Newfield Law Group represents many clients with tick-borne neurological illnesses and related disabilities. We have helped CEOs of companies suffering from Lyme Disease, and even medical doctors who are recognized authorities in the Lyme field have themselves retained Jason Newfield to help them with their disability insurance claims.
The latest news about 2024 tick season
A mild winter is expected to make the 2024 tick population equal or greater than last year, according to a recent report from the Associated Press. Health officials estimate 63,000 Lyme disease infections occurred in 2022 and far more are expected in 2024.
Why tick borne illnesses are problematic for disability claimants.
While Lyme Disease is a recognized disability by most long term disability insurance companies, there is a difference between having Lyme disease and having Chronic Lyme Disease. When diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, most people are able to continue working and going about their daily lives.
However, when the person doesn’t realize they have Lyme Disease because they initially have no symptoms, including the well-known bulls-eye rash centered at the location of the tick bite, treatment may be delayed and the disease may progress to create a significant illness impacting several different systems.
In addition to a wide range of degrees of symptoms from crippling and severe to mild, tick borne diseases manifest in many different ways. One person could have swollen glands, a store throat and fever, while another person may have seizures, unexplained back pain, and double vision.
People with Chronic Lyme disease have an uphill battle to fight both the disease and the long term insurance company.
What Should You Do to Protect Your Disability Claim if the Diagnosis is Lyme Disease?
Long Term Disability insurance claims are challenging as the medical evidence must be consistent and carefully documented. Without properly prepared medical records, the claims may be denied.
Before filing a claim for LTD, find your original policy and review it. You’ll want to see if you need to file a claim for Short Term Disability before filing for Long Term Disability. You’ll also want to find out what your policy requires in terms of timing—how long is the waiting period to receive benefits?
If your treating physician has been your primary care doctor or internist, you may need to see a rheumatologist, infectious disease doctor, or other specialist, who may have additional tests to confirm your diagnosis and support your impairment. The insurance company is going to look for consistent care by a specialist in this complex condition, although even people who work with the best specialists can have their claim challenged.
If you have Lyme disease and are considering filing for a long-term disability insurance claim, or if your claim has been denied, contact Newfield Law Group to discuss your situation. We have more than two decades of experience representing claimants with Lyme disease.
