At Disability Insurance Law Group, our nationwide claims attorneys know age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, AMD is a common cause of vision loss in people 50 or older.
There are two types of macular degeneration:
About 80% (8 out of 10) of people with macular degeneration have the dry form. Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein called drusen grow. People with dry AMD may have drusen, pigment abnormalities, or geographic atrophy and slowly lose central vision.
This form is less common but much more severe. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. Individuals lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.
No matter which type you have, your disability insurance can make an essential difference in your life, as daily activities and work are going to become difficult — if not impossible — without vision.
When a disability insurance claim is denied, it can physically, emotionally, and financially devastate macular degeneration sufferers. We want to help.
Our national macular degeneration disability insurance attorneys assist policyholders throughout the U.S. in strategically submitting their claims by outlining the severity of their conditions, compiling the necessary medical records to support their disabilities, and negotiating with their private or employer-provided insurer to achieve the benefits they are entitled to for their impairment.
Call us today to learn more about how we have successfully produced real results for real people across the U.S. who need our help and how we can assist you in moving forward with confidence during a free consultation.
Macular degeneration is considered an impairment when it significantly affects an individual’s vision and interferes with their ability to perform essential tasks required for work and daily activities.
The severity and impact of macular degeneration can vary, and the determination of impairment often considers factors like:
The extent of visual acuity loss is crucial in determining impairment due to macular degeneration. If the condition results in a significant reduction in central vision, it may be considered an impairment.
Macular degeneration can cause distortion or a blind spot in the central vision. If this distortion interferes with an individual’s ability to read, recognize faces, or perform other essential tasks, it may contribute to the impairment assessment.
The impact of macular degeneration on daily activities is considered. It may be an impairment if the condition significantly limits an individual’s ability to drive, read, write, recognize faces, or perform tasks requiring clear central vision.
The response to treatment is a factor in evaluating impairment. While there may not be a cure for macular degeneration, treatments like injections or laser therapy may be used to slow its progression. If the condition is not responsive to treatment or if the treatment itself causes significant side effects, it may contribute to the determination of impairment.
In addition to central vision impairment, macular degeneration can sometimes lead to visual field loss. If the condition affects the peripheral vision, it may further contribute to the impairment assessment.
Individuals seeking disability benefits due to macular degeneration should provide thorough medical documentation, including reports from eye specialists, visual acuity test results, and information about the condition’s impact on daily activities.
Remember that the criteria for considering macular degeneration as an impairment may vary depending on the insurance coverage.
Whether your disability insurance coverage was underwritten as a private or employer-provided policy, we have over 50 years of combined experience pursuing all insurance coverages and corporations for the benefits policyholders nationwide deserve.
Contact our national macular degeneration disability insurance attorneys today by calling 954-989-9000 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential case assessment so we can put our legal skills and resources to work for you — no matter where you live or work in the U.S.
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