Study: 30% of long COVID patients meet criteria for debilitating condition

New research out of the University of Calgary claims that a debilitating condition is frequently being found in people diagnosed with long COVID.

According to Dr. Satish Raj, as many as 30 per cent of patients meet the criteria for a type of dysautonomia known as “postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome” (POTS).

Symptoms associated with POTS can include:

Advocacy group sounding the alarm

Lauren Stiles, president and CEO of Dysautonomia International, told Global News that POTS isn’t something to take lightly.

“There are millions of people who really, really suffer from autonomic disorders,” Stiles said.

“We want to build support and compassion for these patients in their communities so that they can get access to the resources that they need.”

She added that 30 per cent of people with POTS rely on a wheelchair to get around and many others aren’t able to work.

SEE ALSO
• Canadian researchers using blood to diagnose long COVID
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• Long COVID disability benefits in Canada

Long-term disability rights for long COVID

In Canada, most long-term disability (LTD) insurance policies will pay benefits if you can show that you have a disability that prevents you from working. This includes individuals in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia who have coverage.

What is critical for all claims, whether physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive, or a combination, is having your treating doctor or medical professional indicate that your condition is significant enough that you aren’t able to work.

If long COVID is affecting your ability to work, and you have medical documentation from your doctor stating your condition is significant enough that you are unable to work, then you are entitled to claim for and receive LTD benefits for as long as you remain disabled.

READ MORE
• Applying for LTD insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic
• I can’t work because COVID-19 is affecting my mental health
• Employment rights during the COVID-19 pandemic

WATCH: Disability lawyer Sivan Tumarkin explains the three things you should do if you are unable to work because of COVID-19 on an episode of the Disability Law Show.

Long-term disability denied? Don’t appeal

If your LTD claim is denied by your insurance provider, you will likely receive a letter inviting you to appeal the decision.

While it might seem like a good idea to do so, in almost all cases, the appeals process will be handled by the same insurer that denied your claim.

Insurance companies make money by not paying claims. They often use the appeals process (sometimes leading claimants to request multiple appeals) to run out the clock on your ability to file a claim against them to get the money you are owed.

If your LTD claim is denied, cut off, or comes under “investigation”, contact our firm immediately.

LEARN MORE
• Appealing a long-term disability claim denial
• Disability lawyer discusses Ontario woman’s life insurance denial

Denied LTD for long COVID? Contact us

If long COVID is affecting your ability to work, and your insurance provider has denied your LTD claim, contact the experienced disability law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers regularly resolve issues involving LTD, short-term disability (STD), life insurance, critical illness, and mortgage insurance claims.

We can review your situation, enforce your rights, and help you secure the compensation you are owed.