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# Ortiz Law Firm: We are a disability law firm. We assist claimants in Long Term Disability and Social Security Disability claims. We handle individual policies and group insurance policy claims subject to ERISA. In LTD claims, we assist clients in filing appeals when disability benefits have been denied or terminated and we file lawsuits against insurance companies. In Social Security claims we handle initial applications, appeals, and hearings before Judges.

## Sitemaps
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## Posts
- [Can You Get Long-Term Disability Benefits for a Neurodivergent Condition?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/long-term-disability-for-neurodivergence/): Being neurodivergent doesn't automatically disqualify you from long-term disability (LTD) benefits — but it does make the claims process harder. Insurance companies routinely deny or terminate benefits for conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and sensory processing disorders, often arguing that these are pre-existing, manageable, or not severe enough to prevent work. If your claim was denied, you have the right to appeal.
- [How New York Life Denied a BAE Systems Engineer’s Disability Claim — And How Ortiz Law Firm Overturned It](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/new-york-life-denied-bae-systems-engineer-disability-claim/): A Manager at BAE Systems, Inc. became disabled following a traumatic brain injury that left him with seizures, migraines, and debilitating neurological impairments. Despite more than 1,000 pages of medical records supporting his claim, New York Life denied his long-term disability (LTD) benefits — relying on a paper review riddled with factual errors and selective reading of the evidence. After Ortiz Law Firm filed a comprehensive ERISA appeal, New York Life reversed its decision and approved the claim.
- [Key ERISA Disability Statutory and Regulatory Sections Every Claimant Should Know](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/key-erisa-disability-statutory-and-regulatory-sections/): Learn how key ERISA disability laws, including 29 CFR § 2560.503-1, ERISA Section 503, and Section 502(a), protect your right to a fair claim review and your ability to sue for denied benefits.
- [Are Old Medical Records Enough to Win Your Social Security Disability Case?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/old-medical-records-social-security-disability/): Having years of medical records feels like a strong foundation for a disability claim—but older documentation alone rarely wins a case. The Social Security Administration cares far more about what your condition looks like right now and whether you have been consistently receiving care throughout.
- [Why Social Security Sent You to the “Wrong” Exam — And What It Means for Your Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-social-security-sent-you-to-the-wrong-exam-and-what-it-means-for-your-claim/): If you've applied for Social Security Disability benefits and received a notice scheduling you for a consultative examination (CE), you may have been surprised to find that the exam doesn't match your primary condition. Claimants with severe back pain get sent to a mental health evaluator. People whose main struggle is depression or anxiety get scheduled for a physical exam. It's confusing, frustrating — and according to experienced disability attorneys, it's not an accident.
- [Your Right to Review and Respond to New Evidence in a Long-Term Disability Appeal](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/your-right-to-review-and-respond-to-new-evidence-ltd-appeal/): When a long-term disability (LTD) insurance company gathers new evidence against your claim while reviewing your appeal, you do not have to find out about it in a denial letter. A 2018 Department of Labor rule gives claimants the right to see that evidence first—and to respond to it before the insurer makes its decision.
- [Can You Win a Long-Term Disability Claim for a Mental Health Condition?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/can-you-win-a-long-term-disability-claim-for-a-mental-health-condition/): If you're filing a long-term disability (LTD) claim for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition, you may have heard that these claims are harder to win than physical ones. The reality is more nuanced — and more hopeful — than that common assumption suggests.
- [Representative Payees and Social Security Disability Benefits](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/representative-payees-and-social-security-disability/): When you apply for or receive Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must decide how those benefits will be paid. In some cases, the SSA determines that a beneficiary should not receive payments directly and instead appoints a representative payee.
- [How to Get a Stuck Social Security Disability Claim Moving Again](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-get-a-stuck-social-security-disability-claim-moving/): Waiting on a Social Security Disability claim can feel endless — and for good reason. The process is genuinely slow. According to the SSA's fiscal year (FY) 2024 report, applicants waited an average of 231 days just for their initial determination nationwide. From there, reconsideration typically takes around 2–6 months, and ALJ hearing waits stretch even longer — often 6 months to over a year. For someone who can't work and is waiting on benefits to survive, these timelines are more than frustrating — they're devastating.
