Navigating Disability Insurance Claims for Head Injuries and Post-Concussion Syndrome
When one thinks of disabling medical conditions, they usually imagine a number of physical diagnoses. […]
Articles
Updates on the latest in benefits news and practical pointers for your benefits-related issues.
Hughes v. Northwestern University – The Seventh Circuit Upholds Plaintiffs’ Excessive Fee Claims
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)1 governs both retirement and welfare benefits2 (i.e., health, life, and disability benefits) provided by employers to their employees. […]
Can You Work and Be Disabled at the Same Time?
Can you work and qualify for disability insurance benefits at the same time? […]
How to Respond to New Evidence Generated After Submitting an LTD Appeal
Proton beam radiation therapy is used to treat various forms of cancer. Rather than using X-rays, proton therapy directs focused energy from protons at tumors. […]
6th Circ. Judge Correctly ID’d ERISA Civil Procedure Conflict
A recently issued ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Tranbarger v. Lincoln Life & Annuity Co., addresses the fundamental issue of how courts should be adjudicating Employee Retirement Income Security Act cases.[…]
Updated Standard of Care Cements Ruling in Health Benefits Dispute
Proton beam radiation therapy is used to treat various forms of cancer. Rather than using X-rays, proton therapy directs focused energy from protons at tumors. […]
What Can You Do If Your Doctor Will Not Complete Your Disability Claim Forms?
If you suffer from a severe illness or have an injury that interferes with your ability to work, you may need disability benefits. Whether you are applying for short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), or individual disability insurance (IDI) benefits, it is critical that your doctor(s) complete specific paperwork to support your claim. […]
How Can I Tell If My Benefit Plan Is Governed by ERISA?
ERISA is an acronym for the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Most people have never heard of ERISA, but its comprehensiveness impacts the vast majority of American workers and their dependents. The original intent behind ERISA’s enactment was to remedy pension plan abuses; however, just prior to Congress’ passage of the ERISA law, the scope […]
How to Defeat Ambiguities in Disability Insurance Claim Forms
The start of every disability insurance claim is the completion of forms the claimants is required to submit to receive benefits. While the forms are ostensibly designed to be clear and straightforward, the questions asked on the disability insurance claim forms often confuse claimants, and ambiguities in disability insurance claim forms can lead to misunderstandings and delays in the processing of claims. […]
Digestive Disorders and Disability Insurance: What You Need to Know
Many physical and mental conditions can prevent an individual from working on a regular basis. That is particularly true of a number of digestive disorders. If you suffer from a digestive disorder and plan to file a disability claim, it’s important that you be aware of how insurance carriers address these types of claims. […]
Disability Insurer Loses Bid to Limit Benefits Physician Sought
Both federal and state laws mandate parity in health insurance policies between physical and behavioral health conditions. However, mental health parity is not required in disability insurance policies by any state other than Vermont. […]
The Role of the Treating Doctor in a Disability Insurance Claim
Every claim for disability insurance benefits requires the completion of three forms – the claimant’s statement, the employer’s statement, and the attending physician’s statement certifying the claimant’s disability. The claimant’s statement notifies the insurance company about what the claim is about and why the claimant is asserting an inability to work. […]