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Psoriatic Arthritis And Long-Term Disability Benefits: Points To Make In Your Claim

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Psoriatic arthritis is a difficult condition to treat, and its impact on its victims is often severe. If you suffer from the condition, however, you may find your long-term disability insurance company reluctant to pay your claim for benefits.

Often, you can get further with your claim for benefits by carefully describing exactly how the illness you have affects you on a daily basis and how it interferes with your work. With that in mind, here are some points you can use when making your claim:

How Psoriatic Skin Problems Can Affect You

Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by large patches of itchy, flaky skin. They can appear just about anywhere, but it isn't uncommon for patches to appear on a victim's scalp, neck, arms, and legs -- which makes them difficult to hide. 

Other people tend to recoil at the sight of the flaking skin, uncertain if the disease is contagious or not. If you work with the public, visible patches of psoriasis can make your job difficult. The reaction you constantly get from customers, clients, and even your co-workers can also begin to inflict serious emotional damage. It isn't unusual for psoriatic arthritis victims to report that their appearance affects them both socially and psychologically. Many victims avoid going out in public as much as possible because they fear the constant reactions they get from other people.

How Psoriatic Pain And Joint Problems Can Limit You

Pain and joint problems are a significant part of psoriatic arthritis. When you have the condition, your immune system attacks the cells in your joints, causing severe inflammation.

Swollen joints can make it difficult for you to bend, lift or carry -- which may be an essential part of your job requirements, depending on what you do for a living. However, even if you work in an office, the joint pain associated with psoriatic arthritis flares can make it impossible to work. You may find it difficult to sit, stand, or even lay down comfortably for any length of time. In addition, pain causes fatigue, which can make it difficult for you to concentrate on your work.

How Psoriatic Arthritis Medication Can Fail You

It's true that many patients find significant amounts of relief with proper treatment for their psoriatic arthritis. However, finding the right treatment isn't always easy. Some medications cause side-effects, like nausea and sleepiness, that can also make working impossible. Others, especially biologics like Cosentyx, can take months to start working. However, insurance companies are sometimes unwilling to approve a claim for psoriatic arthritis even if you haven't been able to find an effective treatment. If that's your situation, a long-term disability attorney can evaluate your case and may be able to help you reframe your argument for benefits in a successful way. Contact a professional like Scott E. Shaffman Attorney At Law for more help in this situation.


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