Cognitive impairment disrupts the lives of many people in the U.S. Their personal and professional lives may be changed forever, and challenges likely surface at every turn. A person who suffers from cognitive impairment has difficulty remembering, understanding, thinking, learning new things and making decisions.
Cases can be mild or severe and disrupt many aspects of day-to-day routines. One of those areas includes work. People who suffer from severe cases of cognitive impairment may have the inability to work. Performing basic job tasks may be nearly impossible. In such scenarios, they may qualify for long-term disability benefits.
Taking on insurance companies that deny claims
The causes of cognitive impairment vary. It can surface due to conditions that include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and anxiety disorders. Other factors such as family history, substance abuse and lack of physical activity also may contribute.
A few other issues to consider include:
- People exposed to hazardous chemicals are susceptible to cognitive impairment. Onset can even occur years after initial exposure to chemicals such as pesticides.
- Higher rates of cognitive impairment can be found in occupations that include agricultural workers, emergency workers such as firefighters, police officers and paramedics as well as veterans of military conflicts. Much of this is attributed to work-related stress.
However, if you can no longer work and have long-term disability insurance, you have every right and reason to seek these benefits. Insurance companies review cases to see whether people qualify. But do not always trust insurance companies. They may swiftly deny your benefits based on the outcome of a neurological exam from a medical professional hired by them.
If you suffer from cognitive impairment and want to learn about your options in securing long-term disability benefits, Alan C. Olson and Associates is prepared to guide you.
