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Hannah Corbin is widely recognized as one of Peloton’s most dynamic fitness instructors, motivating thousands with her high-energy classes. On the surface, she is the epitome of physical health. But beneath the surface, Hannah faces an invisible challenge that many wouldn’t expect from a fitness professional: Hashimoto’s disease.
In a candid conversation, Hannah shared her struggles with an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid, leaving her exhausted and battling symptoms that drastically affect her quality of life. Her story sheds light on the challenges of living with a chronic illness that doesn’t always show outwardly—and it highlights the importance of support systems like long-term disability (LTD) insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those who may face similar challenges.
What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can lead to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate essential body functions. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue: A hallmark of the condition that leaves individuals drained after even minor exertion.
- Weight changes: Often unexplained and difficult to control.
- Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating or remembering details.
- Joint and muscle pain: Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities.
What makes Hashimoto’s particularly challenging is its invisibility. Many people, like Hannah, look physically healthy, but they are fighting a relentless internal battle that can make it difficult to perform even basic tasks, let alone maintain a rigorous work schedule.
Invisible Diseases and Disability Claims
For those living with Hashimoto’s or similar conditions, securing disability benefits through long-term disability insurance or Social Security Disability Insurance can be a lifeline. However, navigating these systems can be daunting.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Challenges
- Proving the Impact of Symptoms: Unlike visible injuries, the effects of Hashimoto’s can be difficult to quantify. Detailed medical documentation, symptom logs, and testimony from healthcare providers are critical.
- Overcoming Biases: Insurers often assume that applicants with invisible diseases are exaggerating their symptoms. This stigma can lead to unnecessary denials.
- Navigating the Claims Process: Filing a claim for LTD benefits requires extensive paperwork, clear evidence, and persistence. Without proper guidance, many claims are denied or delayed.
Social Security Disability Insurance Challenges
For those who qualify, SSDI provides financial assistance to individuals whose medical conditions prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). However, proving eligibility can be particularly challenging for individuals with conditions like Hashimoto’s.
- Meeting the Medical Criteria: Although Hashimoto’s disease isn’t listed as a condition in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) “Blue Book,” claimants can still qualify if they can show that their symptoms prevent them from working and are expected to last at least 12 months.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): SSDI claims often rely on a claimant’s RFC, which assesses their ability to perform work-related activities. Evidence must show how fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms make even sedentary work impossible.
- The Appeals Process: Denials are common on initial claims. However, persistence through reconsideration and a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) often leads to better results.
How to Strengthen a Disability Claim for Hashimoto’s or Other Invisible Diseases
If you or a loved one is facing a chronic illness like Hashimoto’s Disease and considering long-term disability or SSDI benefits, these tips can help:
- Keep Detailed Records: Use daily logs to track symptoms, medication side effects, and how the condition affects your ability to work. This will provide valuable evidence to support your claim.
- Work Closely with Your Doctor: Make sure your doctor thoroughly documents your diagnosis, symptoms, and the limitations they cause. A strong medical opinion can make or break a claim.
- Be Persistent: Insurers and the SSA often deny claims initially, hoping claimants will give up. Persistence—and the help of an experienced attorney—can greatly improve your chances of being approved.
The Role of an Attorney in Disability Claims
Disability claims for invisible diseases like Hashimoto’s often require expert legal guidance. Attorneys familiar with both long-term disability insurance and SSDI claims can:
- Gather and organize the necessary medical evidence to strengthen your claim.
- Help you file an initial SSDI application or LTD claim correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Handle appeals after a denial and represent you at hearings or in lawsuits, if necessary.
Even if you’ve been denied, don’t lose hope. A skilled attorney can turn things around by presenting your case in a way that’s impossible to ignore.
From Awareness to Action: Navigating Disability Claims
Hannah Corbin’s story is a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us can face hidden struggles. Her willingness to share her experience with Hashimoto’s inspires others to seek help, advocate for themselves, and prioritize their well-being.
When you’re living with a condition that affects your ability to work, disability benefits—whether through long-term disability insurance or SSDI—can provide much-needed financial relief. At the Ortiz Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping people secure the benefits they deserve, especially when insurers or the SSA make the process unnecessarily difficult.
Don’t face this journey alone. Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate your claim or appeal. Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation today.