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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.
If you previously received Social Security Disability benefits and later returned to work, the 5-year waiting period rule plays an important role in whether you can restart your benefits without filing a brand-new application. This rule applies through a process called Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). Many claimants mistakenly assume that they must start the entire process …
In general, Social Security Disability benefits continue as long as a person remains disabled. However, under Social Security law, all disability cases must be reviewed from time to time to make sure that people receiving benefits continue to meet the disability requirements. Benefits continue unless there is strong proof that a person’s impairment has medically …
Fixing errors in your medical records is important—especially if you’re applying for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Both insurance companies and the Social Security Administration (SSA) rely heavily on your medical records to make decisions. Even small mistakes—like an incorrect diagnosis or missing test results—can impact your claim. Here’s how to …
Medicare. Medicaid. They sound so similar it’s easy to mix them up. Both programs are important for health, but they serve different needs. Clearing up this common confusion is the first step to knowing where you or a loved one might turn for help. Remember this simple distinction: Medicare is primarily for providing care to …
Many disability claimants believe Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based only on their current medical conditions. However, eligibility also depends on your work history, specifically whether you have earned enough work credits within the 5-year period before your disability began. This is often referred to as the 5-year work credit rule, and it can …
For many long-term disability (LTD) claimants, the struggle to keep working doesn’t stem from just one issue. It’s common to have both physical and mental health challenges—chronic pain, fatigue, or neurological issues often go hand-in-hand with depression or anxiety. But when it comes to insurance claims, this dual diagnosis can create a major risk. Most …
A new bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate could significantly change how quickly Americans diagnosed with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities begin receiving their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Introduced by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the We Can’t Wait Act seeks to provide eligible individuals the option to receive …
Your monthly disability check from MetLife provides a steady, reliable income. But what if the company offered you the next 10 or 20 years’ worth of payments all at once? This is called a lump-sum buyout—a single, large payment that replaces all future monthly checks forever. It’s an offer that can feel both exciting and …
Trying to explain how a bad day really feels can be overwhelming, especially when the right words disappear at a doctor’s appointment. What if you had a tool that could speak for you? Learning how to keep a symptom journal is one of the most powerful steps you can take, giving you a voice and …
If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim was selected for a Federal Quality Review, it’s natural to wonder why. The short answer is: your case was chosen at random as part of the Social Security Administration’s quality control process. It does not mean there’s a problem with your claim, and it doesn’t mean you’re …
A Google senior software engineer with long COVID won his federal ERISA case after MetLife denied his long-term disability claim for lacking "objective evidence." The court found MetLife improperly dismissed his treating physicians' assessments and relied on non-examining consultants who never reviewed his actual job description. The ruling reinforces that conditions like chronic fatigue and long COVID can support valid LTD claims even without definitive lab confirmation.
If New York Life denied or delayed your long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you are not alone. We routinely hear from claimants who did everything “right”—submitted forms, followed treatment, and kept the insurer updated—only to receive a denial letter that feels prewritten. The reality is that disability insurers follow patterns. Don’t make the mistake of assuming …
If New York Life denies or terminates long-term disability (LTD) benefits under an employer plan, your case is likely governed by ERISA. ERISA changes how the case is built, how a judge reviews it, and what you can recover compared to ordinary insurance lawsuits. Understanding these differences helps you plan the appeal and any lawsuit …
A former NFL running back won at the district court level but lost on appeal after the Fifth Circuit found he failed to show “changed circumstances” sufficient to justify reclassifying his long-term disability (LTD) benefits to the highest tier. Despite the district court’s sharp criticism of the NFL Retirement Plan’s rubber-stamp review process, the appellate …
When you’re already receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may seem unnecessary. After all, you’re already getting monthly income. But applying for SSDI is often required by your LTD policy — and more importantly, it can provide powerful long-term advantages that protect your finances, your health coverage, and your …
If you’re preparing for a Social Security Disability hearing, you’re likely feeling anxious about what to expect—especially when it comes to testifying in front of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You might worry about saying the wrong thing or forgetting an important detail. Then, during the hearing, your attorney interrupts you mid-sentence. It can feel …
A denial from New York Life doesn’t mean your claim is over—it means you’re entering the most important phase of your case: the appeal. This stage decides what evidence the insurer (and a court, if needed) will review. A common mistake I see claimants make is assuming that more paperwork means a stronger case. In …
Choosing the right Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer can make a big difference in how smoothly your case moves forward—and whether you’re ultimately approved for benefits. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the best lawyer for your needs. 1. Look for Experience with Social Security Disability Claims Not all lawyers handle SSD cases, …
We recently helped a client get her long-term disability (LTD) benefits reinstated after they were wrongfully terminated by Prudential—without having to complete a formal appeal. This case highlights the importance of experienced legal help when insurance companies create confusion or apply the wrong standards. Background: Mental Health and Long COVID Our client had been receiving …
When you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits, every piece of documentation you submit plays a role in the outcome of your claim. It’s natural to want to be thorough, but there’s one well-meaning mistake that can actually hurt your case: submitting duplicate medical records. Why Duplicate Records Can Be a Problem It might seem …
If you’ve filed a claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, it’s only natural to want to check your insurance company’s online portal for updates. These portals are designed to help you stay informed—but more often than not, they end up creating confusion or even anxiety. Insurance Portals Are Often Incomplete or Misleading While LTD insurance …
When New York Life denies long-term disability (LTD) benefits, the reasons usually fall into predictable patterns. Understanding those patterns helps you respond strategically, focusing your appeal on evidence that matters most and avoiding dead-end arguments. Below are the most common denial reasons we see, with practical ways to overcome each one. 1. “No Objective Medical …
Timing matters. Knowing what to expect helps you plan medical visits, gather evidence, and decide when to escalate. Here’s how New York Life typically handles long-term disability (LTD) appeals under ERISA and what can speed things up — or slow them down. The Standard ERISA Timeline For most employer-sponsored LTD plans governed by ERISA, the …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we fight to ensure that our clients receive the long-term disability (LTD) benefits they deserve. One of our recent successes involved a client with multiple debilitating medical conditions whose LTD benefits were wrongfully terminated by Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Background and Disabling Conditions Our client became unable to work …