{3:00 minutes to read} Cardiac issues are among the most difficult long-term disability cases.
People who have had heart attacks and other cardiac conditions are often afraid of a recurrence. If your cardiologist has told you to “avoid stress,” and your job is stressful, then you may be reluctant to return to work, even after your cardiac condition has been resolved. Most disability insurance companies will not approve a claim for ongoing long-term disability benefits simply because you have a fear of recurrence or concern about stress on the job.
There is no solid medical literature or documented study that links stressors from work to cardiac events. As a result, even though cardiac conditions such as ischemia, angina, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy can be very incapacitating, proving this type of disability to an insurance company can be tough.
What can you do to make your claim successful?
- Talk with your cardiologist. Make sure that she is willing to be your advocate and help you present your case to the insurance company. You should see your cardiologist often and be certain that she is noting your complaints (e.g., shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, weakness, pain).
- Keep a diary. It will be extremely helpful to your case if you are able to provide written notes showing that you have experienced symptoms during times of psychological stress.
- Share the information in your diary with your cardiologist. The combination of your doctor’s record of your symptoms, as well as your personal notes recording those same symptoms, is very important. This will help your doctor support your disability claim.
- Document your claim with diagnostic tests. Whenever possible, demonstrate your cardiac issues by means of objective testing (e.g., a holter monitor, stress tests, electrocardiograms, tilt table tests, CT/MRI scans of the heart, and measuring your ejection fraction*.)
*Ejection fraction is the rapidity and volume at which blood is being pumped outside of your heart and distributed to the rest of your body. The percentage of your ejection fraction is largely relied upon by disability insurance companies to determine whether they believe you have a disability.
Whether you’re seeking to get your claim approved, keep your benefits flowing, or prevent benefits from being terminated, these pointers will help you support your case. If you’re having trouble with a cardiac disability claim, contact Schwartz, Conroy & Hack today for a consultation.
How will you present your cardiac issues to the insurance company to support your long term disability claim?
Evan S. Schwartz
Founder of Schwartz, Conroy & Hack
800-745-1755
ESS@schwartzlawpc.com