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Ortiz Law Firm | National Disability Law Firm
Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.
In a surprising but welcome move, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has withdrawn a controversial proposal that would have made it harder for older Americans to qualify for disability benefits. The decision comes after significant backlash from disability advocates and concerns raised within the Trump administration. The now-shelved plan aimed to eliminate or reduce age …
If your short-term disability (STD) claim was denied, you’re probably feeling discouraged—and maybe wondering whether it even makes sense to try for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. The truth is: you often can still pursue LTD, and in many cases you should. Denying an STD claim does not automatically bar a valid LTD claim. Why Short-Term …
If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability benefits, chances are you’ve spent some time checking the status of your claim through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) online portal. And if you’re like many claimants, you may have found the information confusing, vague, or even unsettling. But here’s the truth: you shouldn’t panic over what you …
When you apply for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you’re asserting that you’re unable to work due to a medical condition. Many claimants don’t fully grasp what that means in practice—or how even minimal work activity can be used against them. Whether you’re running errands for a neighbor, doing a …
If you’re applying for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you know that working can put your claim at risk. But what about hobbies? Activities like painting, photography, gardening, woodworking, or volunteering may seem harmless—but depending on how they’re perceived, your insurer or the Social Security Administration (SSA) might see them …
When you apply for disability benefits, you’re making a statement- that you are no longer able to work due to a disabling condition. But if you’re still working, even part-time or in a reduced role, it can directly contradict that claim. Many applicants believe that limited work won’t hurt their case. Especially if it’s just …
If you’ve been denied Social Security Disability benefits and have an upcoming hearing, you’re not alone. Many applicants only win benefits at the hearing stage — but preparation is key. Below are some of the best attorney-tested strategies for increasing your chances of success. 1. Know What the Judge Is Looking For Administrative Law Judges …
Baptist Health Care is one of the major employers in Pensacola, FL and the surrounding area. If you work for Baptist Health Care or you’re employed through one of Baptist’s affiliated entities such as Baptist Medical Group, Baptist Medical Park Surgery Center, Baptist Urgent Care, Jay Hospital, or The Towers Pharmacy, you likely have access …
If you’re receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits through a group insurance policy, you may be wondering what happens if your employment ends or your group coverage is terminated. One potential option is a “conversion privilege.” How Conversion Works A conversion privilege allows you to convert your group LTD coverage into an individual policy under certain …
If you’re in the middle of a long-term disability (LTD) claim, you may come across the term MMI, or Maximum Medical Improvement. It’s a medical milestone, but it can also have major implications for your benefits. While that may sound like closure, in the world of disability insurance, it often marks a shift in how …
If you’ve applied for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may think that driving for Uber, picking up freelance projects, or selling crafts on Etsy is harmless. After all, it’s flexible, sporadic, and usually not a full-time income. But here’s the problem: gig work and part-time jobs still count as work, …
If you’re appealing a denied long-term disability (LTD) claim, you may find the insurance company asking for something unusual: the raw data from your neuropsychological testing. It might sound like a harmless request — after all, you’ve already given them the doctor’s report. But raw data is different, and sharing it without caution could put …
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is meant to replace income when illness or injury prevents you from working. Many policyholders expect that, if approved, benefits will last until retirement age. Unfortunately, insurers are increasingly rewriting policy language to limit benefits to just 24 months for a wide range of conditions. What began as restrictions only for …
If you’re applying for or receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you probably know to be careful about what you say to your doctors and the insurance company. But there’s another place insurers increasingly look for red flags: your LinkedIn profile. Even if you haven’t touched your profile in years, what it says—or doesn’t say—can be …
If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been denied, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. One of the most important steps you can take right now is to continue your medical treatment. Consistent medical care plays a major role in building a successful appeal. In fact, it’s often one of the most important factors …
When financial pressures mount due to a medical condition, it’s natural to look for ways to stay afloat. Many people receiving or applying for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits wonder: “Can I work part-time to make up the difference?” Unfortunately, that approach can backfire. Disability benefits are not designed to …
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) denied our client’s long-term disability claim after cancer treatment, relying on a date in a form that didn’t reflect when she actually became unable to work. We clarified the true onset date with a treating-physician letter and a detailed oncology record—then resolved a “missing records” issue by resubmitting the file. Here’s what went …
If your employer goes out of business, the future of your long-term disability (LTD) insurance depends on how your policy is structured. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens: Employer-Provided Group LTD Policy If your LTD coverage was part of a group plan provided by your employer, it’s likely that: RELATED POST: Is Your LTD Claim …
When facing a long-term disability (LTD) denial, it is important to understand the concept of the “burden of proof.” Simply put, this means the responsibility is on you, the claimant, to prove that you are disabled under the terms of your insurance policy. Here’s what you need to know. It’s not the insurance company that …
You’ve been diagnosed with a serious medical condition. You can’t work. You’ve done everything the insurance company asked—filled out forms, submitted medical records, and followed your doctor’s orders. Still, your long-term disability (LTD) claim was denied. It feels like a punch to the gut. And unfortunately, it’s a situation many people face, especially those with …
When you’re fighting for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, one of the most important people on your team is your disability lawyer. But it’s not enough for them to know the law. They also need to understand your disabling conditions. That insight makes all the difference in your case. Here are a few key reasons why …
Long-term disability (LTD) benefits can last anywhere from a few years to retirement age, depending on the specific terms of your policy. Understanding how long benefits might continue—and what might cause them to stop—is key to planning for your financial future. Here’s what you should know: Policy Terms Determine Duration Every LTD policy is different. …
Medical evidence is the foundation of any successful long-term disability claim. Whether you’re filing for benefits or appealing a denial, your medical records must tell a clear story about your condition, your treatment, and your ability (or inability) to work. In this post, we’ll walk through the types of medical evidence that matter most and …
When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it’s essential to understand what factors the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider. Certain aspects of your health and daily functioning play a role in determining eligibility, but there are also factors the SSA will not consider. Knowing what is or is not important can help claimants …
