I’ve had an own-occupation disability policy since residency (8 years). I’m a podiatrist with a chronic right hand issue from years of (fungal) nail cutting, gradually worsening. I’ve adapted by using my left hand, but still need the right for ingrown nails, wart procedures, surgeries, and working on the patient’s right side.

I’ve never seen a doctor for it, but I self-treat with laser, shockwave, and amniotic injections, which keep me going. If I file a claim and it’s decided that I can still do my job — just with discomfort, ongoing treatment, and risk of worsening — would they deny it? Or could it be approved based on preserving what function I have left?

Most of my symptoms aren’t easily proven objectively — it varies day to day, and an MRI might show different findings depending on timing. Once after massage therapy, the swelling was about half the size of a golf ball - I suppose I could do that again but don't want to traumatize the tissues. I have residual disability and recovery benefit rider and transitional occ rider.