While you can apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits on the basis of either physical or mental conditions that impair your ability to work, you may have much better luck getting approved for benefits for a physical problem rather than a mental problem. The biggest reason for this is the fact that you typically cannot document the existence of a mental health condition through blood work and other diagnostic tests. Diagnoses of mental health conditions rely primarily on self-reported symptoms and assessments of those symptoms by doctors and other mental health care providers. This fact makes it extremely difficult to accurately assess mental health disorders and objectively measure the severity of the symptoms and how they affect your ability to work.

Some of the more common mental health disorders that can be disabling include the following:

·         Anxiety and depression

·         Bipolar disorder

·         Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

·         Personality disorders

·         Substance abuse disorders

Another complicating factor in establishing eligibility for LTD benefits based on a mental disorder is the fact that these disorders often are cyclical in nature. For instance, someone who suffers from bipolar disorder may not experience any disabling symptoms for several months, which can lead to a conclusion that he or she no longer has the condition or has been cured. At any moment, however, individuals with this disorder quickly can deteriorate and experience consistently disabling symptoms again. It may be more difficult to prove that symptoms impair your ability to work when you don’t always exhibit the most extreme symptoms of the disorder on a daily or even monthly basis.

Bonnici Law Group provides client-focused representation throughout the ERISA claims process. We are here to consider the evidence in support of your ERISA long-term disability claim, evaluate your claim, and develop the strongest and most effective strategy for fighting any denials of coverage that you may receive. Allow us to handle your legal needs while you focus on your physical and emotional health. Contact the ERISA long-term disability attorneys of Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 or help@bonnicilawgroup.com.