- [How to Document Restrictions for a Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-document-restrictions-for-a-disability-claim/): You've told your doctors you're in pain. You've explained the fatigue is overwhelming. But when it comes to your disability claim, is that enough? For thousands of people who get denied, the surprising answer is no. The key isn't just proving you have a medical condition; it's showing exactly how that condition limits you, day in and day out.
- [What Is a Good Grant Rate for an Administrative Law Judge?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/what-is-a-good-grant-rate-for-an-administrative-law-judge/): If you have a Social Security Disability hearing scheduled, your Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) grant rate is one of the most important numbers you can look up before you walk into that hearing room. Understanding what those percentages actually mean can help you set realistic expectations and prepare your case accordingly.
- [Why Waiver of Premium Claims Get Denied After LTD Denials](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-waiver-of-premium-claims-get-denied-after-ltd-denials/): If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been denied, you may be facing another problem you didn’t expect: your life insurance waiver of premium claim may be denied too.
- [New York Life Reversed an “Any Occupation” LTD Termination — Here’s How We Did It](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/new-york-life-reversed-any-occupation-ltd-termination-how-we-did-it/): When New York Life terminated our client's long-term disability (LTD) benefits at the "any occupation" stage, the decision was based on paper reviews that ignored the full picture of her medical condition. We filed a comprehensive ERISA appeal — and New York Life reversed course entirely, reinstating her benefits without a single day in court.
- [Why Insurance Companies Deny Long-Term Disability Claims for “Pre-Existing Conditions”](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-can-long-term-disability-be-denied-for-pre-existing-conditions/): Receiving a long-term disability denial based on a “pre-existing condition” can feel frustrating and unfair. Many claimants are shocked to learn that their insurance company is refusing benefits based on medical treatment that occurred months, or even years, before they stopped working.
- [Discharging Student Loans Due to Disability](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/discharging-student-loans-due-to-disability/): Discharging student loans due to disability can be a lifeline for those struggling with the dual burden of debt and disability. The process, while complex, is designed to provide relief to those most in need. By understanding the available options and following the necessary steps, you can navigate the process and potentially achieve financial relief. This path requires diligence, patience, and perseverance, but the potential benefits are worth the effort.
- [What SSA’s FY 2025 Disability Data Tells You About Your Chances](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/what-ssa-fy-2025-disability-data-tells-you-about-your-chances/): The Social Security Administration (SSA) releases workload data every year showing how many disability claims were decided at each stage of the process — and how many were approved or denied. The FY 2025 figures reveal a stark reality: most applicants are turned down initially, but the process does not end there. Understanding where approvals actually happen can mean the difference between giving up on a valid claim and winning the benefits you deserve.
- [Unum Reverses Wrongful LTD Termination Within 45 Days of Appeal](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/unum-reverses-wrongful-ltd-termination-within-45-days-of-appeal/): At Ortiz Law Firm, we recently helped a client secure the reinstatement of her long-term disability (LTD) benefits after Unum wrongfully terminated her claim. Through a strategic and comprehensive appeal, we were able to achieve a full reversal in less than 45 days.
- [Why Did Lincoln Financial Deny My Long-Term Disability Claim?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-did-lincoln-deny-my-long-term-disability/): You paid your disability insurance premiums faithfully. You trusted that you would be protected if you ever became too sick or injured to work. So when the denial letter from Lincoln Financial arrives, it can feel like a profound betrayal.
- [How to Qualify for Social Security Disability](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-qualify-for-social-security-disability/): Navigating the Social Security Disability process can feel overwhelming, especially when a medical condition prevents you from working. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who can no longer maintain substantial employment due to a qualifying disability, but approval requires meeting strict criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- [How to Get Long-Term Disability for Depression](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-get-long-term-disability-for-depression/): Getting out of bed can feel like a physical feat. Focusing on a simple work email feels impossible. If your depression has made your job unsustainable, you're likely asking if qualifying for disability with depression is an option. The answer is yes, but a successful claim doesn't start with a call to HR; it starts with a very specific conversation.
- [Unsuccessful Work Attempts (UWA) in Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/unsuccessful-work-attempts-ssd-claims/): Instead of viewing a short-lived job as a mistake, this regulation allows you to use that experience as evidence that your limitations are genuine. Correctly leveraging unsuccessful work attempts in disability claims transforms what feels like a risky gamble into evidence that can support your claim.
