Navigating the complexities of short and long term disability claims can be especially challenging when dealing with conditions that affect the vestibular system—a critical part of the inner ear involved in maintaining balance. Understanding how vestibular testing can support your short and long term disability claims is crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, which can significantly impact daily functioning and work capabilities.
This article explains how vestibular testing can be used to strengthen your disability claim, detailing what it involves, why it’s important, and how to leverage the results to help secure your benefits.
What is Vestibular Testing?
Vestibular testing is a series of assessments designed to evaluate the health and functionality of the vestibular system, which is part of the inner ear and brain that helps control balance and eye movements. These tests measure how well your vestibular system is functioning and can help diagnose the cause of balance, dizziness, or vertigo symptoms. There are several types of vestibular tests, each targeting different aspects of the vestibular system.
One common test is the Videonystagmography (“VNG”), which involves wearing goggles that track the movement of the eyes in response to various stimuli. This test assesses the connection between the vestibular system and the movements of the eyes, helping to identify abnormalities that may indicate an inner ear disorder. A nother test, the Rotary Chair Test, involves sitting in a computer-controlled chair that moves gently back and forth while eye movements are monitored. This test helps differentiate between a vestibular disorder and other causes of dizziness.
Other tests include the Posturography, which measures how well you can maintain standing balance under various conditions, and the Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (“VEMP”) testing, which uses sounds to stimulate the ear and muscle responses to assess the function of specific pathways within the vestibular system. The Caloric Test, which involves stimulating each ear with warm and cold air or water, assesses the responsiveness of each ear independently and can identify unilateral vestibular weakness.
These tests are non-invasive and can provide valuable data for diagnosing vestibular disorders, determining their severity, and guiding treatment strategies. Additionally, they can provide valuable evidence of your symptoms and go a long way in supporting your short or long term disability claim.
What Symptoms or Conditions Warrant a Vestibular Test?
When considering whether to undergo vestibular testing as part of a short or long term disability claim, the following symptoms and conditions often warrant this type of evaluation:
Dizziness and Vertigo: If you frequently experience dizziness or episodes of vertigo, where it feels like you or your surroundings are spinning, vestibular testing can help identify the underlying causes related to vestibular dysfunction.
Balance Issues: Difficulties with balance, especially those that cause falls or instability when standing or walking, can be assessed through vestibular testing to determine the extent of vestibular impairment.
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea and vomiting associated with movement can be signs of a vestibular disorder, as the vestibular system contributes to the sense of equilibrium and spatial orientation.
Hearing Loss: Sudden, unexplained hearing loss or fluctuations in hearing ability may suggest issues like Meniere’s disease, where vestibular testing can aid in diagnosis.
Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears that accompanies balance problems or hearing loss can also be indicative of vestibular system involvement.
Vision Impairment: Problems with vision, such as difficulty focusing or tracking objects, which occur especially when moving your head, might be linked to vestibular disorders and can be evaluated through testing.
Head Trauma: After a head injury, if you experience any of the above symptoms, vestibular testing may be recommended to assess potential damage to the vestibular organs and pathways.
Migraines: For those who suffer from migraine-associated vertigo, vestibular tests can be used to explore the relationship between migraine episodes and vestibular symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and they impact your ability to work, discussing vestibular testing with your healthcare provider could be an important step in documenting your condition for a disability claim.
Why Is Vestibular Testing Important for Short or Long Term Disability Claims?
Vestibular testing is important for short and long term disability claims because it provides objective, quantifiable evidence of vestibular disorders that can significantly impact your ability to perform work-related tasks.
Here’s why these tests are critical in the context of long term disability claims:
Objective Evidence: Vestibular tests, such as videonystagmography (“VNG”), rotary chair tests, or electronystagmography (“ENG”), produce concrete data that can objectively demonstrate the presence and severity of balance and inner ear disorders. This evidence is crucial in substantiating claims, as it provides hard data beyond subjective symptom descriptions.
Verification of Symptoms: Many symptoms of vestibular disorders, like dizziness and balance issues, are subjective and difficult to verify through regular medical examinations. Vestibular testing can confirm that these symptoms are due to a physiological dysfunction within the vestibular system, lending credibility to your claims of disability.
Details on Functional Limitations: The results from vestibular testing can detail the specific functional limitations that affect your ability to work. For instance, if you have a job that requires precise motor control, stability, or quick head movements, evidence of vestibular dysfunction can clearly demonstrate why these tasks are challenging or unsafe for you to perform.
Support for Complex Cases: In cases where multiple symptoms or conditions complicate the diagnosis, vestibular testing can help isolate the contribution of the vestibular system to your overall disability. This is particularly important in cases where the exact sources of symptoms must be made clear.
