Navigating Long-Term Disability Claims: Emerging Disabling Conditions
Being on long term disability is a lot like 2020.
Whatever brought you here, I hope we can make a difference.
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is designed to protect your income if you become unable to work due to a serious illness or injury. However, dealing with LTD insurance companies can be challenging, especially when claims are denied or disputes arise. This is particularly true for emerging disabling conditions that may not be well-understood by insurers.
This blog post will provide an overview of long-term disability insurance, highlight the top LTD insurance companies, discuss common disabling conditions, including those that are growing in prevalence, and explain how Dorian Law PC can assist you in navigating LTD claims. We'll show how our experience, knowledge, and client-first philosophy make us well-suited to handle your claim.
Understanding Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-term disability insurance provides income replacement if you are unable to work for an extended period due to a qualifying disability. These benefits typically begin after a waiting period (elimination period) and can continue for several years or even until retirement, depending on the policy.
Top 10 Largest Long-Term Disability Insurance Companies in the U.S.
Several major insurance companies offer long-term disability coverage. While the rankings can shift, here are 10 of the largest and most well-known LTD insurance providers in the United States:
MassMutual
The Standard
Guardian Life Insurance Company
Unum
Principal Financial Group
Lincoln National
MetLife
Aflac
Prudential
State Farm
Dorian Law PC has extensive experience dealing with these and other major LTD insurance companies. We understand their policies, procedures, and tactics, which allows us to effectively advocate for our clients.
Top 5 Conditions Causing Long-Term Disability
Long-term disability can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions. However, some conditions are more common than others. Based on industry data and our firm's experience, the top five conditions causing long-term disability include:
Musculoskeletal Disorders (e.g., back pain, arthritis)
Mental Health Disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety)
Nervous System Disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease)
Cancer
Cardiovascular Diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke)
Dorian Law PC has a deep understanding of how these conditions can impact your ability to work and how to effectively document and present your claim to the insurance company.
Disabilities Growing in Prevalence and Frequently Facing Denial
In addition to the conditions listed above, several other disabling conditions are growing in prevalence and often face significant challenges in the LTD claims process. Dorian Law PC has significant experience in handling these complex cases, including:
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A complex, chronic disease characterized by profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after minimal exertion), and other debilitating symptoms.
Fibromyalgia: A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.
Long-COVID: A condition characterized by persistent symptoms following a COVID-19 infection, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, shortness of breath, chest pain, and neurological problems.
Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and organ dysfunction.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Concussion Disorder: Conditions resulting from head trauma, often leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and mood changes.
These conditions often involve subjective symptoms and lack easily identifiable objective markers, making it more challenging to meet the stringent requirements of many LTD policies. Dorian Law PC understands the unique challenges these claimants face and has the experience and resources to build a strong case on their behalf.
How Dorian Law PC Can Help with Emerging Disabling Conditions
Dorian Law PC specializes in representing individuals and families in disputes with LTD insurance companies, particularly those involving emerging and often misunderstood conditions. We recognize that these claims require a nuanced approach that addresses the specific challenges posed by conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Long-COVID, lupus, and TBI. Here are three key ways we assist our clients:
1. Comprehensive Understanding of Complex Symptomology
Dorian Law PC understands the diverse and often fluctuating nature of symptoms associated with emerging disabling conditions.
We work closely with medical experts to thoroughly document all symptoms, including those that may be considered "subjective," such as fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological issues.
We gather detailed information on how these symptoms impact our clients' ability to perform the specific duties of their occupation.
For example, in Long-COVID cases, we document the impact of symptoms like brain fog, exertional intolerance, and cardiac issues on a client's work capacity. In cases involving ME/CFS, we focus on documenting the severity of post-exertional malaise and its effects on daily functioning.
This comprehensive approach helps us build a strong foundation for our clients' claims.
2. Navigating the Challenges of Limited Objective Findings
We recognize that emerging disabling conditions often lack definitive objective tests or biomarkers. Dorian Law PC is skilled at:
Gathering alternative forms of evidence to support our clients' claims, such as detailed medical histories, functional capacity evaluations, and expert opinions from specialists who understand these conditions.
We also obtain witness statements from family, friends, and colleagues to provide a complete picture of how the condition impacts our clients’ lives and ability to work.
In TBI cases, we work with neuropsychologists to document cognitive deficits and obtain detailed reports that clearly articulate how those deficits impair our client's occupational abilities.
We leverage all available resources to demonstrate the severity and disabling nature of our clients' conditions, even in the absence of traditional objective findings.
3. Combating Insurance Company Misconceptions and Bias
Insurance companies may harbor misconceptions or biases about emerging disabling conditions, often leading to unfair denials. Dorian Law PC is proactive in:
Educating insurance companies about the latest medical research and clinical understanding of these conditions.
Challenging preconceived notions or stereotypes that may undermine our clients' claims.
We are prepared to address and refute common insurance company tactics, such as downplaying the severity of subjective symptoms or attributing them to psychological factors.
Our attorneys are committed to staying up-to-date on the evolving medical literature and legal precedents related to these conditions.
We fight tirelessly to ensure that our clients' claims are evaluated fairly and that they receive the benefits they deserve.
Get Help from an Experienced Long-Term Disability Attorney
Dealing with a denied LTD claim can be overwhelming, especially when you are already struggling with a disabling condition. It is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced long-term disability attorney.
Dorian Law PC has a proven track record of success in handling complex LTD disputes. We are committed to providing our clients with compassionate, personalized service and aggressive advocacy. Our experience with a wide range of disabling conditions, including those that are growing in prevalence and frequently denied, our knowledge of the major LTD insurance providers, and our unwavering commitment to our clients make us the right choice to fight for your benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.