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Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work and maintain their financial stability. Reduced work hours, job loss, and the inability to pursue a career can result in financial devastation. In order to navigate this challenging situation, you need to understand how to access long-term disability benefits related to kidney disease.
Unfortunately, disability benefits are often denied, adding another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation. That is why it is important to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable professional, such as lawyers from Disability.ca, who can provide the necessary legal guidance and support to you during this terribly burdensome time.
If you have been denied your long-term disability benefits you have the right to your own long-term disability lawyer. Call our Disability Lawyers today at 1-844-4-DISABILITY for your FREE CONSULTATION or alternatively, send us a message through our website and we will be happy to get right back to you and schedule your FREE CONSULTATION and explain your legal rights to you, and what remedy you may be entitled to. Remember – if we work together, our anxiety disability lawyers NEVER ask for money upfront, under any circumstances. Our disability lawyers only get paid if you get paid.
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition where the kidneys become damaged and are unable to function properly. One out of seven Americans lives with CKD.
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulating electrolyte levels, and producing hormones that control blood pressure. When kidney disease occurs, these functions are compromised, leading to a range of health complications.
Different types of CKDs can affect individuals, but some of the more common ones include:
Chronic glomerulonephritis: This condition involves inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which are tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid.
Diabetic nephropathy: It is a kidney disease that occurs as a result of long-term diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively.
Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s interstitial tissue can occur because of infections, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases, resulting in kidney damage.
Hypertensive nephropathy: Prolonged high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease.
Polycystic kidney disease: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetically inherited disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. These cysts can interfere with the kidneys’ normal function, potentially leading to kidney failure over time. Individuals with PKD often grapple with a range of challenges. Physical symptoms can include pain in the back or sides, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. Furthermore, the emotional and psychological toll of managing a chronic disease can be significant, leading to stress, anxiety, and feelings of uncertainty about the future. Regular medical visits, tests, and treatments become an integral part of life for PKD patients. As the disease progresses, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required. Beyond the individual, PKD can also pose challenges for families, as they confront the hereditary nature of the disease and the potential for future generations to be affected.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months or years. As kidney function declines, various symptoms can manifest, though many patients might not experience noticeable symptoms until the disease has considerably advanced. Some common symptoms of CKD which our disability lawyers have seen over the years include:
It’s worth noting that many of these symptoms are nonspecific and can be caused by other conditions. Regular check-ups and blood tests are important for detecting early stages of CKD. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Several risk factors can contribute to the development and progression of kidney disease. The most common ones include:
Diabetes: Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively.
High Blood Pressure: Prolonged high blood pressure can strain the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage.
Family history: A family history of kidney disease increases the risk of developing the condition. Genetic factors can play a role in certain kidney diseases, such as PKD.
Age: As a person grows older, the kidneys may naturally undergo changes that affect their function.
Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to the development of various health conditions, including kidney disease.
Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and can reduce kidney function over time. It also increases the risk of developing kidney cancer.
Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, have a higher risk of developing kidney disease. The exact reasons for these disparities are not fully understood but may involve genetic and socioeconomic factors.
Whatever factor or combination of factors contributed to your kidney disease, it shouldn’t affect your right to disability benefits.
In our experience as Long-Term Disability Lawyers, CKD can significantly impact your ability to work because of various factors related to the disease itself and its management. Here are some ways in which CKD can reduce your or your loved one’s work capacity:
Complete Fatigue: Fatigue is a prominent symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD), rooted in the body’s physiological changes. As the kidneys’ filtering ability diminishes, toxins accumulate, leading to overwhelming exhaustion. Furthermore, CKD often causes anemia due to reduced production of the hormone erythropoietin by the kidneys, resulting in fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This lack of oxygen contributes significantly to fatigue.
In a work setting, this profound tiredness can hinder sustained energy and focus, impacting productivity and the ability to handle complex tasks or long projects. Tasks that were once easy may become challenging, leading to the need for more frequent breaks or difficulty with regular work hours. This fatigue can also affect an individual’s motivation, aspirations, and overall job satisfaction, emphasizing the crucial need for understanding and support from employers and colleagues.
Physical Pain & Challenges: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often brings with it a set of physical challenges that can significantly impact a person’s capacity to perform certain tasks, especially in work settings. Fluid retention and swelling, commonly observed in individuals with CKD, might cause discomfort, pain, or reduced mobility. This swelling, often noted in the legs, ankles, or feet, can make it burdensome to stand for extended periods, walk long distances, or even wear standard footwear. Such physical challenges can be particularly taxing for jobs that require constant movement, such as retail positions, nursing, or manual labor.
Medical appointments: Individuals with CKD often require frequent medical appointments, including visits to nephrologists, dialysis centers, or transplant clinics. These appointments can disrupt work schedules and require time off, affecting productivity and attendance.
Medical management: Managing CKD may involve multiple medications, dietary restrictions, and self-care routines. Adhering to these medical requirements can be time consuming and may require breaks or accommodations during work hours.
