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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.
Navigating a disability claim can be a daunting journey, especially for those grappling with disabilities that are hard to prove. Conditions involving chronic pain and fatigue may pose significant challenges when it comes to providing tangible proof, as their symptoms are often subjective and fluctuate in nature. These disabilities can be met with skepticism and …
Have you ever wondered if you can take a vacation while on disability benefits? It’s a common question among claimants receiving Social Security disability or long-term disability benefits. Enjoying some time away may seem appealing, but it can also raise concerns about how it may affect your benefits. This blog post will delve into taking …
A collections representative with serious cardiac conditions and COPD lost her long-term disability (LTD) lawsuit against Hartford after the court found the insurer’s denial was reasonable and supported by substantial evidence. Despite her argument that the stress of debt collection work would aggravate her heart condition, the court found Hartford had not ignored that evidence …
Long-term disability claim forms can be daunting and overwhelming, but completing them efficiently is achievable with a clear understanding and the right approach. Whether navigating the process for yourself or assisting someone else with the paperwork, knowing how to complete a long-term disability claim form is crucial. By breaking down the form into manageable sections …
A facilities technician who received long-term disability (LTD) benefits from Unum for several years following back surgery lost his case after the insurer terminated his claim and the court found the decision was reasonable and supported by substantial evidence. The court rejected his arguments challenging Unum’s medical reviewers, vocational analysis, and alleged conflict of interest. …
Yes — it can, and in more than one way. Long-term disability (LTD) benefits replace a portion of your income when illness or injury prevents you from working, and a severance agreement can interfere with those benefits in ways that aren’t obvious until it’s too late. Depending on the language involved, signing could reduce your …
A wireline operator who received long-term disability benefits for years after two back surgeries lost his ERISA lawsuit after LINA terminated his claim and the court sided with the insurer’s medical reviewers over his treating physician. The court found that non-treating physicians who relied on objective evidence — including imaging studies and surgical outcomes — …
Most disability insurance policies require claimants to complete an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) form when applying for long-term disability benefits. ADL forms offer a tangible way to demonstrate the extent of limitations caused by a disability. When completed correctly, they clearly show how a condition impacts a person’s day-to-day life and functionality. By accurately …
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits involves more than submitting medical records. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also wants to understand how your medical condition affects your daily life and ability to work. One of the most important ways they gather this information is through the Function Report. The Function Report is Form SSA-3373, sometimes …
Are you navigating the complexities of ERISA long-term disability claims and seeking to ensure a full and fair review of your case? This article will delve into your right to a full and fair review under ERISA regulations to equip you with essential knowledge for a successful claim. What Is a Full and Fair Review …
A legal assistant with chronic back pain won a procedural victory when the First Circuit Court of Appeals found that United of Omaha violated ERISA by using an independent medical report to uphold her long-term disability (LTD) benefit termination without ever giving her a copy of it or a chance to respond. The case was …
Are you applying for Social Security benefits and wondering how to correctly fill out the SSA’s work history form? Understanding the importance of accurately completing this form is crucial, as it directly impacts your eligibility for benefits and the amount you may receive. We will guide you through filling out the SSA’s work history form, …
Long-term disability insurance offers financial protection if you cannot work due to an illness or injury. However, many employees encounter issues when claiming these benefits from their employer-provided policies. Understanding the potential challenges can help you prepare and navigate the process effectively. Issues with Employer-Provided Policies Policy Exclusions and Limitations Many employer-provided long-term disability policies …
A dentist who received long-term disability (LTD) benefits for six years had them terminated when Standard Insurance applied a 24-month cap for “Other Limited Conditions.” The Seventh Circuit reversed the lower court’s ruling, finding Standard violated ERISA’s full and fair review requirement by never giving him a copy of the consulting physician’s report before terminating …
Clear and strategic communication with insurance claims adjusters is essential for claimants seeking long-term disability benefits. Every interaction with the adjuster holds significant weight in the claims process, and effective communication is crucial to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. However, many claimants face challenges in clearly and strategically communicating their situation and understanding …
When applying for disability benefits, the support of your doctor is crucial. Their medical expertise and documentation are fundamental in proving the extent of your disability to the authorities. Without their cooperation and detailed input, getting your disability claim approved can become significantly more challenging. Understanding your doctor’s pivotal role in this process is essential …
Navigating the world of long-term and short-term disability insurance claims can be complex, especially when third-party administrators come into play. In this blog post, we will delve into the role of third-party administrators in disability insurance claims and the impact they can have on claimants. What Is a Third-Party Administrator in the Context of Disability …
Are you preparing for a Social Security disability hearing only to have it postponed? You’re not alone. Delayed hearings can be frustrating and overwhelming. This post will discuss why Social Security disability hearings may be delayed and what a postponement means for your claim. Common Reasons for Postponement Disability hearings are sometimes postponed for various …
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is crucial for self-employed individuals, yet the claims process can be complex. Self-employed individuals face unique challenges when filing for long-term disability benefits, encountering hurdles that traditional employees may not experience. From proving loss of income to demonstrating the severity of their condition, self-employed individuals must navigate a distinct set of …
A foreman’s long-term disability (LTD) benefits were capped at 12 months after MetLife applied the plan’s musculoskeletal disorder limitation to his shoulder injury, and found his claims of bipolar disorder and radiculopathy unsupported by sufficient objective medical evidence. The court upheld MetLife’s denial, finding the decision was reasonable, consistently applied, and backed by substantial evidence. …
Long-term disability claims for neuromuscular disorders can be complex and overwhelming. Navigating the process requires a clear understanding of the intricacies involved. From the initial application to potential appeals, each step demands attention to detail. This blog post will provide valuable insights to help you understand and navigate long-term disability claims for neuromuscular disorders. Understanding …
Long-term disability claims often involve soft tissue disorders, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this blog post, we discuss long-term disability (LTD) claims for soft tissue disorders and the specific challenges and policy limitations associated with these claims. With this knowledge, claimants can navigate long-term disability claims for soft tissue disorders …
Are you researching how to transition from short to long-term disability? Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide crucial support for individuals during the initial stages of their disability. However, short-term disability coverage usually only pays benefits for a few weeks to several months. If your disability lasts long enough to exhaust your STD coverage, you will …
Navy Federal Credit Union (“NFCU” or Navy Federal) is the largest credit union in the world and the largest private employer in Pensacola and Escambia County, Florida, with 8,500 employees at the Pensacola campus. Navy Federal has excellent employee benefits, including short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits. These claims are typically administered by New …