Disability insurance companies don’t always make it easy for policyholders who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to get the disability benefits they deserve.
The Common Reasons Disability Carriers Deny IBS Disability Claims
Many claims are denied because the disability insurance company says:
(1) There is no objective basis of the IBS diagnosis based on the Rome Criteria,
(2) There is no objective basis for the restrictions and limitations assigned by your physician, or
(3) There is no causal relationship between your IBS diagnosis and/or your restrictions and limitations, and your inability to do your own or any occupation.
Nancy Cavey, who has 35 years experience handling disability cases, has successfully represented many policyholders with IBS. She overcomes a claims denial by working closely with you and your physician.
She offers a free initial consultation and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your disability claim.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Your colon is lined with layers of muscle that tighten and relax in rhythm to move food and waste through your intestines. In IBS, the muscles in your colon don’t contract like they should. When they contract too slowly, you become constipated; when they move faster, you have diarrhea.
What Are The Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The three main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort. Other symptoms can include:
- Cramping in the abdomen;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Changes in frequency of bowel movements; and
- Passing gas.
IBS symptoms differ from person to person. They can come and go, or they can be constant. IBS can be triggered by certain food and drinks, large meals and stress.
How Do I Get The Disability Insurance Benefits I Deserve?
IBS can make it difficult, if not impossible, to do things around your home and work. If you no longer can work or your doctor has told you to apply for disability, before you apply for benefits, you should:
- Obtain a copy of your disability policy. See how it defines “disability,” “occupation” and “self-reported conditions.” You’ll need to understand what you have to prove to get your benefits because of IBS.
Your policy can include a self-reported limitation. It limits how long you can get benefits that result from self-reported symptoms, including: bloating, urgency, the sensation of incompletely passing stool, weakness and fatigue. You’ll want to know what’s in your policy before you apply for benefits.
- Obtain a copy of your medical records. Review them to see if there is an objective basis for your diagnosis, what your records say about your report of symptoms and your restrictions and limitations. There is no gold standard test for IBS. Your records should document the results of lab, blood and stool tests, x-rays and endoscopic procedures.
- Obtain a copy of your personnel file to see whether your IBS has affected your work performance.
- Obtain a copy of your job description. Create your own description of your physical duties with an explanation of how your symptoms impact your ability to do your occupation. You may need to take frequent, unscheduled breaks and be in the bathroom longer than normal.
- Provide your doctor with the occupational description. Ask your doctor to prepare 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.
- Prepare a diary that explains your symptoms and the side effects of medication you are taking. Be sure to give examples of how your symptoms interfere with your ability to do things on a daily basis.
- Hire Nancy Cavey to help you file your initial application. The application process is confusing and designed so you and your physician make mistakes that can result in a delay or even a denial of your benefits. Ms. Cavey knows how to prepare and file a winning shock and awe disability application that leaves the carrier little reason to question your claim.
- Hire Nancy Cavey to help you appeal a wrongful denial or termination of your disability benefits. Disability carriers are in the business of collecting premiums and not paying disability benefits for IBS. They’ll use any reason to deny your claim. The odds of getting your benefits on appeal are greater when you are represented by an experienced ERISA/private ID policy disability attorney.
Contact Disability Attorney Nancy L. Cavey, Who Can Help You Regardless of Where You Live
IBS 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.