Dialysis treatment: For individuals on dialysis, treatment sessions can be lengthy, often lasting several hours multiple times a week. This treatment schedule can be physically and mentally exhausting, leaving limited energy for work-related activities.
Emotional and psychological effects: Dealing with a chronic illness, such as CKD, can have emotional and psychological impacts. Anxiety, depression, stress, and a decreased ability to cope can affect concentration, motivation, and overall mental well-being, making it challenging to perform at work.
Sleep disturbances: Conditions like restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea associated with CKD can affect sleep quality, leading to increased daytime drowsiness or reduced alertness at work.
Cognitive Challenges: The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to noticeable cognitive impairments, which may not be immediately associated with kidney dysfunction in the minds of many. As the kidneys become less effective at filtering out toxins from the bloodstream, these accumulated waste products can impact brain function. This diminished mental acuity can manifest as reduced attention span, difficulty in concentrating, memory lapses, and slower decision-making processes.
Within a work environment, these cognitive challenges can be particularly problematic. Tasks that once seemed routine might now require more time and effort. Employees might find it challenging to keep track of multiple tasks, follow complex instructions, or engage in prolonged analytical thinking. Moreover, the slowed decision-making can affect their ability to respond promptly in fast-paced or high-pressure situations, potentially impacting job performance and even workplace relationships.
Medication Side Effects: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often require various medications to manage their condition and associated symptoms. These medications are essential for slowing the progression of the disease, managing complications, and improving quality of life. However, they often come with a host of side effects that can vary in intensity and nature. Common side effects might include dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or diarrhea, skin reactions, or even mood fluctuations. In some cases, the side effects can be as challenging to manage as the symptoms of CKD itself.
In the context of a work environment, these medication-induced side effects can present significant challenges. Dizziness or lightheadedness might make it unsafe for someone to operate machinery or even navigate office spaces without risk. Gastrointestinal issues can necessitate frequent restroom breaks, interrupting workflow and potentially causing discomfort during long meetings. Skin reactions might require specific care routines or lead to self-consciousness, while mood-related side effects can interfere with interpersonal interactions and team dynamics. Hence, managing and navigating these side effects becomes crucial not only for health but also for maintaining professional efficacy and relationships.
If you have CKD and find that it interferes with your work, you may be eligible for disability benefits. To maximize your chances of getting the money you deserve, you need to work with an Ontario Long-Term Disability Lawyer.
Our Disability Law Firm can provide guidance on potential disability benefits and accommodations that may be available to you. Understanding your rights and exploring options for support can help alleviate some of the challenges associated with the inability to work while managing CKD.
Long-term disability benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work because of a chronic illness or disability. These benefits typically replace a portion of the individual’s income during the period of disability.
To qualify for long-term disability benefits for CKD, you must meet the specific criteria outlined by your insurance policy or the governing disability benefits program.
In Ontario, eligibility for disability benefits is often determined based on the ability to perform “any occupation” or “own occupation.”
Any occupation: A person with CKD is unable to perform any type of work suitable for their education, training, or experience. This means that if you can perform any job, even if it is different from your previous occupation, you may not qualify for certain disability benefits.
Own occupation: A person with CKD is unable to perform the specific job they were engaged in before the onset of the disease. If you can no longer perform your own occupation because of the limitations imposed by CKD, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
While each disability plan is different, in most cases, they provide disability benefits for up to two years under the own-occupation criteria. After that period, the insurance company evaluates your disability and continues paying only if you meet the any-occupation criteria.
You need to carefully review the terms and conditions of the specific disability insurance policy or benefits program to understand the definition of disability and the qualifications required for receiving benefits. Consulting with a long-term disability lawyer who specializes in CKD cases can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the application process.
If you’ve been denied long-term disability benefits, reach out to our colon cancer disability lawyers for your free consultation. We assist those affected by colon cancer throughout Ontario, ensuring they regain rightful disability benefits that they deserve. Engaging with our disability law firms for your free consultation is entirely free, and should you choose to proceed with our services, you will never pay upfront fees. The fee is free until we win your case.
Since 1984, our long-term disability lawyers have successfully reclaimed tens of millions in unjustly denied long-term disability benefits for individuals debilitated by colon cancer. Our disability lawyers are dedicated to providing the best legal guidance to help you make an informed choice tailored to your unique circumstances. Do not delay – call us today.
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Yes, if you suffer from severe kidney disease may qualify for long-term disability benefits so long as you satisfy the definition of total disability pursuant to you individual or group disability policy.
Kidney disease can lead to symptoms like fatigue and pain, which can hinder daily work performance and regular attendance.
Many disability policies recognize kidney disease, especially end-stage renal failure, as a significant condition that may warrant benefits.
A disability lawyer can guide you through the claim process, help gather essential medical documentation, and represent you if your claim faces challenges.
The primary criterion is demonstrating that kidney disease significantly impairs your ability to perform regular work duties.
Not many policies permit a claimant to collect long-term disability benefits and work part time.
We recommend contacting a lawyer who has expertise and specializes in long-term disability.
From Breast Cancer to Bipolar Disorder – we can help with ALL denied disability claims.
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