EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME & LTD
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues — your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body.
According to the Genetic & Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), There are 13 types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). You can view more detailed information about all 13 types of EDS on the GARD website, as well as the Ehlers-Danlos Society’s website.
Below are a 3 types of Ehlers- Danlos syndrome that have caused our clients to win Long Term Disability benefits:
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome:
Vascular EDS is a more severe form of the disorder. It can cause the walls of the blood vessels, intestines or uterus to rupture.
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can weaken your heart’s largest artery (aorta), as well as the arteries to other regions of your body. A rupture of any of these larger blood vessels can be fatal.
Symptoms include:
- thin, translucent skin that bruises very easily. In fair-skinned people, the underlying blood vessels are very visible through the skin.
- Arteries and certain organs such as the intestines and uterus are also fragile and prone to rupture.
- Joint hypermobility is present, but generally confined to the small joints (fingers, toes).
Classic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Overly flexible joints. Because the connective tissue that holds joints together is looser, your joints can move far past the normal range of motion. Joint pain and dislocations are common.
- Elastic / Stretchy skin. Weakened connective tissue allows your skin to stretch much more than usual. You may be able to pull a pinch of skin up away from your flesh, but it will snap right back into place when you let go. Your skin might also feel exceptionally soft and velvety.
- Fragile skin. Damaged skin often doesn’t heal well. For example, the stitches used to close a wound often will tear out and leave a gaping scar. These scars may look thin and crinkly.
- Molluscoid pseudotumors & fatty cysts on are also frequently seen.
- Hypotonia and delayed motor development may occur.
Symptom severity can vary from person to person.V
Hypermobile EDS (hEDS):
hEDS is characterized by joint hypermobility, which may lead to recurrent joint dislocations and subluxations (partial dislocation). In general, people with this type have soft, smooth and velvety skin with easy bruising and chronic pain of the muscles and/or bones.
People with hEDS may have:
- joint hypermobility
- loose, unstable joints that dislocate easily
- joint pain and clicking joints
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- skin that bruises easily
- digestive problems, such as heartburn and constipation
- dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing up
- problems with internal organs, such as mitral valve prolapse or organ prolapse
- problems with bladder control (stress incontinence)
Currently, there are no tests to confirm whether someone has hEDS.
The diagnosis is made based on a person’s medical history and a physical examination.
For detailed information on diagnostic criteria for each EDS subtype and proteins involved with each, visit the Ehlers-Danlos Society
Has Your LTD Insurance Benefit been denied for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
If you have EDS and your disability insurance claim has been denied, call 1-866-242-2451 today for a free consultation.
I have classic Ed’s I was diagnosed 2 years ago I suffer with widespread pain also the rheumatoid dr said it has caused fibromyalgia I cannot take any pain medication due to my heart disease and the medication I take .. I love to be active but excruciating pain is the result.. are there any forms of partial disability I want to work but I have flare ups and it takes me a while to get back on track .. luckily I clean houses and I can move my schedule around and clients understand.. I clean for myself.. the cramping and spasms are horrendous.. wide spread pain .. I look fine in the outside but feel as if I’m falling apart inside. I’m a single grandparent raising my granddaughter.
Disability in this country includes policies you can purchase, policies provided by your employer as an employee benefit, and social security disability (SSD). Assuming you have not bought your own disability insurance, and assuming you have paid into SS and Medicare, you could apply for SSD. If you have not paid in you could apply for SSI (supplemental security income).
There is no partial disability under these SS programs. But once you are determined disabled and receive SS benefits, there is a Ticket to Work program that allows you to earn some income while still receiving your SS benefit.
We don’t take SS cases, but if you have additional questions Debra, feel free to give us a call.