How Do I Get My Disability Insurance Company to Recognize My Crohn’s Disease Claim?
For more than two decades, disability attorney Jason Newfield has successfully represented claimants suffering from Crohn’s disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). These claims are frequently denied or terminated due to the unpredictable nature of the illness, which includes periods of active symptoms, known as “flares,” and times of remission when the individual appears stable. Insurance companies exploit this variability to dispute the validity of claims.
Disability insurance companies often require objective evidence, such as lab tests or imaging, to prove the presence of impairing symptoms, even though Crohn’s disease often manifests in ways that are challenging to document visually.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, malnutrition, and tissue damage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These symptoms can severely affect a person’s quality of life and ability to work.
What are the Impairing Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary greatly depending on which part of the digestive tract is affected and how severe the condition is. Common impairing symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood in the stool
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
If Crohn’s disease causes fistulas or inflamed tunnels near the anal area, individuals may experience intense pain and drainage, making it difficult to work in public settings.
How Can I Protect My Disability Claim if I Have Crohn’s Disease?
Proving disability due to Crohn’s disease to a long-term disability insurance company is challenging. Although the Social Security Administration recognizes IBD as a disabling condition, long-term disability insurance policies focus on functional deficits and limitations, regardless of diagnosis.
To strengthen your claim:
– Work with specialists, such as a gastroenterologist, who can provide detailed medical records.
– Document all symptoms and flare-ups.
– Undergo diagnostic tests such as colonoscopies or bloodwork to substantiate your condition.
– Include vocational evidence showing how your condition impacts your ability to perform job duties.
Crohn’s Disease Success Story
One client, a successful saleswoman, had her claim with Hartford terminated despite ongoing symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Our ERISA appeal included robust medical support, a vocational expert report, and statements from her spouse and friends highlighting how her condition impacted her ability to work. Although Hartford initially denied the appeal, litigation resulted in a favorable resolution, allowing our client to continue receiving benefits.
Will I Be Able to Prove My Crohn’s Disease Claim?
Success depends on thorough preparation. The Newfield Law Group works closely with clients to gather strong evidence, guide the claims process, and challenge insurance companies’ denials. This includes developing a comprehensive medical and vocational narrative to support the claim.
Let Us Guide You. Call Our Office Today
When you call Newfield Law Group, you will speak with an attorney who has more than two decades of experience. Jason Newfield offers clarity, compassion, and effective strategies to help claimants navigate the complexities of long-term disability claims.