Acoustic Neuroma Disability Insurance Claims

An acoustic neuroma diagnosis means that a benign (non-cancerous) tumor is growing in the vestibular nerve. This type of tumor grows very slowly and does not spread throughout the body. They do however pose a threat to hearing, balance and facial nerves, and can be dangerous if they grow large enough to press against the brainstem or the brain itself. Some symptoms of acoustic neuroma are hearing loss, which may happen suddenly or develop slowly, a ringing sound in one year or a feeling of fullness in one ear.

The treatment for acoustic neuroma depends upon the size and location of the tumor, the person’s age, general health, how badly their hearing or balance is being impacted, and what the person wishes to do. There are different surgical options, as well as stereotactic radiosurgery, which is a non-surgical radiation treatment. For some patients, watchful waiting, which includes periodic MRIs, is suggested.

Many patients experience temporary or permanent facial paralysis after the tumor is removed. It is also not uncommon for patients to develop a condition in which undesired facial movement occurs. Physical therapy and/or facial nerve surgery may be necessary. If you are not able to work because of symptoms caused by an acoustic neuroma or the aftereffects of surgery, a disability insurance claim will need to be filed. One of the key elements in your claim will need to be very strong medical records from your treating physician, which would ideally be a neurosurgeon whose practice focuses specifically on acoustic neuromas. The insurance company may seek to examine the medical records with an eye to denying the claim unless your medical records specify the tasks and duties of your occupation that you are unable to perform. Simply having the diagnosis is not enough, although it seems that it should be.

The disability attorneys at Frankel & Newfield have worked with many claimants suffering from acoustic neuroma, at all stages of their claims. If you have filed a claim and have been denied, you should speak with an experienced long-term disability insurance policy attorney with the experience to help. If you have questions, call Jason Newfield or Justin Frankel at 1-877-LTD-CLAIM (1-877-583-2524) or click here to send an email.