The word “scleroderma” comes from the Greek, “sclero,” meaning hard, “derma,” meaning skin. Hardening of the skin is one of the most visible manifestations of scleroderma.
Not everyone with scleroderma is entitled to disability benefits, and disability insurance companies don’t always make it easy for policyholders who are disabled because of scleroderma to get the disability benefits they deserve.
What Is Scleroderma?
A chronic connective tissue disease, scleroderma is classified as one of the many autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Because scleroderma symptoms are much like other autoimmune diseases, the diagnosis can be difficult to make. You may have to see an arthritis and skin specialist and undergo numerous tests, depending on the organs involved.
The two types of scleroderma are localized and systemic. With localized scleroderma, changes are found only in a few places on the skin and muscles. It rarely spreads and generally is not disabling.
With systemic scleroderma, the involved tissue and organs become hard and fibrous. They function less efficiently. Systemic scleroderma can involve the skin, esophagus, stomach, bowels, lungs, kidney and heart, and it can affect blood vessels, muscles, and joints.
How Disability Carriers Handle Scleroderma Claims
Disability carriers are notorious for denying and terminating many scleroderma claims. Carriers often argue:
– Coverage is excluded by the pre-existing condition clause of your disability policy.
– Benefits are limited under the subjective limitation clause. Pain and fatigue can be your most disabling symptoms, but carriers routinely dispute their impact.
– You’ve had scleroderma for years and have not been disabled before now. You will have to overcome the carrier’s argument that you have been working with these problems for years and nothing has changed. It is crucial that your medical records develop the progression of your symptoms.
– Your symptoms are in remission and just flare-up temporarily, so you can work.
Many disability claims are denied. Other reasons carriers deny claims:
(1) There is no objective basis of the scleroderma diagnosis,
(2) There is no objective basis for the restrictions and limitations assigned by your physician, or
(3) There is no causal relationship between your scleroderma diagnosis and/or your restrictions and limitations, and your inability to do your own or any occupation,
(4) There is no reason you can’t work in a sedentary capacity, or
(5) There is no reason you can’t work with accommodation.
Why You Need Nancy Cavey
Nancy Cavey, who has 35 years experience handling disability cases, has successfully represented many scleroderma policyholders. She overcomes a claims denial by working closely with you and your physician. She obtains, as needed, a Functional Capacity Evaluation to objectively document your physical limitations. She even hires a Vocational Evaluator to explain why your symptoms prevent you from doing your occupation or any occupation.
Nancy Cavey offers a free initial consultation and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your disability claim.
How Do I Get The Disability Insurance Benefits I Deserve?
Scleroderma can interfere not only with your daily activities but with your ability to work. If you no longer can work or your doctor has told you to apply for disability benefits, you should take steps before you apply:
work performance.
a report that explains the objective basis for your diagnosis, the objective basis of your restrictions and limitations, and the objective reasons you can’t perform some or all of the material and substantial duties of your occupation.
Contact Disability Attorney Nancy L. Cavey, Who Can Help You Regardless of Where You Live
Scleroderma can make it difficult, if not impossible, to work. You owe it to yourself and your family to get help today! Nancy Cavey can review your policy and your medical records, and explain to you what your policy says and how to get your disability benefits. Call today for a free consultation at 727-894-3188.
