Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida For Cognitive Impairments
Regardless of your occupation or the type of work you perform, you need to be able to think clearly and remember important details. Unfortunately, there are a variety of medical conditions that cause cognitive impairments and impact your ability to perform certain tasks. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains more about cognitive impairments and your rights to benefits.
Cognitive Impairments That Can Impact Your Abilities On The Job
‘Cognitive impairment’ is a broad term that refers to a person’s brain processes and their ability to remember things, think clearly, make sound judgments, communicate effectively, and comprehend written or verbal instructions. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cognitive declines are a natural result of the aging process and tend to become more common for people as they get older. However, cognitive impairments can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions. These include:
- Heart disease;
- Stroke;
- Diabetes;
- Lung disease;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Parkinson’s Disease;
- Brain injuries.
Cognitive impairments may be referred to as ‘brain fog’ and are common in the aftermath of COVID-19 infections. They can also happen due to depression, medication use, and lack of sleep. When they occur regularly and impact your ability to perform your job, you may be entitled to disability benefits.
Florida Long-Term Disability Benefits For Cognitive Impairments
Cognitive impairments are difficult to deal with, both for the sufferer and the people surrounding their lives. They can interfere with your ability to perform certain tasks on the job or otherwise make it impossible to work.
Regardless of what is causing your impairments, if your condition is expected to last for a year or longer, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits in Florida. There are generally three options:
- Long-term disability insurance through your employer: Many employers offer long-term disability insurance as part of their company benefits. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), you have the right to request copies of all policy-related documents. Review these to see if your condition is covered.
- Privately purchased insurance: If you purchased a long-term disability insurance policy through a private carrier, cognitive impairments may entitle you to benefits.
- Social Security disability benefits: These may be available if you have earned enough work credits and have a qualifying medical condition.
To protect your rights to long-term disability benefits in Florida for cognitive impairments, it is important to visit your doctor regularly. Make sure they are aware of all symptoms, follow their treatment recommendations, get a firm diagnosis, and keep copies of all medical records.
Request A Consultation With Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Cognitive impairments can happen due to aging or as a result of underlying medical conditions. When they impact your ability to work for a year or longer, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits.
To get the maximum amount in a claim, get Farrell Disability Law on your side. Call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559052/#:~:text=Age%20is%20the%20primary%20cause,drugs%2C%20toxins%2C%20and%20diabetes.
