Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an illness that produces undesired, unshakable thoughts or beliefs (obsessions) in a person. These obsessions, in turn, cause the person to conduct certain actions or behaviors (compulsions) over and over again.
For people with OCD, their brain cannot let go of a certain thought. They know that this makes no sense, and this causes them extreme anxiety. To get rid of these obsessive thoughts, the person creates rules, or rituals, that they repeat excessively to make their unwanted thoughts stop.
Was your claim for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) denied by an insurance company?
Our experience has given us a genuine understanding of this disorder that renders many of its victims unable to perform a normal 40-hour per week job.
If you have been denied disability for OCD, consult with us at no cost. A denied claim does not mean your rights to benefits are finished. We will evaluate your case and advise you about your legal options for appeal.
Wherever you live, we are able to fully represent you and enforce your rights.
OCD Symptoms
For people struggling with obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorders, the simplest aspects of daily life can present tremendous challenges.
Examples of obsessions (thoughts) are:
- Fixation on certain numbers, words, sounds or images
- Anxiety and over-attention with order and precision
- Worry that they did not perform a task correctly
- Constant dread and worry of dirt or germs
- Examples of compulsions (rituals) are:
- Repetitive actions, such as touching certain objects several times, or a specific number of times
- Counting to a specific number, again and again
- Organizing or placing objects in certain ways
- Checking drawers, windows or doors repeatedly to be sure they are shut
- Personal grooming, such as excessive, repeated hand washing
Not all rituals or habits are compulsions. Everyone double checks things sometimes. But a person with OCD generally:
- Can’t control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive
- Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors
- Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause
- Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors
Such persistent, unwelcome thoughts and rituals of obsessive-compulsive anxiety can invade a person’s life to the point that they cannot work or carry out everyday tasks and social interactions.
Some individuals with OCD also have a tic disorder. Motor tics are sudden, brief, repetitive movements, such as eye blinking and other eye movements, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking. Common vocal tics include repetitive throat-clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds.
Denials of Long Term Disability Claims for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
You may have purchased a long term disability insurance policy, or you may be covered by a group disability plan with your employer. Whether your policy is private or employer-sponsored, you expect the insurance provider to honor their obligations as stated in the policy.
Unfortunately, insurance companies routinely resort to less than honorable tactics to avoid paying long term disability benefits for OCD and other mental disorder claims. In many cases, the policy language is intentionally ambiguous and confusing, paving the way for the insurance company to reject adequate long-term coverage.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is likely to be loosely categorized under policy terms such as mental or anxiety conditions. Insurers typically limit such conditions to 24 months of coverage. Yet, although OCD symptoms may be classified as mental in nature, the originating illness may be physiological.
The insurance company may also require the claimant to undertake in-house psychiatric and vocational exams, while neglecting to thoroughly evaluate and consider the claimant’s own extensive medical records.
Contact Us Today
If you file a claim and it is wrongfully denied, you have the right to appeal the insurance provider’s decision. When our firm represents you on appeal, we will be fully prepared when the insurance company attempts to deny the claim again. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be achieved, litigation becomes necessary to obtain your rightful disability compensation.
Proper presentation of your claim, consultation with treating physicians, medical records and other relevant information is essential. We are prepared to fight for your right to the long term disability insurance benefits you deserve. Call Mehr Fairbanks Trial Lawyers without delay, for a free evaluation of your claim: 800-249-3731.