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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.
Recently, we appealed a claim denial issued by The Standard. The claim had been denied because the insurance carrier had determined that the claimant’s condition was caused or contributed to by a pre-existing condition. This is not an unusual basis for a long-term disability claim denial. However, upon further review, we determined this …
It is not uncommon for a disability insurance company to order a peer review during the long-term disability appeal process. If your insurer has requested a peer review report, you may have received a letter that states something like: “We are writing to update you of the status of your appeal request for the above …
Are you or a loved one wondering how to apply for long-term disability? Understanding the process thoroughly is crucial to ensure you have the best chance of receiving the support you deserve. This post explains the application process and offers expert tips to help you navigate it confidently. This guide is written by a long-term …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers programs to provide financial assistance to those in need. Among these programs is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Your SSDI claim may qualify for expedited TERI case processing if you have a terminal illness. What Is a TERI Case? The SSA established Terminal Illness (TERI) …
Long-term disability insurance provides a source of income for those who are unable to work due to illness or injury. However, understanding the tax implications of long-term disability (LTD) benefits can be confusing. Many people wonder whether their LTD benefits are taxable and how much of their benefits will be subject to taxation. In this …
Chronic fatigue conditions are increasingly recognized for impacting a person’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. In many cases, sufferers of these conditions may need to resort to long-term disability (LTD) insurance. Unfortunately, the path to accessing these benefits is not always straightforward, with claimants often facing …
Staying afloat while waiting to be approved for disability benefits is a tricky issue in most cases. Help might be available while waiting for Social Security or long-term disability insurance payments, but you must piece it together. Below are some resources for claimants in the state of Florida. There may be similar resources available to …
Understanding the nuanced world of long-term disability (LTD) claims means understanding the differences between objective and subjective evidence. Objective evidence is physical, measurable proof of a condition, while subjective evidence typically comprises reported symptoms and experiences. The interplay of these two forms of evidence can …
According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly one in three people with a long-term physical condition also has a mental condition. Claimants with both mental and physical conditions may be concerned that their insurance company will apply a mental and nervous limitation to their long-term disability insurance claim. A mental health limitation …
Far too many people give up when denied Social Security disability benefits after a hearing because they feel like they have no further appeal rights. We have helped claimants get approved on a new claim even after receiving an unfavorable decision from a judge in a prior claim. If you’ve been denied by an Administrative …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. If you have a disability and are unable to work, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, getting approved for SSDI can be a long and complicated process. Here are some things that …
Today, we will discuss the steps you should take if you previously received long-term disability benefits but the insurance company has terminated your claim. Here are the 3 steps to take following the termination of your long-term disability claim. Step 1: Request Your Claim File The first thing you need to do is request your …
Today, I’d like to delve into a crucial aspect of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims: the “Grid Rules,” formally known as the “Medical-Vocational Guidelines.” These may be found in Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Note: They are called “Grid Rules” because …
When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, one term that often comes up is the On-The-Record (OTR) decision. This article will discuss an OTR decision and how it can affect your claim. What Is an On-The-Record (OTR) with SSA? An OTR decision is a fully favorable decision given without having to attend a …
When it comes to filing for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, many people assume that a medical diagnosis is the golden ticket to approval. While a diagnosis is an essential part of the process, it is not the only criterion that insurers or adjudicators consider. Understanding the nuanced differences between diagnosis and functional impairment …
Will a personal injury settlement affect my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Should I apply for disability benefits with a personal injury lawsuit pending? Does a lump sum payment for my injury impact my disability claim? The short answer is personal injury claims do not affect SSDI benefits, but they generally do affect SSI …
How will a federal judge make a decision about an ERISA lawsuit? There are two standards of review in ERISA cases: (1) the de novo review standard and (2) the arbitrary and capricious standard (also called the “abuse of discretion” standard). The judge will determine which standard applies to your claim based on the language …
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides financial support to individuals who cannot work due to a disability. This type of insurance pays out a percentage of your pre-disability earnings to help maintain your quality of life. However, many people wonder whether they can continue to collect long-term disability benefits while returning to work …
My name is Nick Ortiz, and I am a Social Security disability attorney. I recently interacted with one of our clients, who received a favorable decision two years after starting his initial application. He was happy and relieved to finally get this good news. This made me think of a question we get from many …
The Listing of Impairments describes impairments for each of the major body systems that Social Security considers severe enough to prevent a claimant from doing any gainful activity, regardless of his or her age, education, or work experience (you can find these impairments on our website in our articles on the disabilities that may …
Social Security recognizes that it has an obligation to provide benefits quickly to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that their conditions obviously meet disability standards. The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative is a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lifeline that many rely on when the unexpected strikes. SSDI is a federal program that provides financial support and other benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that has lasted (or is expected to last) 12 …
If you’re currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, it’s important to understand that your benefits may not be permanent. The Social Security Administration (SSA) regularly conducts Continuing Disability Reviews to determine whether people are still entitled to receive benefits. The review performed by the SSA …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 12 new conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances conditions. What Conditions Have Been Added to the List? Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, has announced the addition of 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions: 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, Anaplastic Ependymoma, …