Colorectal Cancer

Do I Qualify For Disability Insurance Benefits If I Have Colorectal Cancer?

Disability insurance companies don’t always make it easy for policyholders who have colorectal cancer to get the disability benefits they deserve.

The Common Reasons Disability Carriers Deny Colorectal Cancer Disability Claims

Unfortunately, many claims are denied because the disability insurance company says:

There is no objective basis of the colorectal cancer,
There is no objective basis for the restrictions and limitations assigned by your physician,
There is no causal relationship between your colorectal cancer and/or your restrictions and limitations, and your inability to do your own or any occupation,
There is no reason you can’t work because you are in remission, and
There is no reason you can’t work in a sedentary capacity.

Nancy Cavey, who has 35 years experience handling disability cases, has successfully represented many policyholders with colorectal cancer. She overcomes a claims denial by working closely with you and your physician. It is crucial to fully develop any side effects of treatment, including chemo brain or tingling of your hands and feet.

If you are ready to file a disability application and want to improve your chances of getting disability benefits, or if your claim for colorectal cancer disability benefits has been denied, it is time to call Nancy Cavey.

She offers a free initial consultation and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your disability claim.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine, the colon. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Collectively, these cancers are called colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer starts with polyps that, over time, can become cancerous.

There are four stages in colon cancer:

Stage I cancer has grown through the lining or mucosa of the colon or rectum.

Stage II cancer has grown into or through the wall of the colon or rectum.

Stage III cancer has invaded nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV cancer has spread to the liver, lungs or other organs.

To examine the colon, your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy or a CT of the colon. The disability carrier will accept these studies as objective basis of the diagnosis, but the studies do not document the severity of your restrictions and limitations. It is key that your symptoms be developed in your medical records and your physician comment on how those symptoms cause restrictions and limitations on your ability to work.

What Are The Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

The symptoms can include:

A change in bowel habits with diarrhea or constipation,
A change in the consistency of your stool,
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool,
Abdominal cramping, pain or gas,
A sensation that your bowel doesn’t completely empty,
Weakness or fatigue, and
Unexplained weight loss.

It can be difficult to work with these symptoms or the side effects of treatment.

How Do I Get The Disability Insurance Benefits I Deserve?

Corlorectal cancer can make it difficult, if not impossible, to do things around your home and work. If you no longer can work or your doctor has told you to apply for disability, before you apply for benefits, you should:

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 because of colorectal cancer.

Your policy can include a self-reported limitation. It limits how long you can get benefits that result from self-reported symptoms, including fatigue, the sensation of fullness in your bowels or the frequent need to use the restroom. You’ll want to know what’s in your policy before you apply for benefits.

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. It is crucial you have neuropsychological testing to document the reason for your chemo fog symptoms and the severity of those symptoms.
Obtain a copy of your personnel file to see if the symptoms of your colorectal cancer have affected your work performance.
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.
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.
Prepare a diary that explains your symptoms and the side effects of medication you are taking. Be sure to give examples of how your symptoms interfere with your ability to do things on a daily basis.
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.
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 colorectal cancer. 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

Colorectal cancer 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 727-477-3263.