Law

What are the conditions that qualify for long-term disability in the US?

A long-term disability is a life-changing injury or illness that lasts longer than 12 months and prevents you from making a living. Such a disability can be genetic, illness-related, or caused by an injury. In these extreme scenarios, you definitely need assistance and care. People who suffer from such health conditions qualify for disability benefits like social security, pension plans, and private insurance. Long-term disability (LTD) is a type of insurance that provides financial assistance to the disabled for a longer period of time, ranging from years to decades. The insurance coverage will provide you with monthly monetary benefits, which will give you back your quality of life. 

The conditions that qualify for long-term disability in the U.S. are mentioned below:

Cardiovascular disorders: Cardiovascular diseases refer to the disorders found in the heart and blood vessels. Such disorders are the main cause of global deaths today. The main reasons that lead to such disorders are unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Some cardiovascular conditions that are included in LTD are – coronary heart disease, heart attack/stroke, congestive heart failure, heart transplant, recurrent arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, congenital heart disease, etc.

Neurological disorders: The nervous system is the most crucial part of the human body. If the nervous system is affected, then it leads to various neurological disorders. It affects the brain, nerves throughout the body, and the spinal cord. Some neurological disorders that are included in LTD are – Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, dystonia, Bell’s palsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, seizures, paralysis, etc.

Mental disorders: Mental health is vital for the effective functioning of daily activities that leads to a healthy and productive life. Any form of distress or impairment in important areas of functioning leads to mental illness. It is a clinical disturbance that involves changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these). Some mental disorders that are included in LTD are – Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, Autism, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, etc.

Infections and parasitic disorders: Such disorders are caused by microorganisms like viruses, parasites, bacteria, etc. Some infections and parasitic disorders that are included in LTD are – Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, AIDS, Meningitis, Polio, Tuberculosis, etc.

Cancer: Various types of cancers are also included in LTD. These are Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, tumors, etc.

If you are suffering from such serious health issues that devoid you from going to work, make sure you apply for LTD benefits. If the policy is denied to you, then get in touch with a disability attorney who will provide you with legal assistance and help you get back your rights.