A pacemaker signals the heart to beat when the heartbeat is too slow or irregular. A pulse generator is a small metal case that contains electronic circuitry with a small computer and a battery that regulates the impulses sent to the heart. Pacemakers are used to treat heart rhythm disorder and related conditions such as slow heart rhythm (bradycardia), fainting spells (syncope), heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Even though they may make life more liveable, you should know that they do not remedy these conditions forever, and at some point, you might not be able to work. But how do you know if you qualify for long term disability benefits? If you need to know, please read on, then contact one of our experienced long term disability insurance attorneys to learn if having a pacemaker disqualifies you from receiving long term disability benefits.
Can you get long term disability benefits if you have a pacemaker?
Having a pacemaker installed is not by itself a qualifying condition for long term disability benefits. However, it may point to an individual experiencing serious heart health problems that, taken together, are disabling. Likewise, having a pacemaker is not a disqualifying condition. In order to qualify for long term disability benefits, you will have to prove the following:
- You suffer from either arrhythmias or failure after you had your pacemaker installed.
- That either of these two medical conditions still prevents you from returning to work even after your pacemaker implant.
How do you get long term disability benefits if you have a pacemaker?
First, you will need to speak with your employer or insurer, so that you can be fully apprised of your LTD policy. Within 180 days after learning more about your policy, you will have to file your claim, collecting and submitting various types of information such as MRIs, x-rays, doctor’s notes detailing the extent of your disability and how it prevents you from returning to work and any other information you believe is relevant. Before you undertake any of these actions you would be well advised to seek the counsel of one of the qualified legal professionals from our firm. He or she will provide guidance and honest assessments of your case so that you can make informed decisions. Additionally, a seasoned legal representative can help you obtain and present all of the evidence needed to prove your case to the appropriate bodies. This process may seem simple and straightforward, but insurers are not keen on paying out policies, regardless of their holder’s eligibility. As such, you would be wise to give us a call today.
Contact our experienced nationwide firm
If you or someone you know is looking to receive long term disability benefits and needs the help of an experienced attorney, speak with our nationwide LTD attorneys today. Our firm has significant experience helping people just like you obtain or defend their long term disability benefits. Contact Walker & Hern for a free consultation.