Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. People with POTS can experience their heart rate increasing, dizziness, lightheadedness, and sometimes fainting when they stand up. Other POTS symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and exercise intolerance. The condition can be debilitating, significantly impacting daily life and the ability to work or perform routine activities.
It is estimated that between one and three million Americans live with the condition. POTS can result from traumatic injury, particularly injuries affecting the brain stem or upper neck. This includes hyperadrenergic POTS, which can lead to high blood pressure accompanied with a rapid heart rate.
When seeking damages for a POTS claim, we highly recommend seeking legal representation with a law firm that has experience with these challenging cases. Collecting compensation for medical treatment will require a formal diagnosis by a medical professional, and an experienced personal injury who can build a strong case for you. Watch our video on POTS for more information.
Speak to a Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Lawyer: (503) 227-1233.
Is POTS Considered a Disability?
POTS is not listed in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book or under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, people with POTS may still qualify for disability benefits if they can demonstrate that their symptoms are substantially limiting and prevent them from maintaining employment.
POTS can be considered a disability if its symptoms are severe enough, however. Generally, this requires that your symptoms prevent you from working or performing daily activities. To receive disability benefits for POTS, you will need to be tested for the condition and medically diagnosed.
The process of diagnosis may include the tilt table test to determine how your body reacts to movement. You may also need a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), which pinpoints how POTS may affect your ability to work.
Speak to a Portland Personal Injury Attorney about your POTS claim: (503) 227-1233.
How to Qualify for Disability Benefits From POTS
To qualify for disability benefits due to POTS, you must file a disability claim through the Social Security Administration. You will be asked to provide thorough medical documentation showing your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms (such as dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties), and evidence that these symptoms persist despite treatment and make it impossible for you to work. The SSA will evaluate your ability to perform any job, considering your medical records, specialist reports, and functional limitations.
In summary, POTS is not automatically recognized as a disability, but it can be disabling for some individuals. Approval for disability benefits depends on the impact of your symptoms and the strength of your medical evidence.
Read More: Symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Establish Your POTS Disability Claim
If you developed POTS as a result of a traumatic injury—such as a car accident, traumatic brain injury, or exposure to a dangerous product—you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s how Portland personal injury lawyer Aaron DeShaw can assist you:
Step 1: Establishing Causation for your POTS Disability Claim
A key challenge in POTS cases is proving that the condition was directly caused by the injury or negligent act. Lawyers work with medical experts to link your POTS diagnosis to the incident, gathering medical records, expert testimony, and scientific literature to build a strong case.
Step 2: Determining Damages and Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may attempt to discredit your claim by suggesting your symptoms are psychological or unrelated to the incident. They may use personality tests (like the MMPI) to argue that you are exaggerating or fabricating symptoms. An experienced lawyer understands these tactics and can counter them with evidence and expert analysis, ensuring your symptoms are accurately represented and not misinterpreted.
POTS can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and diminished quality of life. A personal injury lawyer will document all your losses, including ongoing treatment costs, future care needs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Finally, some POTS cases, such as those involving alleged side effects from vaccines or medications like Gardasil, bleed into product liability and/or class action lawsuits. These cases demand extensive medical and scientific evidence, and a lawyer with experience in this area can guide you through the process, from filing claims to negotiating settlements or going to trial.
Step 3: Resolving Your Case Through Settlement or Trial Verdict
Throughout the process, your Portland personal injury attorney should act as your advocate, ensuring you are treated fairly and your voice is heard. Competent legal counsel will handle all communications, file the necessary paperwork, and prepare a strong case on your behalf.
To speak with a Portland personal injury attorney about your POTS claim, call DeShaw Law: (503) 227-1233.
Frequently Asked Questions about POTS
Is there a cure for POTS?
While there is currently no cure for this medical condition, treatments are available. Treatments for POTS include medication, lifestyle changes (such as increased salt and fluid intake), compression garments, and physical therapy. Each patient’s treatment plan is highly individualized, and finding the right combination of therapies can take time.
What documentation is needed to support a POTS disability claim?
To support a POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) disability claim, applicants should provide comprehensive medical records from relevant specialists that detail their diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment history. This may include:
results from objective tests such as the tilt table test, functional capacity evaluations, cardiovascular stress tests, and neuropsychological assessments.
Additionally, applicants should document how their symptoms impact daily life and work, and provide evidence that their condition persists despite treatment. Vocational evidence, such as a vocational assessment explaining how POTS symptoms prevent work, can further strengthen the claim.
Why are POTS disability claims often denied by insurance companies or the SSA?
POTS disability claims are frequently denied due to several factors, including:
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The variability and subjectivity of POTS symptoms, which can make it difficult to provide consistent, objective evidence of impairment.
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Lack of a single definitive diagnostic test for POTS, leading to skepticism about the diagnosis.
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Inconsistent or insufficient medical documentation, especially if records do not clearly demonstrate how POTS impairs the ability to work.
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Insurance companies and SSA evaluators may not fully understand the condition or may focus on whether the claimant can perform any job, not just their previous work.
How can I qualify for Social Security Disability benefits for my POTS diagnosis?
You can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits for POTS if you can prove that your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working in any capacity. The SSA does not have a specific listing for POTS in its Blue Book, so applicants must demonstrate through medical and vocational evidence that their condition meets the general definition of disability.
This includes showing that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and that it prevents the performance of any substantial gainful activity. Having additional qualifying conditions, such as an autoimmune disorder, can improve the chances of approval. Most initial claims are denied, but appeals with additional evidence can be successful.
What is orthostatic intolerance?
Orthostatic intolerance, or OI, is a condition characterized by the development of symptoms when standing upright, which are relieved by lying down or reclining. The term “orthostasis” refers to standing upright, and OI describes the body’s inability to tolerate this position due to inadequate cardiovascular and neurological adjustments. Symptoms can include dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, weakness, and sometimes fainting.
When should I contact a POTS lawyer about my claim?
If you developed POTS after a traumatic event or exposure to a product and believe someone else’s negligence is to blame, consult a POTS lawyer as soon as possible. If you are facing challenges with insurance claims, disability benefits, or have been subjected to psychological testing that misrepresents your condition, legal support is crucial to ensure your case is presented accurately and fairly.
Early legal advice can help preserve evidence and protect your rights. To speak with a postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome lawyer, call DeShaw Law: (503) 227-1233.
Living with POTS is challenging, especially when it results from an injury or someone else’s negligence. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, counter unfair tactics, and pursue the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on managing your health and rebuilding your life.
Speak to a Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Lawyer: (503) 227-1233.