COVID-19 Symptoms May Form Solid Bases For Disability Insurance Claims

While the medical community has communicated that many people who get COVID-19 either have no symptoms or a mild case, they have also advised that many experience severe symptoms, even if they do not require hospitalization.  Additionally, an increasing number of their patients are complaining that, although they tested negative for the virus, they continue to experience debilitating symptoms that have not gone away.

Disability benefits to help with lost wages from inability to work because of COVID-19

When COVID-19’s impact makes it impossible to continue working, a short- or long-term disability claim may be appropriate.

The Mayo Clinic reports that the coronavirus can cause symptoms which last for months and that permanent harm may result if damage has been done to one or more of the patient’s organs including the heart, brain and/or lungs. More and more cases are surfacing in which, even after the patient seemed to recover, their symptoms linger or even resurface. Many people have reported feeling as if they have a chronic flu or Fibromyalgia type symptoms. The Mayo Clinic and other health care providers refer to these patients as “Long Haulers” and have dubbed the disease “Post-COVID-19 Syndrome” or “Long COVID-19.”

COVID-19 Can Cause Serious Impairment

Medical evidence has confirmed that the virus can cause permanent injury and leave a patient with chronic problems including constant fatigue, shortness of breath, overall body aches and pains, and possibly heart failure or Parkinson’s disease.

According to The Mayo Clinic, COVID-19 has triggered numerous serious conditions including:

• Strokes
• Seizures
• Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Liver and kidney problems from leaking blood vessels
• Headaches
• Fatigue, which may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome
• Joint and muscle pain
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath and acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Movement disorders
• Neuropathy
• Weakness and lack of energy

Emotional and mental health issues

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is also causing mental health problems which can contribute to an inability to return to work and support an Long Term Disabilty claim. Those who have experienced a serious case or been hospitalized have reported ongoing problems with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.  Other related post Covid-19

include:

• Memory or concentration deficits
• Confusion
• Anxiety and depression
• Cognitive impairment
• Brain damage from low oxygen

Proof of Disability

It is important in a COVID-19 disability claim that the claimant has documented symptoms and is able to submit medical evidence which will support their claim. Thos disease is new and insurance company personnel may not be familiar with how the virus can impact the ability to function on a long term basis.  Evidence from both the insured and their treating physician must include a detailed explanation of the diagnoses, a description of the patient’s symptoms and how the effects of Post-Covid-19 Syndrome limit their functionality at home and at work.

Doctors and researchers are still learning about the long-term effects of COVID-19 and it is likely that going forward, disability insurance claims will be based on newly discovered ramifications of this novel disease.

If you or someone you know is struggling with post Covid-19 symptoms and are considering filing a claim for disability benefits, please feel free to contact Disabilty Insurance Law Group at 954-989-9000 or through our website www.DiLawGroup.com for a free consultation. We will be happy to go over your situation, policy information and discuss your insurance company’s obligations under the Policy.