for people in the 40 to 65 age group and can lead to decreased mobility and serious complications such as kidney disease and blindness.
• Blood diseases: There are a variety of different types of blood diseases, including anemia and leukemia, which can wreak havoc with your health and on your body organs, resulting in long-term disabilities.

If you are diagnosed with any of the above or another chronic condition or illness, review long-term disability benefits offered through your employer. 

Let Us Help You Today 

At Farrell Disability Law, we provide the trusted support and legal guidance you need when chronic illnesses and disabling injuries impact you or your loved ones. Contact our Jacksonville long term-disability attorney and request a consultation in our office to discuss benefits you may be entitled to today.

Resource:

disabilitycanhappen.org/research-cda_ltd_claims_survey_2011/