Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (known as 鈥淐PET鈥�) can be useful for substantiating long term disability insurance claims. The CPET is particularly recommended for conditions that cause fatigue as a major symptom.
Fatigue is commonly self-reported by claimants rather than objectively tested by their doctors. Consequently, your insurance company may consider your reported fatigue as 鈥渟ubjective鈥�. Disability claims with subjective symptoms are more highly scrutinized and at higher risk of denial.
The CPET can provide evidence of your exertional limitations. These objective results can help prove your disability to your insurance company.
Read below to learn more about the CPET and how it may help your disability claim.
The CPET measures your cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Through breathing measurements, the CPET analyzes the volume of oxygen absorbed, volume of carbon dioxide exhaled, and total volume of air breathed out. The CPET uses these measurements to analyze your body鈥檚 tolerance for and response to exercise. The test provides objective proof of physical exertional intolerance, poor endurance, and your functional capacity.
Many disabling conditions may have their symptoms substantiated through the CPET. Some of these conditions include:
The CPET is most typically helpful if fatigue is a major symptom of your condition. Fatigue can be difficult to prove to your insurance company. Your regular treatment with your healthcare providers may note when you report fatigue as a symptom, but your records may lack any impartial, factual proof through test results.
Generally speaking, objective medical evidence will help get your disability claim approved more than anything else. The results of the CPET can show objective data demonstrating your fatigue. This makes it harder for your insurance company to deny your claim.
Don鈥檛 worry if you do not feel you are 鈥渇it鈥� enough for the CPET. The CPET is not a maximal tolerance test. You will not be asked to stress yourself to the limit. The risks involved are about the same as performing mild-to-moderate exercise.
However, if at any point you feel unable to continue, inform the evaluator, and await further instructions. You should not complete any tests that will jeopardize your health and/or safety. Be especially mindful to tell the evaluator if you become dizzy. They will also monitor your readings to make sure the testing is safe.
Before the testing, the evaluator will measure your height, weight, and explain the procedure. They will also likely ask questions to get a better sense of your symptoms and complaints. You should answer the evaluator鈥檚 questions as best as you can. The more information that the evaluator has, the more accurate the report will be.
The testing should take approximately one hour total. However, you will only be required to exercise for about 10 minutes.
When our clients undergo the CPET, we recommend they dress for comfort. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing that will not restrict your breathing. Be sure to bring any assistive devices that you may need (i.e., brace, cane, inhaler, etc.).
It is also recommended that you:
After testing, your evaluator will create a report detailing the CPET鈥檚 findings.
The report will include information such as:
Your evaluator can use the data in your findings to determine your capacity to carry out normal daily activities. The report should include the evaluator鈥檚 assessment of your stamina, energy demands, and ability to perform physical tasks. From there, your evaluator can conclude whether you are disabled from working.
Additionally, we provide the CPET evaluator with necessary information on your background. This includes information on your occupation, general work background, diagnosis, treatment, and date of disability. We also make sure the evaluator has had the opportunity to review your medical records before testing so they are familiar with your condition.
Once the testing is done, we review the evaluator鈥檚 report to make sure all information regarding your work history and medical background is accurate before it is submitted to your insurance company.
If you are filing for long term disability benefits or appealing a prior denial, we recommend consulting with a disability attorney. An experienced long term disability attorney can help you navigate the process to get your benefits approved. A long term disability attorney will know how best to substantiate your claim with evidence and testing results. Our disability insurance attorneys are familiar with all the testing that should be included for fatigue-based disability claims or appeals and will refer you for any testing you need.
Our New York long term disability lawyers can help. Call 糖心直播 at (212) 297-0700 or click the button below for a consultation on your disability case.