Panic Attacks and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

Panic attacks are sudden and intense episodes of fear or anxiety that can have debilitating effects on an individual’s daily life and work performance. Understanding how panic attacks relate to long-term disability benefits is crucial for those facing challenges in securing or maintaining benefits.

If you experience panic attacks that inhibit your ability to work or make a living, you may be eligible for LTD benefits. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our long-term disability lawyers have years of experience helping individuals who suffer from panic attacks pursue the benefits they’re entitled to. Whether you’re filing your initial application or your benefits have been denied, we’re ready to help. To discuss your legal options, schedule your free initial consultation with our legal team today.

Understanding Panic Attacks

Panic attacks involve overwhelming feelings of fear, dread, or terror that can arise unexpectedly. Symptoms may include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• A sense of impending doom or loss of control
• And more

Panic attacks can be difficult to manage in day-to-day life as they can occur unexpectedly, often without a clear trigger. Panic attacks differ from regular anxiety as they tend to be acute and episodic. For example, they can occur even when individuals are not feeling particularly anxious during the moment or day.

It is important to note the difference between panic attacks and a panic disorder. Panic disorders are characterized by frequently recurring attacks accompanied by a persistent fear of more episodes. Although not everyone who experiences isolated panic attacks has a panic disorder, both can be disabling conditions.

If you suffer from panic attacks, they may affect your work, relationships, and daily routines. In addition, some people may engage in avoidant behaviour when it comes to social situations to avoid triggering an attack. These effects can result in serious emotional and physical symptoms for individuals, like fear, low self-esteem, or depression.

Severe or frequently panic attacks can prevent someone from maintaining gainful employment. As a result, they may qualify for long-term disability benefits to supplement their income (up to 70%, in some cases) while they’re unable to work.

Are Panic Attacks Covered by My Long-Term Disability Policy?

While an individual panic attack or standalone episodes may not always qualify as a standalone disability, they can contribute to broader mental health conditions such as panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These conditions may warrant long-term disability benefits if they significantly impair an individual’s ability to work.

Many long-term disability policies cover mental health conditions, including panic attacks, when they result in functional impairments that prevent an individual from performing essential job duties. Whether panic attacks are covered will depend on your provider and the specifics of your LTD policy.

To make an effective LTD claim for your panic attacks, you’ll be required to submit thorough documentation. This might include:

• Detailed records from mental health professionals
• Diagnosis
• Treatment history
• Functional limitations
• Descriptions of how panic attacks impact your work performance
• And more

Can My Disability Benefits Be Denied?

Denials for panic attack disability benefits can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Lack of sufficient medical evidence
• Misinterpretation of symptoms
• Policy exclusions
• And more

Understanding denial reasons and seeking legal assistance immediately is crucial.

What To Do If My LTD Benefits Have Been Denied?

If you experience panic attacks and your LTD benefits have been denied, here are steps you can take:

• Review Your Denial Letter: Carefully review the denial letter from your insurance provider to understand the reasons your benefits were denied. It should outline the specific grounds for denial and provide details on how to appeal the decision.
• Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect all relevant medical records, treatment notes, diagnostic tests, and evaluations from healthcare professionals documenting your panic attacks, including their frequency, severity, and impact on your ability to work.
• Consult with Your Healthcare Providers: Discuss your denial with your treating physicians, therapists, or mental health professionals. They can provide additional medical evidence, opinion letters, or documentation to support your claim for LTD benefits based on your panic attacks.
• File an Appeal: Follow the appeal process outlined by your insurance provider, which typically involves submitting a written appeal along with supporting medical evidence within a specified timeframe. Ensure your appeal addresses all the reasons they provided for your denial and includes compelling evidence supporting your eligibility for LTD benefits.
• Seek Legal Assistance: Consult with a long-term disability lawyer who handles LTD benefit denials. A lawyer can review your case, assess the strength of your appeal, and provide guidance on how to navigate the appeals process effectively. They can also advocate on your behalf and represent you during any hearings or negotiations with the insurance company.
• Stay Persistent: Be persistent in pursuing your claim for LTD benefits. Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance provider, including emails, letters, and phone calls. Follow up regularly on the status of your appeal and provide any additional information requested by the insurer.

Remember that the appeals process for LTD benefits can be complex and time-consuming. With proper documentation, persistence, and legal support, you can increase your chances of overturning the denial and obtaining the benefits you deserve for your panic attacks.

Contact a Long-Term Disability Lawyer About Your LTD Denial Today

Individuals facing LTD denials when they experience panic attacks should seek legal representation promptly. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our disability lawyers can advocate for rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue rightful disability benefits to support your mental health and overall well-being. To get in touch, you can schedule your free initial consultation online or call 1-800-JUSTICE® now.