Disability For Phlebitis

Phlebitis is an inflammatory condition of the veins, often triggered by blood clots that impede blood flow. In the United States, it is alarmingly prevalent, affecting approximately 900,000 individuals and causing an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 fatalities annually. It is most common in people aged 41-60.

Those who suffer from phlebitis face significant challenges, as the condition can severely hinder the ability to carry out everyday activities and maintain employment. Recognized as a serious and potentially fatal issue, phlebitis warrants urgent attention, and patients may be eligible to receive disability for phlebitis. However, many disability claims related to phlebitis are denied or terminated.

Getting disability benefits for phlebitis can be tough, but you don’t have to go it alone. If your claim was denied, a specialized disability lawyer can help you appeal and secure the long-term disability or Social Security benefits you deserve. The process is complex, but with expert legal guidance, you’ll have a better chance of getting approved for the financial support you need.

Understanding Phlebitis

Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis happens when one or more blood clots in a vein cause inflammation. It usually occurs in leg veins but can also affect veins in the arms or other body parts. The blood clot irritates the vein, causing pain and potentially blocking blood flow. Phlebitis can affect either surface (superficial) veins or deep veins.

Superficial phlebitis affects the veins near the skin’s surface. It’s rarely serious and resolves quickly with proper care. However, people with superficial phlebitis sometimes develop deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary.

Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects larger, deeper blood vessels, typically in the legs. Large blood clots can form, which may break off and travel to the lungs, causing a serious condition called pulmonary embolism.

What Are the Symptoms of Phlebitis?

Superficial phlebitis typically begins with gradual tenderness and redness along the superficial veins on the skin. The affected area might feel firm, warm, and sensitive. Itchy, swollen skin around the vein and throbbing or burning sensations are common symptoms. Symptoms may worsen when lowering your leg, especially when getting out of bed in the morning. You may experience redness, fever, pain, swelling, or skin damage if an infection is present.

Deep vein phlebitis may have a similar presentation to superficial phlebitis, but some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms. Pain and swelling throughout the entire limb could be experienced. For instance, the lower leg might swell without an obvious cause. Some individuals may develop a fever due to a bacterial infection, as well as skin discoloration or ulcers if the condition progresses to a chronic stage and is not adequately treated earlier.

What Causes Phlebitis?

There are several causes of phlebitis, and they include the following:

• Local trauma or injury to the vein.
• Prolonged inactivity, such as long driving or plane rides.
• Insertion of intravenous catheters (IV) in hospitals or IV-induced phlebitis.
• Period after a surgery (post-operative period), especially orthopedic procedures.
• Prolonged immobility, as in hospitalized or bed-ridden patients.
• Varicose veins.
• Underlying cancers or clotting disorders.
• Disruption of normal venous system drainage because of removal of lymph nodes, for example, after mastectomy for breast cancer.

Is Phlebitis an Emergency?

If you experience swelling, pain or inflamed superficial veins in your arms or legs, you should see a doctor to get diagnosed. If the condition does not improve after a week or worsens, get re-evaluated to rule out a more serious issue.

Deep vein thrombophlebitis demands immediate medical attention. If you have a high fever along with arm or leg symptoms, lumps in your leg, severe pain and swelling in an arm or leg, or sudden unexplained shortness of breath, which could indicate a blood clot that reached your lung, go to the hospital. Call 911 if breathing becomes difficult.

Long-Term Disability Claims for Phlebitis

If you can’t get to work or work efficiently because of phlebitis, you can make a claim for long-term disability insurance benefits. Long-term disability insurance is designed to benefit employees who cannot work for an extended time due to injuries or illnesses, allowing them to focus on their recovery.

You would think that approving a claim for a life-threatening illness would be a no-brainer for insurance providers. However, getting long-term disability insurance can be tricky. Some insurance companies purposefully deny long-term disability claims despite having billions of dollars. If your claim has been denied, you should consider working with a disability insurance attorney and, at the very least, contact us to discuss your options.

Social Security Disability Claims for Phlebitis

A Social Security Disability claim is filed through the Social Security Administration (SSA) rather than a private disability insurance company. If approved, a person will receive monthly payments from the SSA and maybe even a lump-sum retroactive payment. Benefits can also be paid to direct family members such as a dependent child.

You should hire an attorney to represent you in your claim to get the best results. As our previous clients will tell you, you can trust Ortiz Law Firm to get your Social Security Disability claim approved. We know what evidence the Social Security Administration is looking for when reviewing your record, and we will guide you through the process from application to award.

Ortiz Law Firm Handles Disability Claims for Phlebitis

Ortiz Law Firm specializes in handling disability claims. Disability attorney Nick Ortiz understands the complexities of these cases and fights tirelessly to secure the benefits his clients deserve. With a track record of success, we help disability claimants with the following:

• Long-term disability appeals
• Long-term disability lawsuits
• Social Security Disability claims

Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been affected by phlebitis.