Vasovagal Syncope and Long-Term Disability Claims

Living with vasovagal syncope can be unpredictable and challenging, especially when frequent fainting episodes interfere with daily activities and work responsibilities. While some people can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes, others experience severe and disabling episodes that make it impossible to maintain employment. If vasovagal syncope prevents you from working, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, proving disability for this condition can be difficult because insurance companies often dispute claims due to the intermittent nature of the symptoms.

What Is Vasovagal Syncope?

Vasovagal syncope (also known as neurocardiogenic syncope) is a common cause of fainting due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to the brain. This reaction is typically triggered by stress, pain, standing for a long time, dehydration, or even seeing blood.

For many people, vasovagal syncope is an occasional and manageable condition. However, in severe cases, frequent fainting episodes can disrupt daily life and prevent individuals from maintaining employment.

Symptoms and Work Restrictions

The primary symptom of vasovagal syncope is a sudden loss of consciousness, but other warning signs often precede fainting, including:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Feeling nauseous
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Confusion after fainting

For some people, vasovagal syncope is unpredictable and occurs without clear triggers. These sudden episodes can be dangerous, leading to falls, injuries, and an inability to perform work safely. If fainting episodes are frequent and unpredictable, it may not be possible to work in environments that require driving, operating machinery, or standing for long periods of time.

Evidence of Vasovagal Syncope as a Disability

If vasovagal syncope prevents you from working, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, insurers often challenge these claims, especially if diagnostic tests do not confirm an underlying condition. Medical evidence is essential to strengthen your claim. You may consider including:

• Medical Records: Detailed notes from your treating physician documenting the frequency and severity of fainting episodes.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect any abnormal heart rhythms.
• Exercise Stress Test: Assesses how the heart responds to physical exertion, which can help rule out cardiac causes of fainting.
• Blood Work: Checks for blood sugar levels, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances that may contribute to fainting episodes.
• Echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound imaging to view the heart and look for conditions, such as valve problems, that may cause fainting.

• Tilt Table Test: A common diagnostic test used to evaluate how your body responds to changes in position.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures the electrical activity in your brain. It can help determine if you fainted because of a seizure—either from epilepsy or a heart problem.
• Hemodynamic Test: This test uses a tracer injected into your body to help find problems that cause fainting due to improper blood circulation.
• Symptom Diary: Keeping a record of fainting episodes, including date, duration, and triggers, can help support your claim.
• Work Impact Statements: Documentation from your employer or co-workers explaining how your condition affects your ability to perform your job duties.

Challenges to an LTD Claim

Insurance companies may deny a vasovagal syncope LTD claim for several reasons:

• Lack of Objective Evidence: Because vasovagal syncope does not always show up on standard medical tests, insurers may argue that there is insufficient evidence of disability.
• Intermittent Symptoms: Some claimants are denied because they do not faint every day, even though the unpredictability of the episodes makes it unsafe to work.
• Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions: If you had symptoms before you became insured, the insurer may try to deny your claim under a pre-existing condition clause.

How a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Can Help

Fighting an LTD denial for vasovagal syncope requires strong medical evidence and a well-documented case. At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand the challenges of proving disability for conditions with intermittent symptoms. We can help you:

• Gather the necessary medical evidence and expert testimony
• Appeal a wrongful denial by the insurance company
• Represent you in negotiations or litigation, if necessary

Nick Ortiz has been handling disability insurance claims since 2005, and we represent clients nationwide. If your claim has been denied or terminated, contact us online or call (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation to discuss your case and the next steps.