posted
I would greatly appreciate any leads or suggestions for LLMDs who would be willing to be called as Medical Expert at a Social Security Disability hearing. They need not be physically present at the hearing, but simply be available via voice/video; thus, the particular state in which they practice (or have retired) is not likely to be an issue. Nor is it necessary they be a treating physician for the patient, but simply be willing to be called to give clarity to the claimant's testimony and justification for disability, within the context of the unique situation that is Lyme/TBI illness and ILADS (or related) perspectives on treatment.
Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.
Posts: 689 | From East coast, USA | Registered: Jun 2006
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Bartenderbonnie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 49177
posted
Many LLMD’s will fill out disability documents for their patients. But this will not be enough to secure benefits as Chronic Lyme/ PLDS is not recognized as a disability.
Proving that you have chronic Lyme disease can be more challenging, as there is not an objective test to diagnose the condition. Many health care professionals who diagnose chronic Lyme disease do not believe that the ELISA and Western blot tests are accurate, and as such, do not rely on them for diagnosis. As a result, the diagnosis may be based on your SUBJECTIVE complaints and other diagnostic tests.
You and your treating providers will need to show that your symptoms affect your ability to work. For example, severe fatigue, joint pain and swelling, and neurological issues may make it difficult to concentrate or to work effectively. Impaired memory - found in Lyme disease, PTLDS, and chronic Lyme disease - can also impact your job performance.
To get benefits, you have to prove that your disability is so debilitating that you cannot participate in any kind of substantial gainful activity.
4 Ways You Can Strengthen Your Disability Insurance Claim for Lyme Disease
Because disability claims related to Lyme disease are sometimes difficult to prove, it's best to consult a disability insurance lawyer early in the application process. Your disability lawyer can help you collect evidence that supports your claim, and they can also educate the adjuster about the nuances of Lyme disease.
Because many people aren't familiar with chronic Lyme disease and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, your lawyer may need to get detailed statements or letters from your doctors and other experts. These letters will explain how the doctors arrived at your Lyme disease diagnosis, how the disease impacts your daily function, and how your diagnosis is supported by objective medical evidence.
Building a disability insurance claim strategy for Lyme disease takes attention to detail and extensive medical and legal knowledge. While we can't give specific advice without knowing the details of your claim and your health status, we can provide some general tips to create a strong disability claim.
1. Never Minimize Your Symptoms
You should never minimize your Lyme disease symptoms while talking to your doctor, especially if your symptoms involve shooting nerve pain, swollen joints, or a racing heartbeat. Insurance adjusters will have a harder time denying your LTD claim if you have a consistent record of symptoms for your Lyme disease.
2. Consider a Neuropsychological Evaluation
Many people living with Lyme disease have memory problems, short attention spans, and struggle to complete even simple tasks. While these issues can be hard to talk about, it's important to be open with your doctor about your struggles. Your doctor may recommend neuropsychological testing, which measures your ability to think and process information.
A neuropsych evaluation that clearly documents deficits in your memory and processing abilities will strengthen your disability insurance claim.
3. Don't Shy Away From Testing For Arthritis, Nerve Issues, and Heart Damage
The more evidence you have to document your condition, the stronger your claim will be. If you're living with late-stage or chronic Lyme disease, you may have arthritis, joint and nerve damage, and even cardiac issues. To document these issues, your doctors will need to access your nerves, joints and heart.by diagnostic tools.
4. Undergo a Functional Capacity Evaluation
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a test that gauges your ability to work and do daily activities. When you have a hard-to-understand diagnosis, like Lyme disease, it can be helpful to undergo an FCE.
During the examination, a physical or occupational therapist will have you perform a variety of tasks while observing your effort and abilities. Based on your performance, the therapist will assign detailed restrictions that may limit your ability to walk, lift, sit, bend, twist, and perform other physical activities.
Document, Document, Document will win your disability claim.
Research Lawyers that specialize in Lyme Disability Claims. Good Luck.
Posts: 2905 | From Florida | Registered: Nov 2016
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posted
Thank you for your input - The attorney and claimant have already followed many of this advice and are at an advanced stage of the case. Thankfully, due to the specific parameters of the case anything new/current is not in dispute and is already accepted as disabled, but unfortunately that means that it won't help either at the moment.
This is one reason for seeking a LLMD or similar willing to be called on behalf of a patient claimant as a Medical Expert who, after reviewing the records and the case being made by patient and attorney supports it, can say something akin to "Yes, a patient having these experiences and the symptoms they report would commonly be sufficient to be disabling. Its common for patients with X to have severe Y symptoms that prohibit them from ___ etc" as well as giving context to the case in light in regards to the specifics of Chronic Lyme / TBI, its symptoms, and how objective and subjective reports and medical records should be seen, especially given the time frame that is pertinent.
If anyone has advice on where to find a LLMD or similar who might be open to such an inquiry on the patient's behalf, please let me know.
Edit: Will send more specifics via PM when I am able, Bonnie.
Posts: 689 | From East coast, USA | Registered: Jun 2006
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Bartenderbonnie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 49177
posted
A few more thoughts.
Maybe reach out to the following organizations. It is an e-mail format requesting LLMD’s closest to you. There is a message box where you can state you are looking for a LLMD that’s available for expert witness testimony.
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
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