Can You Be Approved of Long-Term Disability Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have far-reaching effects on those who suffer from them. These life-changing injuries occur when the head is subjected to a sudden blow, which damages the brain. A TBI can result in cognitive and physical challenges that require intense rehabilitative care. If you have a TBI and undergo intensive treatment, your injury may still cause residual symptoms that can be serious enough to lead to a permanent disability.
As a result, you may not be able to go to work. In this case, you may want to file a claim for long-term disability insurance benefits. Although a serious TBI can be one of the conditions that qualify for LTD in the United States, you must be aware of the steps to take to have the best chances of claim approval.
TBIS Can Cause Different Disabilities
A traumatic brain injury can have long-lasting or permanent after-effects, even with proper treatment. Understanding how a TBI can make it impossible for you to work can help you put together a strong disability claim.
- Disabling physical symptoms. A TBI can present symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, abnormal sleep patterns, seizures, sensitivity to noise and light, blurred vision, and muscle weakness.
- Disabling cognitive symptoms. A TBI can lead to serious cognitive symptoms that can prevent you from earning paychecks. These include uncontrollable mood swings, anxiety and depression, impaired memory, problems with attention and focus, post-traumatic stress, and personality changes.
Proving a TBI is a Disability
While TBIs are serious, insurers will require proof of diagnosis, the disabling symptoms you experience, and appropriate treatment before they approve your claim. To strengthen your claim, you need to have the following supportive documents:
- Diagnostic testing results. Your records of TBI diagnostic proof and ongoing symptoms will be reviewed. Often, the insurer will request a brain CT scan and MRI results. if you have residual mental or cognitive symptoms, the insurer may review your neuropsychological testing results.
- Medical evidence. You must submit objective medical evidence of your condition. The insurer may require more than just a brain MRI and a doctor’s note stating your disability. So, be prepared to provide other medical evidence, such as related hospital records, medication or prescription proof, follow-up doctor’s notes, and cognitive rehabilitative or physical therapy records.
You should expect the insurer to get the opinion of your doctor about whether or not you are disabled. They will want your doctor to conduct a thorough evaluation that details the seriousness of your symptoms and the resulting work-related limitations.
