What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of the breathing or bronchial tubes. The muscles of the bronchial tubes constrict because of irritation and inflammation. That causes swelling and excess mucus, further narrowing your bronchial tubes. The combination of constriction and inflammation obstructs the flow of air into the lungs.
Many asthmatics also have other types of obstructive lung disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These conditions can complicate the diagnosis, treatment and disability decision.
What Are The Symptoms of Asthma?
The hallmark symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. The severity of the symptoms varies by disease and from person.
How Do I Get The Disability Insurance Benefits I Deserve If I Suffer from Asthma?
Asthma can interfere not only with your daily activities but with your ability to work. If you no longer can work or your doctor has told you to apply for disability, before you apply for benefits, you should:
1 – Obtain a copy of your disability policy. See how it defines “disability,” “occupation” and “self-reported conditions.” You’ll need to understand what you have to prove to get your benefits for asthma and whether there are limitations in your coverage.
2 – Obtain a copy of your medical records. Review them to see if there is an objective basis for your diagnosis, what your records say about your report of symptoms and your restrictions and limitations.
The carrier will be looking for FEV1 test results to determine the severity of your lung disease, the number of attacks you have, and the nature of treatment you have gotten, including intravenous bronchodilator or inhalational bronchodilator therapy.
3 – Obtain a copy of your personnel file to see whether your asthma has affected your work performance.
4 – Obtain a copy of your job description. Create your own description of your physical duties with an explanation of how your symptoms impact your ability to do your occupation. You might have difficulty with walking, exertion or even speaking on the phone.
5 – Provide your doctor with the occupational description. Ask your doctor to prepare a report that explains the objective basis for your diagnosis, the objective basis of your restrictions and limitations, and the objective reasons you can’t perform some or all of the material and substantial duties of your occupation.
6 – Prepare a diary that explains your symptoms and the side effects of medication you are taking. Be sure to give examples of how your asthma symptoms interfere with your ability to do things on a daily basis. You might have difficulty even walking down the aisle of the grocery store.
7 – Hire Nancy Cavey to help you file your initial application. The application process is confusing and designed so you and your physician make mistakes that can result in a delay or even a denial of your benefits. Ms. Cavey knows how to prepare and file a winning shock and awe disability application that leaves the carrier little reason to question your claim.
8 – Hire Nancy Cavey to help you appeal a wrongful denial or termination of your disability benefits. Disability carriers are in the business of collecting premiums and not paying disability benefits for asthma. They’ll use any reason to deny your claim. The odds of getting your benefits on appeal are greater when you are represented by an experienced ERISA/private ID policy disability attorney.
Contact Disability Attorney Nancy L. Cavey, Who Can Help You Regardless of Where You Live
Asthma can make it difficult, if not impossible, to work. You owe it to yourself and your family to get help today! Nancy Cavey can review your policy and your medical records, and explain to you what your policy says and how to get your disability benefits. Call today for a free consultation at 727-894-3188.
