Nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease are one of the reasons people file long-term disability claims. Tens of thousands of people in the United States are suffering from this disabling condition. Eventually, Parkinson’s disease can make everyday living or working hard, resulting in sufferers seeking disability benefits. If you are filing a claim for this condition, keep reading to learn some facts:
What to Know About Parkinson’s Disease
This degenerative nervous system disorder is one of the conditions that qualify for LTD. It develops due to abnormally low dopamine levels in the brain. Those who suffer from this condition have different experiences, but they can share common symptoms due to dopamine deficiencies. These symptoms include unmanageable shaking or tremors, trouble moving or walking, shaky handwriting, loss of smell, constipation, loss of voluntary movement, impaired balance and posture, as well as dizziness.
Parkinson’s Disease as a Disability
Parkison’s disease does not have a cure. Usually, the course of treatment varies according to the symptoms experienced. However, common treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, surgical therapy, or a combination of these options. Symptoms of this condition can start out mild, only to get worse over time. In fact, these symptoms can be debilitating and disabling.
Proving Parkinson’s Disease as a Disability
If you file a disability claim, no matter the condition or illness, you must strengthen the claim with objective medical evidence. This is especially essential if you suffer from Parkinson’s. But because there isn’t a definitive test for this condition, diagnosing it can be hard, particularly in its early stages.
To increase your chances of approval for benefits, you must support your disability claim with as much documentation as possible. You need to submit evidence such as records of your symptoms, diagnosis confirmation through neuroimaging tests, medication and treatment history, a description of your occupational duties before the disability, as well as the time you have to take off work due to your condition.
Whenever you experience tremors, stiffness, or involuntary movements, include details of the way such symptoms make it hard to work. Also, if the condition affects your cognitive abilities, you must have neuropsychological testing done to offer an objective basis for such problems. Make sure you don’t forget to include details regarding treatment or medication side effects. These side effects include double or blurred vision, memory issues, drowsiness, difficulty processing information, or communication issues. Medications may also cause emotional problems like anxiety, depression, and stress. Ensure you submit thorough evidence that includes descriptions and dates.