Although the term “respiratory illnesses” might make you think of the common cold, there are various respiratory illnesses that can cause permanent damage to your lungs, including COVID-19 and SARS, among others. A significant side effect that appears to be developing in many people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 is decreased lung capacity. Some people have experienced up to a 20 to 30% decrease in their lung capacities as a result of contracting the virus. It is unclear how long it will take to regain full lung strength and capacity after having COVID-19, or if fully healing is even a possibility. SARS causes similar lung damage, which may take as long as 15 years to recover fully.

Due to the current lack of knowledge about the long-term effects of COVID-19, insurance companies may deny long-term disability benefits based on shortness of breath and other side effects that linger long after the virus has left a person’s body. However, in some instances, this shortness of breath and decreased lung capacity might directly affect your ability to work, especially if your job traditionally requires a great deal of physical exertion or walking.

Other respiratory illnesses that might make it difficult for you to work are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Depending on the type and severity of these conditions, you may encounter problems getting LTD benefits. One key aspect of your LTD claim will include fully documenting your symptoms and how they specifically hinder your ability to work. You also will need to identify each job duty that your symptoms impact and describe why your symptoms make you unable to perform these duties.

It can benefit you greatly to get legal advice about the most effective means of building and maintaining the most successful ERISA long-term disability claim possible. Bonnici Law Group provides skilled, aggressive legal representation regularly for individuals seeking long-term disability benefits under insurance policies governed by ERISA. Our priority is to represent your interests and protect your rights to the benefits that you deserve. Call us at 858-261-5454 and schedule an appointment to meet with us about your case today.