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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.
Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re relying on long-term disability insurance benefits to provide you with income. Fortunately, if you have an individual or group long-term disability insurance policy, you may still be able to collect benefits while living outside of the United States. …
Social Security disability hearing offices are officially known as Offices of Hearings Operations (OHO). Previously, they were known as Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Statistically, this is where most Social Security disability claims will be approved. A Request for Hearing is the third step in the process and the second level of appeal …
Long-term disability insurance is designed to provide financial assistance to those who have become disabled and are unable to work for a long period of time. However, not all claims are approved, and many people are denied coverage. In this article, we will discuss the types of long-term disability claims that are most likely to …
One of the most commonly requested documents by disability insurance carriers is an Attending Physician Statement (APS). Attending Physician Statement forms are provided by your insurance company to be completed by your doctor(s). The medical information your doctor provides on the Attending Physician Statement could make or break your claim. If you submit an incomplete …
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is a crucial safety net for many employees. These benefits provide financial security for a disabling illness or injury. While many employers offer LTD coverage as part of their benefits package, the claims process can often be complicated and frustrating, and many claims are denied. Why? Unlike Social Security disability adjudicators, …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is revising criteria in the Listing of Impairments used to evaluate claims. These changes will affect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims for adults and children involving digestive disorders and skin disorders. Why Is the SSA Revising the Listing? This is part of the SSA’s …
When it comes to long-term disability insurance, it’s important to understand the difference between total and residual disability. These two concepts can significantly impact your insurance benefits and coverage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each term means and how they affect your insurance policy. What Is Total Disability? Total disability …
Insurance companies often use “boilerplate” language when denying a long-term disability claim. Boilerplate language refers to a long-term disability denial letter that uses standard, pre-written language or a generic explanation rather than a detailed explanation specific to the individual’s claim. Boilerplate denials are often generic and do not provide specific information to explain why the …
This is a continuation from Long-Term Disability Policy Provisions – Part I. Long-Term Disability Insurance – The “Maximum Benefit Period” Almost all long-term disability policies stop paying benefits when you turn 65 years old, or when you reach the federal retirement age. This is often referred to as the “maximum benefit period.” Your policy should …
Your long-term disability (LTD) insurance policy probably reads like most insurance policies, meaning that it is long, confusing and full of industry-specific terms of art that you will most likely have a hard time understanding unless you are a lawyer or insurance professional. In this article, I will explain some of the most important provisions …
A question we often hear is “Can I file for disability if I have a pending Jones Act Maritime Injury Case?” The short answer is – yes, you can apply for disability benefits while your Jones Act case is ongoing. Offshore workers can apply for disability benefits while a Jones Act claim is pending. Applying …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) back pay or retroactive benefits are lump sum payments that cover the benefits you were entitled to but did not receive while waiting for your application to be approved. It can be a significant amount of money and is a welcome relief for many struggling to make ends meet while …
If you’re looking into long-term disability or individual disability insurance, you may have come across the term “elimination period.” This is an important concept to understand as it can affect when you will receive benefits if you become disabled. In this article, we will explain what the elimination period in a long-term disability claim is …
You should not assume that the insurance carrier will continue to pay benefits indefinitely once your long-term disability claim is approved. Your disability insurance policy may state that benefits are payable until you reach retirement age. However, it does not guarantee that you will automatically continue to be eligible to receive benefits until then. Disability …
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a daunting process. You must present your case to the Social Security Administration in the best possible light. What you do not say to the SSA is just as important, if not more so, than what you do. In this article, we discuss what not to say during …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition. However, applying for and receiving SSDI benefits can be a complicated and challenging process, which is why many individuals turn to Social Security disability advocates for help. The Role of …
If you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, obtaining these benefits is often a complex and challenging process. One of the key factors that can affect your chances of getting approved for long-term disability benefits is the medical evidence that you submit with …
In this case, the claimant won a reinstatement of his long-term disability insurance benefits in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The Plaintiff’s Medical History and Claim History: Mr. Paquin worked for Transistor Devices, Inc. as a Business Development Director. In 2003, Mr. Paquin contracted encephalitis from a mosquito infected by …
Plaintiff Laverne Robinson brought a lawsuit against Aetna Life Insurance Company (“Aetna”) and Mondelez Global LLC Employee-Paid Group Benefits Plan (“the Plan”) for unpaid long-term disability (“LTD”) benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Robinson was a former utility machine operator for Mondelez. As an employee, she could receive disability benefits under the Plan. Aetna served …
If you’ve filed a Social Security disability claim and are headed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), it’s essential to be prepared. Knowing what to say and what not to say can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes claimants make …
You may be here because either your Administrative Law Judge or the Department of Disability Services (DDS) arm of the Social Security Administration (SSA) has scheduled an appointment for you to see one of their doctors, either a medical doctor or psychologist. These are commonly called Medical Examinations (ME) or Consultative Examinations (CE). Refer to …
On April 7, 2023, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts decided an ERISA long-term disability insurance case against the Unum Insurance Company of America. The Court ruled in favor of Unum. The claimant worked with Symbiotic LLC Plan as the Director of Software Quality Assurance. He had worked in the computer software and information …
If you’re applying for long-term disability insurance, you may be required to apply for Social Security disability benefits along with your LTD claim. You may even be offered the services of companies like Allsup and Advantage 2000 to assist with your claim. However, as a knowledgeable ERISA long-term disability and Social Security disability attorney, I …
Today we review Arenson v. First Unum Life Insurance Company that was decided by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Gregg Arenson was a futures and options trade broker. He sued his former employer’s benefits administrator, First Unum Life Insurance Company (hereinafter “Unum”) under ERISA. He challenged Unum’s denial of his long-term disability …