- [How to Get Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-get-long-term-disability-insurance-benefits/): Navigating the world of long-term disability (LTD) benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a serious medical condition. If your symptoms are preventing you from working, understanding how to get long-term disability benefits is essential to protecting your income and financial stability.
- [Social Security Announces Major Change to Continuing Disability Reviews: What It Means for Your Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ssa-announces-change-to-continuing-disability-reviews/): In a March 2026 news release, the SSA confirmed that it will bring medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) in-house, shifting responsibility away from state agencies.
- [The 5-Year Waiting Period Rule for Prior SSDI Beneficiaries](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/5-year-waiting-period-rule-for-prior-ssdi-beneficiaries/): 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).
- [Disability Cessation: Appeal Rights in a Continuing Disability Review or CDR Cessation](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/disability-cessation-appeal-rights-in-a-continuing-disability-review-or-cdr-cessation/): 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 improved and that he or she is able to return to work.
- [How to Correct Errors in Your Medical Records (and Why It Matters for Disability Claims)](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-correct-errors-in-your-medical-records/): 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.
- [Medicaid vs. Medicare: Understanding the Differences](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/medicaid-vs-medicare/): Medicare. Medicaid. They sound so similar it's easy to mix them up. Both programs are important for health, but they serve different needs.
- [The 5-Year Work Credit Rule In Social Security Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/5-year-work-credit-rule-ssd-claims/): 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 determine whether you qualify for SSDI at all.
- [How to Avoid Being Misclassified Under a Mental Health Limitation in Your LTD Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/avoid-mental-health-limitation-ltd-claim/): 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.
- [New Bipartisan Bill Aims to Speed Access to SSDI Benefits for People with Terminal Illnesses and Serious Disabilities](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/bill-to-speed-access-to-ssdi-for-terminal-illness/): 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 SSDI benefits sooner — a meaningful reform for people facing immediate and urgent financial needs.
- [MetLife Long-Term Disability Buyouts](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/metlife-long-term-disability-buyouts/): 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 overwhelming.
- [How to Keep a Symptom Journal](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-keep-a-symptom-journal/): 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 a sense of control.
- [Federal Quality Review of Social Security Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/federal-quality-review-of-social-security-disability-claims/): If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim was selected for a Federal Quality Review, it’s natural to wonder why.
- [California Court Sides with Google Engineer in MetLife Disability Dispute](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/california-court-sides-with-google-engineer-in-metlife-disability-dispute/): 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.
- [What Are Common Tactics New York Life Uses to Deny or Delay Disability Benefits?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/tactics-new-york-life-uses-to-deny-delay-disability/): 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.
- [What Makes ERISA Cases Against New York Life Different from Other Lawsuits?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/what-makes-erisa-cases-against-new-york-life-different-from-other-lawsuits/): 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 that follows.
- [Cloud vs. NFL Player Retirement Plan – Appeals Court Reverses Pro-Plaintiff USDC Decision](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/cloud-vs-nfl-appeals-court-reverses-pro-plaintiff-decision/): 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 court reversed and entered judgment in favor of the Plan.
- [Advantages of SSDI While Receiving LTD](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/advantages-of-ssdi-while-receiving-ltd/): 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 retirement benefits.
- [What It Means If Your Attorney Interrupts You During Your Social Security Disability Hearing](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/what-it-means-if-attorney-interrupts-during-ssd-hearing/): 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 confusing or even unsettling.
- [How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a New York Life Appeal](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-improve-your-chances-of-winning-a-new-york-life-appeal/): 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 reality, the best appeals are strategic: they respond to every reason for denial with targeted medical evidence.
- [How to Choose the Best Social Security Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-choose-the-best-social-security-disability-lawyer/): 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.
- [Ortiz Law Firm Reverses Prudential LTD Denial for Mental Health and Long COVID—No Appeal Needed](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/olf-reverses-prudential-ltd-denial-for-long-covid-no-appeal-needed/): 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.
- [Don’t Sabotage Your Social Security Disability Claim with Duplicate Records](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/dont-sabotage-your-ssd-claim-duplicate-records/): 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.
