Facial Pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia)

Do I Qualify For Disability Insurance Benefits If I Have Facial Pain And Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by a sudden, shock-like or burning facial pain that can last just seconds to several minutes. There is no rhyme or reason when this intense pain will occur or how long an episode will last.

Trigeminal neuralgia, in and of itself, may not be a disabling condition, as the frequency, intensity and duration of the pain can vary from person to person.

Disability carriers don’t always make it easy for those with trigeminal neuralgia to get the benefits they deserve.

How Do Disability Carriers View Trigeminal Neuralgia Disability Claims?

Many disability claims for trigeminal neuralgia are denied because the disability insurance company says:

1. There is no objective basis of the diagnosis,
2. There is no objective basis for the restrictions and limitations assigned by your physician, or
3. There is no causal relationship between your trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis and/or your restrictions and limitations, and your inability to do your own or any occupation.

Nancy Cavey, who has 35 years experience handling disability cases, has successfully represented many policyholders with trigeminal neuralgia. She overcomes a claims denial by working closely with you and your physician.

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

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

The trigeminal nerve transmits sensation between the face and the brain. The neuralgia or pain is thought to be caused when the protective sheath around the trigeminal nerve gets worn away. The nerve sends abnormal pain signals to the brain, which causes extreme and unpredictable pain.

Unfortunately, there is no single test that confirms the diagnosis. An MRI or magnetic resonance angiography might show that the nerve is compressed, but not all testing is conclusive. That can make it difficult to get your benefits.

How Do I Get The Disability Insurance Benefits I Deserve?

Trigeminal neuralgia can interfere with your daily activities and with your ability to work. Your pain can make it difficult to speak during an episode, or concentrate, or stay on task. The unpredictability of the episodes can cause depression and anxiety.

If you no longer can work or your doctor has told you to apply for disability benefits, you should take steps before you apply:

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 and if 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.
3. Obtain a copy of your personnel file to see if your trigeminal neuralgia 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.
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 trigeminal neuralgia diary that explains and gives examples of how your symptoms interfere with your ability to do things on a daily basis and the side effects of your medication.
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. 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

Trigeminal neuralgia and its complications 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.