Documentation of Condition Progression: For long term disability claims, ongoing vestibular testing can document the progression or improvement of a vestibular disorder over time. This is vital for maintaining eligibility for benefits, as insurance companies typically require proof that your disability remains limiting.
By providing clear and objective data on how vestibular disorders affect your daily functions, vestibular testing strengthens your short or long term disability claim, enhancing your likelihood of receiving your benefits.
What Should I Expect During Vestibular Testing?
During vestibular testing, you can expect to undergo a series of non-invasive tests that may take a few hours to complete, depending on the number and types of tests your doctor has ordered. The goal of these tests is to evaluate the function of your vestibular system, which helps control balance and eye movements.
Before the testing begins, you might be advised to avoid certain medications that could affect the results, such as sedatives or medications used to treat dizziness and nausea. Your healthcare provider will also advise you to refrain from eating or drinking for several hours before the test to prevent nausea, which can be a side effect of the testing. Vestibular testing is typically conducted in a quiet, darkened room to help control for visual stimuli and to better monitor your eye movements. You might be seated, wear a harness, or lie down on a movable table, depending on the specific test being performed.
Common vestibular testing types include:
Videonystagmography (“VNG”): You will wear special goggles that track your eye movements. You’ll be asked to follow visual targets, and your eye movements will be recorded to assess how well your inner ear communicates with your brain.
Caloric Test: This part of the VNG involves stimulating each ear with warm and then cold air or water while tracking your eye movements. This test can cause sensations of dizziness which are temporary and expected as it directly tests the responsiveness of each ear.
Rotary Chair Test: You may be seated in a motorized chair that gently turns back and forth while your eye movements are monitored. This test helps determine if your dizziness is due to a vestibular disorder.
Posturography: This test assesses your ability to maintain balance under various conditions. You will stand on a platform that records your balance under different situations, such as standing on a firm versus a soft surface.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (“VEMP”) Testing: This involves placing electrodes on your neck and forehead to measure muscle responses to sounds provided through headphones. It tests specific pathways in the vestibular system.
Some of the tests, particularly the caloric test, may make you feel dizzy for a short period. It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home if you experience significant dizziness. Your healthcare provider might review preliminary results with you immediately after the testing, but full results and interpretations will likely be discussed during a follow-up appointment.
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine if there are abnormalities in your vestibular system and discuss potential treatment options or further diagnostic testing if needed. This could include medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes to manage symptoms associated with vestibular disorders.
How Do I Interpret My Vestibular Test Results?
Interpreting vestibular test results typically involves a detailed review by a healthcare professional who specializes in disorders of the ear, balance, or neurological systems, such as an audiologist, ENT specialist, or neurologist.
Here’s how you might understand the process and what your results could indicate:
Review with Your Healthcare Provider: After your vestibular tests, your healthcare provider will review the data and compare it against normal ranges for balance and inner ear function. This review often involves looking at graphs and numerical data that represent your eye movements, balance, and responses to stimuli.
Explanation of Test Outcomes: Your doctor will explain the outcomes of each specific test. For example, abnormal results in a caloric test may indicate a weakness in one or both of your vestibular systems, which could explain symptoms like dizziness or balance issues. Similarly, if your posturography results show that you have trouble maintaining balance when your eyes are closed, it might suggest that you rely heavily on visual cues for balance, indicating possible vestibular dysfunction.
Discussing Symptom Correlation: The results will be discussed in the context of your reported symptoms. If there’s a direct correlation between the test results and your experiences of dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, it can validate your symptoms and help in diagnosing a vestibular disorder.
Based on the test results, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which can help improve balance and reduce symptoms of dizziness. If the results are inconclusive or suggest multiple potential causes for your symptoms, further tests or referrals to other specialists might be necessary. Vestibular conditions can change over time, so your provider may recommend periodic retesting to monitor your condition and adjust treatment plans as needed.
How Should I Present My Vestibular Test Results to My Long Term Disability Insurance Company?
Presenting your vestibular test results effectively to your disability insurance company is crucial for supporting your claim. Here’s a detailed approach to maximize the clarity and impact of your evidence, including how a long term disability insurance attorney can enhance this process:
Comprehensive Medical Report: Ensure your doctor prepares a detailed medical report that not only includes the vestibular test results but also a comprehensive assessment of how your symptoms affect your ability to work. The report should clearly connect your test results with your functional limitations. An experienced attorney can assist in ensuring that all necessary medical details are accurately captured and effectively presented to substantiate your claim.
Summary of Findings: Include a summary of the vestibular test findings that highlights key abnormalities and their implications for your daily functioning. This summary should be easy to understand and clearly link your vestibular dysfunction with your job requirements. An attorney can help refine this summary to emphasize the most compelling aspects of your case to the insurance adjuster.
