The kinds of disabilities that qualify for long-term care insurance are practically limitless. There are so many conditions that require lengthy medical care and treatment.

Some of the most common long-term disabilities that persons file long-term disability claims for include:

• Neck and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cancer
• System lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

Neck and Back Injuries

Some of these injuries lead to disabilities that require long-term care and treatment. Sometimes such injuries must be cared for as long as the patient lives. Among the most devastating of these types of injures is paralysis. Depending upon where along the spinal column the injury occurs and the type of injury suffered, the paralysis may be complete. This could be the case if the injury occurs at the level of the neck or high on the spine. Paralysis also might be partial, depending upon the type of injury and the place along the spine that the injury occurs.

Care would include visits to the doctor and long-term rehabilitation therapies that could range from physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, to psychotherapy. Other costs that should be covered by long-term disability insurance include specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and computerized aids to writing and speaking.

If the injury is less severe, medical care and rehabilitation might allow the patient to eventually return to work but could still require long-term treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain suffers some type of trauma. Some of the most common causes for these types of injuries include motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, construction accidents, falls from heights and sports accidents. When a person suffers a traumatic brain injury, the amount of care he or she will need will depend on the severity of the injury.

Some patients will require a lifetime of care and will suffer memory loss, changes in personality and in some cases loss of function. Brain injuries are among the most severe injuries a person can suffer and usually require some type of therapy.

Cancer

Cancer and the lasting effects of its treatment might require disability insurance for long-term care. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the major treatments for cancer. Each of these can produce long-term side effects that could require payments of claims for long-term disability insurance. Sometimes the side effects show up long after treatment has stopped.

Radiation therapy's side effects requiring treatment may include: cataracts, heart disease, infertility, cavities and tooth decay, lung disease, problems with the liver, osteoporosis, reduced lung capacity and increased risk of getting other cancers.

The side effects of chemotherapy are similar to those of radiation therapy. In addition to these, additional side effects of chemotherapy may include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), intestinal problems, and memory problems. One of surgery's main side effects is lymphedema (swelling in the area of the lymph nodes) or the loss of a limb or other body part that has to be removed surgically.

System Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Persons with system lupus erythematosus (SLE) usually require long-term medical follow-up. SLE is an autoimmune disorder, a disease where the body's system of self-defense turns upon and attacks the body. The disorder may express itself in many forms, attacking different tissues or organs. It is not curable, but may be controlled with many types of medications as well as getting enough sleep and exercise. Long-term treatment needs to address SLE itself as well as the organ disorders that result from it.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is another disorder often requiring long-term treatment and physician care. Persons with chronic fatigue syndrome feel tired all the time. They feel like they have the flu but the symptoms can last for six months or longer.

The patient's fatigue is not cured by rest and is not caused directly by other medical conditions. The cause is unknown, but some suspect it may be brought on by a type of virus or an inflammation in the nervous system. Contributing to its development are age, previous illnesses, stress, genetic factors and environmental conditions.

Other Types of Disabilities

Additional types of disabilities that might require long-term care include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder, which might need treatment with psychotherapy and medication
• Seizure disorders, which could require long-term care including medication and surgery; doctors' visits and laboratory tests would also be needed
• Severe depression often requires long-term care; this could include psychotherapy and medication

Long-Term Disability Claims

If you or someone you love has experienced one of these or another long-term disability, long-term care insurance should help pay for treatment. If your claims are being rejected or delayed by your insurer, you should contact Matthew L. Sharp, a trial lawyer with years of experience in disability claims denials.

Becoming disabled is devastating enough. The last thing you and your family should have to go through is getting the run around from an insurance company. Mr. Sharp understands the importance of these payouts and will do everything he can to get you the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. He will serve as your advocate so you can focus on your recovery. To learn more, contact Mr. Sharp directly by calling 1-888-640-0835.