Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes periods of extreme daytime sleepiness. Most people who have Narcolepsy have trouble sleeping at night while others will fall asleep suddenly, even if they are in the middle of talking, eating or driving.
Narcolepsy can also cause:
1. Cataplexy which is a sudden loss of muscle tone while you’re awake. If cataplexy affects your hands, you may drop something which you are holding. Strong emotions can trigger this weakness;
2. Hallucinations which are vivid dreams occurring while falling asleep or waking up; and
3. Sleep paralysis which prevents you from moving or speaking while waking up and sometimes from falling asleep.
People who have Narcolepsy may find it hard to function at work because of extreme tiredness.
Your rights to Long Term Disability benefits
If you purchased a Long Term Disability policy through your employer or a private individual policy, you may be eligible for Long Term Disability benefits because of Narcolepsy. Unfortunately, many Long Term Disability carriers simply don’t appreciate the impact that Narcolepsy has on a person’s ability to function.
Winning your Long Term Disability claim for Narcolepsy
The Long Term Disability carrier will require that you provide objective evidence of the diagnosis of Narcolepsy and objective evidence of your restrictions and limitations that prevent you from doing your occupation.
It’s important that your physician document the basis of the diagnosis, including testing and an objective basis for the restrictions and limitations that they assigned. Common restrictions and limitations can involve driving, operating machinery, requirement for brakes and the use of medication which can also cause side effects.
What should I do if my claim for Long Term Disability benefits because of Narcolepsy has been denied?
Contact Narcolepsy Long Term Disability attorney Nancy Cavey immediately! She can represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We’ll only have 180 days from the date of the carrier’s denial in which to take an appeal of any denial. It’s important that you move quickly so you don’t lose your rights to Long Term Disability benefits. Contact her today at 727-894-3188 for a complementary consultation.