Official Test Results: Attach copies of the official test results from the healthcare facility that conducted the tests. An attorney can assist in organizing and presenting these documents to ensure they are well-organized and clearly labeled.
Doctor’s Interpretation and Recommendations: Ask your doctor to provide a supplemental statement interpreting the results in the context of your reported symptoms and medical history. It should also include their professional opinion on your prognosis and capacity to work. This should detail any physical activities or work conditions you should avoid and explain how your symptoms interfere with your ability to work.
Supporting Documentation: Include any other supporting medical documentation, such as records of ongoing treatment or previous tests that corroborate your current test results. This might include records of visits to other specialists, such as neurologists or ENT doctors, if relevant. An attorney can help determine what additional documentation could strengthen your case and ensure all relevant information is included.
Personal Statement: Consider adding a personal statement that describes how your symptoms affect your daily life and ability to work. This can provide a human element to your claim, illustrating the challenges you face beyond what clinical results can convey.
What Steps Should I Take If My Claim Is Denied Despite Having Vestibular Test Evidence?
If your disability claim is denied despite having supportive vestibular test evidence, it’s important to act methodically and assertively to challenge the decision.
Here are some steps you can take if your short or long term disability claim is denied:
Review the Denial Letter: Carefully read the denial letter from your insurance company to understand their reasons for rejecting your claim. This letter should outline the specific findings or policy terms cited as the basis for denial. Understanding these reasons is crucial for formulating your appeal.
Note Any Deadlines: Make sure to note what date your appeal is due by. You must file your appeal within the time frame allowed by your insurance policy. Missing these deadlines can result in the permanent denial of your claim.
Request Your Claim File: Ask the insurance company for a complete copy of your claim file. This file contains all the documents, medical records, internal notes, and correspondence that your insurance company used to make their decision. Reviewing this file can help you identify any discrepancies or areas where further evidence might be necessary.
Gather Additional Evidence: Based on the reasons for denial, you may need additional medical evidence to counter the insurer’s conclusions. This might include more detailed vestibular test results, a second opinion from another specialist, or more comprehensive documentation of how your symptoms affect your daily activities and work capacity.
Consult with a Disability Attorney: Before filing an appeal, it’s highly advisable to consult with a disability attorney with experience in ERISA claims. An attorney can offer crucial insights into the legal aspects of your claim, help you understand complex policy language, and develop a strategy for your appeal. They can also ensure that your appeal meets all procedural requirements, such as deadlines and formatting.
How Can The Maddox Firm Prove My Short or Long Term Disability Claim?
The Maddox Firm specializes in handling short and long term disability claims, including those that require vestibular testing due to conditions affecting your balance and inner ear functions. Our experienced team provides comprehensive support to ensure your claim is substantiated with robust evidence and increase your chances of claim approval.
Here’s how we can help prove your disability claim:
We Examine Your Policy and Assess Your Claim: We start by thoroughly reviewing your disability insurance policy to understand the specific criteria and definitions of disability it contains. This enables us to assess how vestibular testing results align with the policy requirements. We also analyze your medical records and test results to build a strong case that demonstrates how your vestibular condition impacts your ability to work.
We Handle All Communications with Your Insurance Company: Our team takes on the responsibility of all communications with your insurance company. This includes submitting all necessary documentation, handling queries, and responding to requests for additional information. We ensure that all communications are clear, timely, and backed by solid evidence from your vestibular tests and other medical data, preventing any misinterpretation or oversight that could affect your claim.
We Help You Obtain Evidence to Support Your Claim: We guide you in obtaining comprehensive vestibular testing and ensure that the results are interpreted accurately by qualified professionals. If additional evidence is needed, such as further medical evaluations or expert opinions, we coordinate these efforts. We compile all related documentation, including detailed descriptions of how your condition limits your daily functions and work capabilities, to make a compelling case to your insurer.
We Handle Appeals and Litigation: If your claim is denied, we are prepared to handle the appeals process for you. We meticulously prepare for this by gathering additional evidence, re-assessing previously submitted information, and potentially obtaining further expert testimony regarding your vestibular disorder. Should litigation become necessary, we represent you with a strong legal strategy aimed at securing the benefits you deserve.
A short term disability or long term disability claim can be a complicated process. If you need help during the claims process, with appealing a claim denial, or with litigating a final adverse short term or long term disability decision, The Maddox Firm can help. The experienced team at The Maddox Firm will examine your insurance policy, correspondence from your insurance company, medical records, and any other relevant documentation in order to give you personalized guidance on how we can help you win your short and/or long term disability claim. Our New Jersey and New York long term disability attorneys help clients nationwide.