Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.

You are here: Home / Practice Areas / National Long-Term Disability & ERISA Attorney / Medical Conditions That Qualify For Long-Term Disability / Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome And Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome And Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can feel like a daily uphill battle. This group of connective tissue disorders can lead to chronic pain, joint dislocations, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms that make maintaining steady employment a significant challenge. For those who can no longer work due to their condition, long-term disability insurance benefits can provide a crucial lifeline.

However, insurance companies don’t always make the claims process easy. At the Ortiz Law Firm, we’re here to help individuals with EDS navigate the complex world of disability claims, so they can focus on their health and well-being without the added stress of fighting for the benefits they deserve.

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (“EDS”)?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (“EDS”) is a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues that support the skin, bones, joints, blood vessels, and many other organs and connective tissues in the body. EDS causes connective tissues to weaken and become more elastic. This may cause skin to bruise easier or joints to become extremely loose and overly flexible.

Ehlers-Danlos is usually caused by a mutation or defect in the genes that produce and regulate collagen – the primary protein making up the connective tissue in the human body. There are at least ten different types of Ehlers-Danlos; these different types of EDS affect different collagen genes and lead to varying combinations of symptoms. Again, depending on the type of tissues affected, Ehlers-Danlos can range in severity from being incredibly mild to being life-threatening.

Signs and Symptoms of EDS

The signs and symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome vary from mildly loose joints to life-threatening complications, and include:

  • Hyper-flexible joints;
  • Joint pain;
  • Extreme joint instability;
  • Degenerative tissue disease;
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain;
  • Skin or joint deformities;
  • Sprains and dislocations;
  • Skin that stretches, sags, and bruises easily;
  • Migraines;
  • Nerve pain;
  • Difficulty with memory and concentration;
  • Fatigue; and
  • Tachycardia.

Ehlers-Danlos may also lead to heart diseases and/or other cardiovascular problems if blood vessels or valve tissues are weakened. Weak connective tissues can complicate pregnancy and can prevent connective tissue injuries from healing properly.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Treating physicians diagnose Ehlers-Danlos using genetic testing and a review of family medical records. They can also utilize tissue biopsies to confirm a diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure presently for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Physical or occupational therapy can strengthen weak tissues, and precautionary measures can control other symptoms. Surgery may be an option to replace weak joint tissues; however, there remains a risk that the incisions from the surgery will not heal properly. Medications may also treat pain and blood pressure.

Long-Term Disability with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

You may qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits if you can show that your condition is so severe that your resulting limitations keep you from performing full-time work, or otherwise satisfies the definition of the term “disability” under your LTD Plan/Policy.

You must provide sufficient medical records and opinion evidence from your treating physicians to identify your limitations and inability to work. If the insurance company denies your claim for LTD benefits, you should seriously consider hiring an attorney with experience in handling long-term disability insurance claims.

RELATED POST: Court Remands Long-Term Disability Claim for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a complicated disorder that can be tough to manage medically. If your long-term disability claim has been wrongfully denied or terminated, seeking an attorney’s help may be your best bet to secure financial benefits as soon as possible.

Here at the Ortiz Law Firm, we handle such claims on a contingency fee basis. That means you will not be charged a fee unless and until you are awarded benefits or obtain a settlement. If your LTD claim has been denied or terminated, call (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation.

PinLinkedIn