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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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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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Hand Tremors Disable Dentist

Success Stories Diagnosis - Hand Tremors Dentist Case Studies Diagnosis - Radiculopathy

Dr. Jones, a Dentist with a successful New York City practice, was suffering from cervical radiculopathy, upper extremity pain, and tremors of his hands. 

As his medical conditions progressed, it became increasingly difficult for Dr. Jones to hide his daily pain and discomfort.  Dr. Jones worried that his patients would notice his tremors thus creating added anxiety to his/her overall treatment experience.  Dr. Jones struggled with the decision to end his successful 30+ year dental career. 

Dr. Jones, however, came to Riemer Hess after acknowledging his conditions could pose a danger to his patient’s safety as he performed procedures with dental instruments.

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Long Term Disability Claims for Dentists

Dentist

With the high level cognitive and physical demands that dentistry requires, even a relatively minor medical condition can prevent a dentist from safely treating patients. Insurers often overlook the complex demands of dental practice, meaning long term disability claims involving dentists frequently require a detailed analysis of both the medical condition and the occupational duties affected.

Below we explain the unique disability claim challenges dentists face and how to protect your right to long term disability benefits. 

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