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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.

Use the search feature above or browse the topic areas below.

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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

Multiple Sclerosis Disables Corporate Librarian

Diagnosis - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Success Stories Librarian Case Studies

Karen, a Corporate Librarian in New York City, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2009.  She suffers from the disease’s debilitating symptoms including pain throughout her body, paresthesias with burning and numbness in her extremities, imbalance, debilitating fatigue, bradykinesia, cognitive dysfunction, and vision loss.  As her medical conditions progressed, it became more and more difficult for Karen to communicate effectively with her clients and perform her job functions.  She grew concerned that she might be terminated.

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Heart Disease Ends Career of Esteemed Corporate Attorney

Success Stories Diagnosis - Heart Disease Attorney Case Studies Lawyer Diagnosis - Cardiovascular

“Jeff” was a 60 year old lawyer suffering from a heart condition. He was a partner in a prestigious law firm. When Jeff contacted Riemer Hess, he was still working but was becoming less and less effective. It had come to the point where he could no longer push himself. In fact, Jeff’s doctor urged him to leave work months earlier.

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CEO With Bipolar II Wins Partial and Then Total Disability Benefits

Success Stories CEO Case Studies Diagnosis - Mental Illness Diagnosis - Bipolar Disorder

“Jim” was a 62 year old chief executive officer of a nationally known nonprofit organization. Jim quickly rose through the ranks of various nonprofit organizations, but once he reached the pinnacle of his profession, he became afflicted with Bipolar II disorder. Although Jim could work at a less demanding occupation, he could no longer handle the stress and long hours required of his job as a CEO. Jim applied for partial disability benefits and found employment elsewhere as a consultant.

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Multiple Myeloma Disables VP of Finance

Success Stories Executive Diagnosis - Multiple Myeloma Vice President Case Studies

Michael, a Vice President of Finance at a large technology company in the New York area, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.  He was suffering from the adverse effects of chemotherapy treatment and the disease’s debilitating symptoms including, cognitive impairment, mental fatigue and confusion.  As his medical conditions progressed, it became more and more difficult for Michael to communicate effectively and perform his job functions.  He grew concerned that he might be terminated.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Disables Business Executive

Success Stories Executive Diagnosis - Rheumatoid Arthritis Case Studies

John suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and demineralization of both hands and both feet, which caused significant limitations in rotation of the hands and feet.  As a result of his symptoms, John was unable to continue working as an Operation Manager for a large New York City property management company.  He came to Riemer Hess seeking assistance with an exit strategy and his applications for disability benefits under his group disability policy through his employer and his Individual LTD Policy he purchased years before.

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