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.

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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Topic

Diagnosis Spinal Condition

Major Litigation Victory: Riemer Hess Prevails in Chung v. Provident

Success Stories Diagnosis - Spondylolisthesis Attorneys Fees UNUM Lawyer Diagnosis - Spinal Stenosis Success Story Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

Major Litigation Victory: Riemer Hess Prevails in Chung v. Provident

Riemer Hess is proud to announce a major litigation victory in the case of Chung v. Provident Life and Casualty Insurance Company.  The Honorable Alvin Hellerstein, an esteemed District Judge in the Southern District of New York, ruled in favor of Plaintiff, awarding him $818,865.98 in total disability benefits dating back to his date of disability, along with interest in the amount of $114,332.90, costs of $681.63, and approximately $375,000 in attorneys’ fees.  The outcome represents a total win for our client.

 

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How to Prove a Radiculopathy Long Term Disability Claim

Diagnosis - Spinal Injury Diagnosis - Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis - Spinal Condition Diagnosis - Radiculopathy

If you are dealing with radiculopathy and struggling to keep up with sitting, standing, or using your hands consistently throughout the workday, the issue is usually not the diagnosis itself—it is whether your symptoms prevent you from sustaining your job on a full-time basis.

Radiculopathy claims are often denied even when imaging confirms nerve compression. Insurers frequently argue that a claimant can perform sedentary work, without fully accounting for pain, positional limitations, or the inability to maintain activity over time.

This page explains when radiculopathy can qualify for long term disability benefits, what evidence matters most, and why these claims are often challenged.

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Riemer Hess Obtains Litigation Win Against Unum for Underwriter with Lumbar Impairment

UNUM Diagnosis - Injury Back/Lumbar Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

Riemer Hess Obtains Litigation Win Against Unum for Underwriter with Lumbar Impairment

Riemer Hess is proud to announce a new litigation victory in Graziano v. First UNUM Life Insurance Company, 21-cv-2708 (PAC) (S.D.N.Y. July 13, 2023), filed in the Southern District Court of New York.  The outcome represents a major win for Mr. Graziano and confers a common benefit on future claimants.

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Spondylolisthesis Disability Disrupts Attorney's Career

Success Stories Attorney Diagnosis - Spondylolisthesis Case Studies Lawyer Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

“Barbara” was an ambitious young associate attorney at a major law firm. She had been hampered by a degenerative back and spine condition most of her life but was still driven to complete law school and obtain a job at a prestigious law firm. By the time that she reached her early 30’s, however, Barbara could no longer fight her debilitating pain. She stopped work and applied for disability benefits on her own.

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Winning an Appeal for Cervical and Lumbar Degeneration Disability Benefits

Success Stories Sales Case Studies Change in Defination Diagnosis - Injury-Neck/Cervical Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

"Janice" came to Riemer Hess suffering from cervical and lumbar degeneration status post multiple fusions.  She was hardly functional and in desperate need of assistance.  Janice had been receiving benefits for nearly 2 years. 

 However, upon transition to the “any occupation” phase of her claim, she was found to no longer be eligible for disability benefits and her benefits were cut off.  Realizing she was in need of an appeal for both her LTD benefits and Life Insurance (as her waiver of premium benefits were also denied simultaneously), Janice confidently retained Riemer Hess.

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