Cancer is called a disease of aging. This means the longer you live, the greater your chances of developing cancer. Given that people are living longer than ever before, cancer is also becoming more common than ever before. If you have cancer, there is a chance that you might not be able to work for a long time. As a result, you might be considering filing a long-term disability claim. What must you know if you are interested in filing a long-term disability claim when you develop cancer? There are a few critical points below; do not hesitate to contact an expert who can help you.
How Does Cancer Qualify as Disabling?
When people think about long-term disabilities, they usually think about injuries; however, there are situations where cancer could qualify as disabling. There are specific symptoms of cancer that could qualify as disabling, and some of the most common examples include abdominal pain, back pain, abnormal bleeding, and fever. You could also develop a serious cough, which might make it difficult for you to communicate with others. You might even develop severe GI symptoms that could make it difficult for you to work. Remember that your symptoms could evolve as the disease and treatment progress, and there may come the point when you can no longer work.
The Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
While not every form of cancer will be fatal, most forms of cancer will require treatment. While the symptoms of cancer could qualify as a long-term disability, there are also situations where the side effects of cancer treatment could qualify as a long-term disability. For example, chemotherapy could destroy your immune system, making it difficult for you to go to work. You might also develop intractable nausea and vomiting, rendering it impossible for you to work. Cancer treatment can also lead to chronic pain and memory problems, hindering your ability to do your duty. Even “chemo brain,” typically a combination of fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, and depression, could make it difficult for you to work.
Support Your Claim With the Right Evidence
If you feel like you cannot work while getting cancer treatment, you need to work with a long-term disability lawyer who can help you collect the necessary evidence to support your claim. For example, you might be required to submit diagnostic testing, such as pathology reports and biopsy results, to get your claim honored. You might also need to submit imaging evidence, such as CT scans and MRIs if you want the insurance company to honor your claim. You may also need to submit reports from your doctor and a list of medications with their side effects.
Work With a Lawyer Who Can Help You
In the end, certain forms of cancer will qualify as long-term disability under specific plans, but other forms of cancer will not. Therefore, you need to look closely at your plan to see if cancer is listed as a potential long-term disability, and if you have cancer, you need to see if your type of cancer will qualify as a long-term disability. There will be a significant amount of paperwork you have to file if you want to get your long-term disability claim honored, so consider contacting a long-term disability attorney who can review your case and see if you qualify for long-term disability.
