What You Should Know:
- A young professional in Austin, TX suffering from complex, overlapping medical conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and peripheral neuropathy, was wrongfully denied long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
- The claimant presented objective diagnostic testing, multiple provider statements, and functional testing showing she could no longer perform the duties of her occupation.
- Her condition progressed to the point where she required mobility assistance and support for basic daily activities.
- Dabdoub Law Firm focuses exclusively on disability insurance law and helps clients nationwide secure and protect the benefits they deserve.
Complex Diagnoses Disrupt a Promising Career
This claimant worked in a fast-paced technical support role for a leading technology company. Her job required sharp cognitive functioning, extended screen time, and consistent attendance, all of which became impossible to sustain when she began experiencing sudden and severe autonomic symptoms in 2024.
She was later diagnosed with a combination of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). These diagnoses were supported by autonomic testing, including QSART, which showed abnormal sweat response consistent with autonomic dysfunction. She also tested positive for peripheral neuropathy, a painful and limiting neurological condition that compounded her other symptoms.
Symptoms That Impaired Even Sedentary Work
Despite trying a wide range of treatments, including medications, infusions, physical therapy, and alternative therapies, her condition worsened. Key disabling symptoms included:
- Frequent tachycardia, dizziness, and near-syncope when attempting to stand or sit upright.
- Chronic pain and muscle weakness that required the use of mobility aids and assistance from a caregiver.
- Cognitive dysfunction, including brain fog, poor memory, and visual disturbances.
- Failed pharmacological treatments, leaving no remaining therapeutic options according to her treating providers.
The claimant went from working full time to requiring help with bathing, preparing meals, transportation, and other essential daily functions.
Medical Records, Functional Testing, and Personal Statements Support Disability
As part of her LTD appeal, the claimant submitted:
- Updated medical records from multiple specialists.
- A personal statement describing the emotional toll of her condition and its impact on her independence.
- A declaration from her partner, who helps care for her full-time.
- A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) that objectively confirmed her inability to perform sedentary work.
She was also participating in a multi-month infusion study, hoping for even marginal symptom relief.Yet, none of her treatments alleviated her symptoms such that she could maintain the ability to work reliably and consistently.
Legal Pressure Leads to Reinstated Benefits
After a wrongful denial, Lincoln was presented with overwhelming evidence of disability. The appeal outlined that:
- The claimant could no longer perform the essential duties of her own occupation.
- Lincoln failed to conduct a “full and fair review” as required under ERISA.
- Independent evaluations and treating provider documentation left no doubt as to her total disability.
Ultimately, Lincoln reinstated LTD benefits, providing this disabled claimant with the financial support she needed to continue her care and maintain some quality of life.
Overwhelming Evidence Makes the Difference
This case highlights the debilitating effects of EDS and POTS when combined with peripheral neuropathy. Even when symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed, objective testing and legal advocacy can compel Lincoln to reverse unfair benefit denials.
Dabdoub Law Firm represents claimants nationwide with long-term disability appeals involving rare and complex medical conditions. We’ve taken on every major insurance company, and we know how to win. If your benefits were unfairly denied or terminated, our team can help by:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim
- Appealing a long-term disability denial
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company
Call to speak with an attorney today. You pay no fees unless we win your case.