- [What Your Long-Term Disability Insurance Portal Isn’t Telling You](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/long-term-disability-insurance-portal/): Long-term disability insurance portals can be useful—but they’re far from perfect. Don’t let unclear messages or a lack of updates shake your confidence. Many claimants make the mistake of assuming that what’s on the portal tells the whole story, but it doesn’t.
- [Why New York Life Denies Disability Claims (and How to Fight Back)](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-new-york-life-denies-disability-claims-how-to-fight-back/): 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.
- [How Long Does a New York Life Appeal Take?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-long-does-a-new-york-life-appeal-take/): 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.
- [Ortiz Law Firm Recovers LTD Benefits Following Improper Denial by Lincoln National](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ortiz-law-firm-recovers-ltd-benefits-after-denial-by-lincoln/): 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.
- [Check Your Social Security Case Status with the Online Status Portal](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-use-ssa-disability-claim-status-portal/): If you’ve filed a disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you can monitor the progress of your application through the SSA Status Portal. This online tool provides updates and key information about your claim without having to call or visit a local SSA office.
- [Overcoming A Prior ALJ Denial In Social Security Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/overcoming-a-prior-alj-denial-social-security-disability/): Receiving a denial from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can feel like the end of the road. But an ALJ denial doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. Many claimants go on to win their Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, either through an appeal or by filing a new application. The key is knowing what went wrong, understanding your options, and taking smart steps moving forward.
- [Summary Plan Description vs. Full LTD Insurance Policy: What’s the Difference?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/summary-plan-description-vs-full-ltd-insurance-policy/): If you're dealing with a long-term disability (LTD) claim, it's important to understand the documents that govern your benefits. Two key documents you'll likely encounter are the Summary Plan Description (SPD) and the policy (or full “Plan”). While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and carry different legal weight.
- [Ortiz Law Firm Helps Client Overturn Principal Life Denial of Long-Term Disability Benefits](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ortiz-law-firm-overturns-principal-ltd-denial/): When Principal Life Insurance Company unfairly terminated our client's long-term disability (LTD) benefits in early in 2025, we stepped in to fight back.
- [How We Helped a Client Get Long-Term Disability Benefits Reinstated After Any Occupation Denial](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ltd-benefits-reinstated-after-any-occupation-denial/): Our client was forced to stop working towards the end of 2022 due to a number of serious medical conditions. These included cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, joint pain, GERD, multiple mental health conditions, and a complex history of back issues. Together, these conditions created significant restrictions and limitations that made full-time employment impossible.
- [Do Social Security Disability Benefits Change If Your Health Declines?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/do-social-security-disability-benefits-change-if-health-declines/): When you're approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your monthly benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. It’s not tied to how severe your condition is—and that means your benefit amount typically doesn't increase if your health gets worse.
- [How Ortiz Law Firm Helped a Client Win Back Long-Term Disability Benefits After a Hartford Denial](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ortiz-law-firm-helped-client-win-ltd-benefits-after-hartford-denial/): Navigating a long-term disability (LTD) claim can be overwhelming, especially when your benefits are unfairly denied. At Ortiz Law Firm, we recently helped a client successfully appeal a denial from Hartford and win a Social Security Disability claim, too. Here’s how it all unfolded.
- [What Evidence Can Help Overturn a Denied New York Life Disability Claim?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/evidence-to-help-overturn-denied-new-york-life-disability-claim/): If New York Life denied your long-term disability (LTD) claim, submitting the right evidence on appeal may change the outcome. You need to gather as much evidence as possible, as this could be your one chance to stack the record that a court may later review. The focus should be on documenting your functional limitations, not just your symptoms.
- [Denied Short-Term Disability Benefits Right Before the End? Here’s What You Should Know](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/denied-std-before-benefit-period-ends/): Imagine making it nearly to the end of your short-term disability (STD) benefit period—only to have your benefits denied with just a couple weeks to go. It's a discouraging situation that many claimants face. Not only does the denial cut off a vital source of income, but it can also create doubts about pursuing long-term disability (LTD) benefits. It can be especially concerning if you're unsure where to turn for help.
