By Edward Dabdoub

Lyme disease can cause serious and lasting impairments that make it impossible to work full-time.

Yet, because symptoms of Lyme disease are typically subjective, or self-reported, insurance companies tend to question the legitimacy of Lyme-related claims.

Oftentimes, disability insurance companies will deny long term disability (LTD) claims because there is no standard testing to prove impairment caused by ongoing symptoms.

If you are unable to work due to the ongoing impact of Lyme disease and your doctors agree you should stop working, you may be eligible for LTD insurance benefits.

Disability insurance coverage provided by an employer is usually governed by a federal law called ERISA. This law has specific requirements for submitting a short-term and long-term claim and appealing a denied claim.

It is important to obtain a copy of the short-term and long-term disability insurance policies from your employer to understand what is necessary for the claim or appeal and by when it is due. Deadlines are very strict in ERISA disability claims. A missed deadline could prevent you from pursuing the claim further.

Symptoms

Common symptoms and complications of Lyme disease that prevent people from working may include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Severe joint or muscle pain
• Cognitive issues like memory loss or “brain fog”
• Vision problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood changes, including anxiety and depression

When symptoms last for an extended period, they can interfere with your ability to perform your job duties consistently. It is at that point you may need to look into your disability insurance coverage through work or even individually (if you took out a disability insurance policy previously).

Challenges when filing for LTD benefits 

Insurance companies are notoriously skeptical of Lyme disease disability claims, especially if:

• Your symptoms are self-reported, such as chronic fatigue, pain, or cognitive impairments.
• You do not have a confirmed positive Lyme test.
• You are not treating with an infectious disease specialist or a specialist in Lyme Disease.
• Your medical records do not clearly demonstrate your restrictions and limitations.

One of the most important aspects of a disability insurance claim, especially for a condition like Lyme disease, is to ensure you are being treated regularly by doctors, and that your doctors are supportive of your disability.

You will need their support when completing paperwork and throughout the duration of your LTD claim and benefit payments. It is important they also maintain detailed medical records of your ongoing symptoms, their observations of pain or fatigue or brain fog, and any abnormal exam findings.

Disability insurance companies will scrutinize your medical records looking for inconsistencies or lack of detail as to how your symptoms impact your functionality. Some commons bases for long term disability claim denials include:

• Claiming Your Symptoms Are “Subjective” – Disability insurers argue issues like fatigue or brain fog can’t be proven with standard tests.
• Doubting the Diagnosis – Denials are common when no antibody testing confirms Lyme disease.
• Discrediting Your Doctors – Disability insurers rely on their own consultants to undermine your treating physicians.
• Minimizing Your Limitations – Disability insurers point to basic daily tasks (cooking, driving) or surveillance footage to argue you can still work.

What you will need to support your claim

Getting approved for LTD benefits for Lyme disease requires strong, consistent medical and non-medical evidence that corroborates your reported symptoms and bolsters your credibility. The following is a brief list of things you may want to gather as part of your LTD claim or appeal:

• Thorough Medical Documentation – Ensure your providers document your diagnosis, testing, and daily impact of symptoms.
• Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) – Independent tests measuring work-related abilities (sitting, standing, walking, typing).
• Neuropsychological Testing – Objective evidence of memory, concentration, or cognitive issues.
• Symptom Log – Daily tracking showing fluctuation, triggers, and impact on functioning.
• Personal and 3^rd party statements – Your own account plus input from family/friends describing struggles and changes.

Fighting for long term disability insurance benefits due to Lyme disease can be frustrating, but there is hope. With strong support from your treating providers, detailed medical records, and evidence demonstrating your restrictions and limitations, disability insurance companies have approved these claims. If you have questions or concerns about your claim, you should reach out to a disability insurance attorney who can guide you on how best to handle your claim.

Edward Dabdoub is the founder and managing partner of the Dabdoub Law Firm, a national practice that specializes in long-term disability insurance claims.