Reiter’s Syndrome

Do I Qualify For Disability Insurance Benefits If I Have Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome?

Disability insurance companies don’t always make it easy for policyholders who have reactive arthritis, also called Reiter’s syndrome, to get the disability benefits they deserve.

What Is Reactive Arthritis and What Are The Symptoms?

Reactive arthritis is a painful inflammatory type arthritis that occurs as a reaction after an infection in another part of your body, including your intestines, genitals or urinary tract. The bacteria don’t migrate to other body parts but set off a reaction in those other body parts.

The symptoms can include:

• Pain and Stiffness

Joint pain, often in the heels, ankles, feet, knees, and low back.

• Swelling of the Toes or Fingers

Swelling of the toes and fingers so bad they look like sausages.

• Eye Inflammation

Also called conjunctivitis.

• Urinary Problems

Inflammation of the urinary tract, called urethritis, can cause increased frequency and urination.

Symptoms last 3 to 12 months, but an acute and severe form of reactive arthritis can limit the ability to work far longer.

What Is The Treatment for Reactive Arthritis and How Does That Impact My Claim?

The hallmark symptoms of reactive arthritis are swelling, stiffness and painful inflammation; the severity of the symptoms can differ from person to person.

Treatment often includes methotrexate, cyclosporine or other immune suppressant drugs. Cyclosporine can cause kidney toxicity and high blood pressure. Other therapies can suppress cell production in the bone marrow and cause anemia and fatigue. It is important that your physician document the side effects and how they impact your ability to work.

How Disability Carriers Handle Reactive Arthritis Claims

Many claims are denied because the disability insurance company says:

1. There is no objective basis of the reactive arthritis diagnosis, as x-rays are often normal in the early stages,
2. There is no objective basis for the restrictions and limitations assigned by your physician, or
3. There is no causal relationship between your reactive arthritis diagnosis and/or your restrictions and limitations, and your inability to do your own or any occupation,
4. There is no reason you can’t work in a sedentary capacity, or
5. There is no reason you can’t work with accommodation.

Why You Need Nancy Cavey

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

She obtains, as needed, a Functional Capacity Evaluation to objectively document how your pain limits use of your fingers and hands, and how difficult it is walking, standing and sitting. Ms. Cavey even hires a Vocational Evaluator to explain why your symptoms prevent you from doing your occupation or any occupation.

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

How Do I Get The Disability Insurance Benefits I Deserve?

Reactive arthritis can interfere not only with your daily activities but with your ability to work.

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.

Your policy might limit conditions that are based on subjective complaints without objective evidence of a diagnosis.

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 reactive arthritis has affected your work performance. Your productivity may have suffered because you may have limited ability to use your hands, walk, stand or sit for any length of time.
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 pain diary that explains your pain, side effects of medication. Give examples of how your reactive arthritic symptoms interfere with your ability to do things on a daily basis.
7. Take pictures of your affected joints to document the swelling or the inflammation of your eyes.
8. 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.
9. 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

Reactive arthritis 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.