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Long Term Disability for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): What You Need to Know

Qualifying for Long Term Disability After a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Info Library

 Clear Information About Long Term Disability Claims

The Info Library is a comprehensive educational resource for people navigating long term disability claims.

Here, you can learn how disability insurers evaluate medical conditions, occupational duties, policy language, medical evidence, appeals, benefit terminations, and litigation. Each guide focuses on a specific issue that may affect your eligibility for benefits or the strength of your claim.

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Diagnoses

A medical diagnosis can have a profound impact on your ability to work, but not every diagnosis is evaluated the same way by disability insurance companies.

Our diagnosis guides explain how specific medical conditions may affect your eligibility for long term disability benefits, the evidence insurers typically look for, and the unique challenges claimants often face throughout the claims process.

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Occupations

Your occupation is one of the most important factors in a long term disability claim. Disability insurance companies evaluate more than just your diagnosis; they assess whether your condition prevents you from performing the material duties of your specific occupation.

Our occupation guides explore the unique demands of different professions and the evidence that can help support a successful disability claim. Whether you are filing an initial claim, appealing a denial, or protecting ongoing benefits, understanding how your occupation is evaluated is essential.

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Insurers

The insurance company handling your long term disability claim can significantly impact your experience throughout the claims process. While every insurer evaluates disability claims differently, each has its own procedures, priorities, and common reasons for delaying, denying, or terminating benefits.

Our insurer guides examine the practices of major disability insurance companies, explain the challenges claimants commonly encounter, and provide insight into the strategies that can help strengthen your claim at every stage.

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Policy Terms

Your disability insurance policy is the foundation of your claim. The language in your policy determines who is eligible for benefits, how disability is defined, what limitations or exclusions may apply, and what evidence you need to provide throughout the claims process.

Our policy guides explain the key provisions found in many long term disability policies and help you understand how your policy can affect your eligibility, benefits, and claim strategy.

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Claim Strategies

Every long term disability claim presents unique challenges, and the steps you take throughout the process can have a significant impact on your ability to obtain and maintain benefits. Understanding how disability insurers evaluate claims can help you make informed decisions from the outset.

Our claim strategy guides cover important topics such as documenting your disability, working with your treating physicians, responding to insurer requests, preparing appeals, and protecting your benefits throughout the life of your claim.

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Litigation Issues

If your long term disability claim cannot be resolved during the administrative claims process, the next step may involve litigation or mediation. Understanding how these proceedings work can help you make informed decisions about your legal options and what to expect as your case moves forward.

Our litigation and mediation guides explain important legal concepts, court procedures, settlement discussions, standards of review, and other issues that may arise after a claim has been denied or terminated.

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Case Studies

Precedent Established for Interest on Delayed Benefits

Success Stories Accountant Case Studies Prejudgment Interest

“Alice” was an accountant at a major accounting firm. As a result of the debilitating symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, she was forced to apply for disability benefits. For almost five years, the insurance company continued to turn down Alice’s appeals, which she handled herself.

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Dentist Prevails Over Improper Mental Illness Limitation Application

Mental Illness Limitation Success Stories Dentist Case Studies Diagnosis - Anxiety Diagnosis - Mental Illness Diagnosis - Depression

“Dr. X” was a successful Dentist in Westchester County suffering from major depression, anxiety, and associated symptoms.  She applied for benefits and the insurance company granted them under the policy, subject to the two year mental illness limitation in the policy. 

While out on disability, Dr. X subsequently sustained physical injuries to her right shoulder when she fell walking down a flight of stairs.  These injuries, independent of her depression and anxiety, precluded her from performing routine dental procedures with her dominant arm. 

Dr. X promptly notified the insurance company regarding her physical injuries and submitted medical evidence substantiating her physical restrictions and limitations of her dominant upper extremity.  The insurance company, however, discontinued Dr. X’s benefits by invoking the 24-month Mental Illness Limitation, despite the new physical injuries suffered by Dr. X.

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Attorney Secures Continued Disability Benefits Despite Insurance Re-Evaluation

Success Stories Strategy - Continuation of Benefits Attorney Case Studies Strategy - Interview with Insurance Company Diagnosis - Mental Illness Diagnosis - Depression

 “Kate” was a successful attorney at an insurance company before she became incapacitated by major depression. She applied for and was granted disability benefits. After receiving benefits under her policy for over 10 years, she was informed by the insurance company that her disability was being re-evaluated. As part of the re-evaluation, the insurance company wanted to interview Kate in her home.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Disables Television Producer

Success Stories Diagnosis - Rheumatoid Arthritis TV Producer Case Studies Producer

“Danielle” was a producer at a television station.  As a producer, Danielle was required to fly around the world at a moment’s notice and had to meet impossible deadlines. Unfortunately, she had been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for many years.  Eventually, the pain and fatigue took its toll and Danielle could no longer handle the rigors of the job.

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How a Wall Street Trader Overcame Disability Insurance Challenges

Success Stories Diagnosis - Migrane Headaches Case Studies Trader

“Dan” was a very successful trader at a major brokerage firm. The job required long hours entertaining clients at night and was very stressful. Dan began to have daily migraine headaches, with both sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia and phonophobia). When he should have been at the trading desk, Dan was forced to escape to a private office and take long naps; he just could not keep up with the requirements of the job. Dan applied for benefits on his own, which were granted.

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