Dysautonomia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, and one of the hundreds of kinds of dysautonomia is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a very complicated autonomic disorder that causes dizziness and fainting spells when a person suddenly changes position, such as when sitting or standing up from lying down or being seated.

Many of those who suffer from the condition may find themselves asking, “Is POTS a disability?” It may be difficult to diagnose, but it is certainly a disability for the people who experience it. However, because there could be several different causes for your symptoms, claiming Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or qualifying for long-term disability insurance benefits based on a diagnosis of POTS becomes extremely complicated.

Do You Have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

Our nervous system has many different functions, most of which are on autopilot. These include breathing, maintaining a normal body temperature, sweating, and keeping our heart beating. Our nervous system also takes care of digesting our food and maintaining normal blood pressure. We never have to think about doing these things; our nervous system takes care of them.

The autonomic nervous system governs all these automatic functions. When something is not working correctly in the autonomic nervous system, it is called dysautonomia. Given the various duties that the autonomic nervous system is responsible for, the range and severity of symptoms make it difficult to get a definitive diagnosis.

Symptoms of Dysautonomia

Symptoms include headaches, digestive problems, sensory disorders, muscle and nerve pain, and orthostatic hypotension, which means that your blood pressure falls rapidly when you stand up, possibly leading to fainting. Anxiety and sleep disorders may also be symptoms of dysautonomia.

Symptoms Specific to POTS

POTS is mostly diagnosed by exclusion, as the many types of dysautonomia and some entirely different medical conditions have similar symptoms. This means doctors must rule out all other reasons for your symptoms individually. Before doctors can diagnose POTS, they first rule out orthostatic hypotension as a reason for your symptoms. Doctors also check for recent blood loss and dehydration before testing.

With POTS, symptoms usually occur when you are standing upright. Doctors measure your heart rate while you are lying down on a tilt table and again when the table moves you to an upright position. If your heart rate increases by at least 30 beats per minute, that is a sign of POTS.

Other symptoms of POTS may include lightheadedness, episodes of fainting, difficulty with concentration, long-lasting fatigue, headaches, palpitations, nausea, tremors, and blurry vision. Some people also experience shakiness, and find that exercise exacerbates their symptoms.

Disability Insurance Benefits from an Insurance Company

Many people have long-term disability insurance policies through their workplaces as part of a group benefits plan. Individuals can also obtain disability insurance through a broker or directly from an insurance company. Long-term disability policies usually replace about 60% of your previous salary and can pay benefits for years, sometimes until you reach retirement age. However, some policies have limitations. Even if you’ve paid your premiums, insurance companies may try to avoid payouts, necessitating the help of an experienced disability insurance lawyer.

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Appealing a Long-Term Disability Denial for POTS

Appealing a long-term disability denial for POTS can be a challenging process, as this condition is often misunderstood by insurance companies. If your claim is denied, it is crucial to gather strong medical evidence, including detailed reports from specialists like cardiologists or neurologists, who can confirm the affect of POTS on your ability to work.

Insurance companies may argue that POTS symptoms are subjective or insufficiently disabling, so your appeal should clearly explain the severity of your condition, how it limits your daily activities, and why you are unable to perform the duties of your job. Working with an attorney experienced in long-term disability appeals can help ensure your case is presented with the thorough medical documentation and legal arguments needed to increase your chances of success.

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Before applying for Social Security Disability benefits, ensure you meet the non-medical requirements. For example, you need a work history showing that you paid Social Security taxes. Without this, you are not eligible to collect SSDI benefits. You also need a long enough work history to earn a sufficient number of credits, and your work must be recent enough for these credits to remain valid.

The Blue Book

The SSA bases all its disability decisions on a published list of disorders known as the Blue Book. While dysautonomia is not listed, various body systems related to your symptoms are. Your doctor must document how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. For instance, POTS symptoms can make physical activity difficult, thereby limiting job opportunities. Comprehensive and detailed medical records will help qualify you for benefits.