Introduction

Many people assume that they can relax once their long term disability (“LTD”) claim is approved.  While it’s true that winning your long term disability claim is a big hurdle, it doesn’t mean you’re entirely in the clear.  Over time, your LTD insurer will continue to re-review your file and demand proof of your ongoing disability.

LTD insurers use a number of ploys to justify cutting off your benefits after your claim is approved.  Below, the NYC long term disability attorneys at Riemer Hess will discuss the five most common tactics used by LTD insurers to terminate long term disability benefits.

Tilt Table Tests for Long Term Disability

When filing for long term disability, you may consider testing options such as the tilt table test to help bolster your disability claim.  But how do you know if the tilt table test is right for you?

Your insurance company will demand strong medical proof of your inability to work in order to approve your disability benefits.  While this may not be as much of a concern for easily evidenced disabilities, certain conditions are harder to prove than others.  This is where a tilt table test may be beneficial for your disability claim.

The tilt table test results can provide strong evidence of conditions that cause dizziness and/or syncope (the medical term for unexplained fainting).  Below we’ll discuss what the tilt table test is, what it involves, and how it can help get your long term disability claim approved.

What To Expect From An Independent Medical Examination (“IME”)

At any stage of the long term disability claim process, your insurer may schedule you for an Independent Medical Examination (also known as an “IME”).  An IME is an examination done by a physician of the insurer’s choosing.  The IME physician will then write a report for your insurer evaluating your condition and stating whether you are capable of working.

Despite the name, IME physicians are not truly independent or neutral.  Many IME physicians perform hundreds to thousands of examinations for the insurer on an annual basis, meaning they are effectively on the insurer’s payroll.  As a result, they have an incentive to discredit your disability.

However, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself before, during, and after an IME.

Below we’ll answer common questions regarding IMEs and long term disability insurance claims. 

Yes. The LTD benefit will typically just be offset and reduced by the SSD benefit, while crediting any SSD attorney fee award first.

COVID-19 has created significant uncertainty surrounding group short and long term disability insurance benefits.  Get answers about from NYC's top long term disability attorneys below.