Physical disabilities are readily apparent to the naked eye. If an accident or medical event suddenly causes you to lose the use of your arms or legs, it’s pretty clear that you may be unable to return to work for some time, if ever. Accordingly, your path to recovering long-term disability benefits should be relatively straightforward.
The path to recovering benefits becomes more difficult if your disability is not easily visible as a physical limitation. However, the impact on your life from a less visible disability can be just as severe as a physical disability.
Cognitive Impairments May Be Eligible for Disability Coverage
A person suffers from a cognitive impairment when they have trouble remembering things, learning new tasks, or performing everyday activities. In some cases, cognitive declines can simply come with age. Other times, cognitive impairments may result from a medical condition, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Memory loss and loss of motor function are some of the more common side effects of cognitive impairments. These effects and other issues could certainly impact your ability to perform your job. That’s why you should be eligible for long-term disability benefits.
Evidence Is Key
With any long-term disability claim, record-keeping is crucial. This is especially true in the case of cognitive impairments, where you may appear outwardly healthy. You should seek a diagnosis of your condition by a medical professional. Keep a record of your history of symptoms and how they’ve impacted your daily life. Results of physical examinations and neuropsychiatric tests can also help strengthen your claim.
A legal professional can help walk you through the disability claims process. If your initial claim is denied, you aren’t out of options. You have the right to appeal. A skilled professional can help provide more clarity for your situation.