Posts by McDonald & McDonald Disability Insurance Attorneys
Stiff Person Syndrome
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. Although very rare (Stiff Person Syndrome affects only 1 in a million people), McDonald & McDonald has represented several Long Term Disability Insurance clients who have suffered from SPS. The cause of stiff person syndrome is unknown,…
Read MoreHas Chronic Illness Turned Me Into An Introvert? (from ProHealth.com)
Being an introvert or extrovert depends on how you get your energy and recharge. If social interaction with a chronic illness tires you out (when it used to give you energy)….you could switch from being an extrovert to an introvert! You’re friends and family might not understand why you’ve become more withdrawn. Don’t feel bad.…
Read MoreLong Term Disability & Autonomic Dysfunction Or Dysautonomia
Your autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions, such as the beating of your heart, breathing, and the widening or narrowing of your blood vessels. When something goes wrong in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), it can cause serious problems with many body functions that should be automatic. We have represented many individuals with Autonomic dysfunction…
Read MoreRequirements For Filing A Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance Claim
What You Need To Know To File A Long Term Disability Claim Under ERISA: Q. On what day did you become a plan member? This is very important because some plans require a waiting period before you become a plan member. The Plan may require you be employed 90 days before you become a…
Read MoreMarch Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month
Check out this great article and graph on Understanding Multiple Sclerosis . Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects millions worldwide. This articles provides valuable information on the prognosis of MS and what to expect. Topics includes Myths vs Facts, Symptoms of MS, treatment options, and potential future treatment.
Read MoreSjögren’s Syndrome & Long Term Disability
Sjögren’s (“SHOW-grins”) Syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease involving gland dysfunction that can affect the entire body. Because Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune syndrome, it is found more commonly in families that have members with other autoimmune illnesses. In autoimmune disorders, the immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and cancers, may…
Read MoreHave you heard of ERISA?
Have you heard of ERISA? It’s important to have familiarity with the Employment Retirement Security Act (ERISA). Established in 1974, ERISA sets minimum standards for private industry to protect individuals in pension and health plans. ERISA requires plans to provide participants with essential information about various aspects of their protection, benefits and rights to sue…
Read MoreThe Outsider Status Of Being Chronically Ill
In My Chronic Illness, I Found A Deeper Meaning This is an interesting article about one man who was used to living his life as an outsider. But then he was diagnosed with central nervous system lupus, and found that nothing had prepared him for “…the outsider status of being chronically ill“. He learns along…
Read MoreMental Health, Bipolar 1 & Long Term Disability Denials
Mental Health, Bipolar 1 & Long Term Disability Denials In our experience, when Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance companies evaluate mental health cases, such as Bipolar 1, they typically attempt to redefine the illness and ignore their own definition of disability under the disability insurance policy. Nearly all long-term disability (LTD) policies cover mental health…
Read MoreImportant Shifts in Fibromyalgia Proof for LTD cases 2017
Fibromyalgia Claims Fibromyalgia is a disease that does not offer any objective evidence or test results. It has been difficult to “prove” for long-term disability claims in the past. In 2017 there were two strong decisions which overturned long-term disability benefit denials. Disabled claimants were entitled to long-term disability benefits for fibromyalgia. The 2017 rulings represent important…
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