Recent Posts

Long Term Disability for Thyroid Disorder: What You Need to Know

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

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.

What are you looking for?

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More
Topic

Diagnosis Spinal Condition

Kyphosis and Long Term Disability Claims: How to Prove Your Case

Diagnosis - Kyphosis Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the upper spine. Some degree of curvature is normal, but more significant kyphosis can affect posture, pain, mobility, stamina, breathing, and the ability to work.

In a long term disability claim, the key question is usually not whether kyphosis exists. The more important question is whether the condition causes work-limiting symptoms that interfere with the person’s actual occupation.

That can be more complicated than it sounds. A person with kyphosis may look “fine” during a short appointment or be able to perform basic daily activities, but still struggle with the demands of a full workday. Symptoms may build over time, especially with sitting, standing, computer work, commuting, meetings, or repetitive postural demands.

.

Continue Reading

Spondylolisthesis and Long Term Disability Claims: How to Prove Your Case

Diagnosis - Spondylolisthesis Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

Spondylolisthesis is a condition of the spinal column where one of the vertebrae bones slips out its ordinary position onto the vertebra below.  If it has slipped a significant degree or impinges on a nerve, significant pain and discomfort can occur. This pain can greatly affect your ability to bend, stoop or lift and consequently diminish your ability to work. If you are experiencing back pain, numbness or other problems in your lower back, you should consult with the New York long term disability attorneys at Riemer & Associates. They can help direct you to a physician that specializes in back pain and can run diagnostic tests to determine the degree of your disk slippage.
Continue Reading

New York Long Term Disability Lawyers Explains Scoliosis

Diagnosis - Back Pain Diagnosis - Scoliosis Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine and it can lead to serious deformity if left uncorrected. Modern medical techniques are able to rectify most cases of scoliosis before serious complications can arise. However, the presence of scoliosis may predispose a person to other serious back health problems and potential disabilities later in life. If you're suffering from severe scoliosis or related complications, you may qualify for long term disability benefits.  At Riemer Hess, our New York Long Term Disability Lawyers have many years of experience fighting the toughest disability claims and we can help you.
Continue Reading

Arachnoiditis and Long Term Disability Claims: How to Prove Your Case

Diagnosis - Arachnoiditis Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

Arachnoiditis | Long Term Disability Claim Tips

Arachnoiditis is caused by inflammation or damage to the arachnoid membrane surrounding your spinal cord. When the arachnoid lining is irritated, your immune system response can lead to its inflammation. Nerves passing from the spinal cord through the arachnoid lining are also affected, often causing abnormal nervous responses all over the body.

If you have arachnoiditis, you’re likely aware of how this debilitating disease can affect your ability to carry out daily activities. This can include your ability to continue working.

Continue Reading

Degenerative Disc Disease and Long Term Disability: How to Prove It

Diagnosis - Neck Pain Diagnosis - Back Pain Diagnosis - Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis - Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosis - Spondylitis Diagnosis - Spinal Condition

Back problems are one of the most frequent reasons that people seek to file a disability claim. For those with degenerative disc disease, you already know how debilitating the pain can be – oftentimes to the point of being unable to work.

If you find that you are unable to continue working due to degenerative disc disease, you may be considering filing for long term disability. However, a simple claim of back pain alone won’t be sufficient basis for a claim with your insurance company.

Below we’ll outline what is needed when filing for long term disability for degenerative disc disease.

Continue Reading
leave work protected nyc long term disability attorney