- [How Opening a Business Can Impact Your Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/opening-a-business-can-impact-your-disability-claim/): If you’re pursuing long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you may think that starting your own business is harmless—as long as it doesn’t make money. After all, you’re not back to full-time work, and your condition still limits what you can do. But insurers and the Social Security Administration (SSA) see things differently. Opening a business—even one that isn’t profitable—can raise serious red flags and potentially derail your claim.
- [Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI for Your Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-you-shouldnt-rely-on-ai-for-a-disability-claim/): Filing a disability claim—whether it's for long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits or Social Security Disability (SSD)—is a complex process. When you're dealing with a serious medical condition and the stress of being out of work, it might be tempting to look for quick, easy solutions online. AI tools like ChatGPT and other third-party apps can seem helpful at first glance—they're fast, available 24/7, and often free. But when it comes to something as important as your disability claim, relying on these tools alone can be a risky move.
- [What Steps Should I Take to Prepare for an Appeal After a New York Life Denial?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/steps-to-appeal-after-a-new-york-life-denial/): If New York Life denied your long-term disability (LTD) claim, this isn’t the end of the process. Your administrative appeal is your opportunity to correct the record, add strong evidence of your limitations, and build a complete file that can support you later in court if necessary.
- [Social Security Scraps Proposal That Could Have Slashed Disability Benefits for Older Americans](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ssa-scraps-proposal-could-have-slashed-disability-benefits-for-older-americans/): 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.
- [Applying for Long-Term Disability Benefits After a Short-Term Disability Denial](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/long-term-disability-after-short-term-disability-denial/): 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 You Shouldn’t Panic Over Your SSA Portal Status](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/dont-panic-over-ssa-portal/): 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 see (or don't see) on the portal.
- [Pursuing Disability Benefits Means Any Work Has a Significant Impact on Your Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/any-work-has-an-impact-on-your-disability-claim/): 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.
- [Hobbies vs. Work: When Activities Start to Look Like Employment](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/hobbies-vs-work-in-disability-claims/): 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 as evidence that you’re capable of working.
- [How Work Contradicts Your Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-work-contradicts-your-disability-claim/): 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.
- [Attorney Tips for Winning at a Social Security Disability Hearing](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/attorney-tips-for-winning-ssd-hearing/): 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.
- [Baptist Health Employees: How to Handle a Long-Term Disability Denial](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/baptist-health-employees-denied-ltd/): 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 to long-term disability (LTD) insurance through USAble Life.
- [Conversion Privileges in Group Long-Term Disability Insurance Policies](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/conversion-privileges-in-group-ltd-policies/): 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."
- [What Does MMI Mean for a Long-Term Disability Claim?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/what-does-mmi-mean-for-ltd-claims/): 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 your claim is evaluated.
- [Gig Work and Part-Time Work Is Still Work](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/gig-work-and-part-time-work-is-still-work/): 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, and they can seriously damage your disability claim.
- [When the Insurance Company Wants the Raw Data From Your Neuropsychological Testing](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/raw-data-from-neuropsychological-testing/): 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.
- [The Growing Trend of 2-Year Limitations in Long-Term Disability Insurance Policies](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/growing-trend-of-2-year-limitations-in-ltd-policies/): 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.
- [LinkedIn and Your Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/linkedin-and-your-disability-claim/): 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.
- [The Importance of Ongoing Medical Treatment in Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ongoing-medical-treatment-in-ltd-claims/): 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.
- [Disability Benefits Are Not a Supplement to Part-Time Work](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/disability-not-a-supplement-to-part-time-work/): 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 supplement part-time work — and attempting to combine the two can put your entire claim at risk.
- [We Fixed an Onset-Date Mix-Up and Won a United Healthcare LTD Appeal](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/we-won-unitedhealthcare-ltd-appeal/): United Healthcare (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 wrong, how we fixed it, and what you can learn for your own LTD appeal.
- [What Happens to My Long-Term Disability Insurance If My Employer Goes Out of Business?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/what-happens-to-ltd-if-employer-goes-out-of-business/): 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:
- [The Burden of Proof In Long Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/burden-of-proof/): 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.
- [Why You Might Lose Your Long-Term Disability Claim Even If You Are Disabled](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-you-might-lose-ltd-even-if-you-are-disabled/): 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.
- [Why Your Lawyer Needs to Understand Your Medical Conditions](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/why-your-disability-lawyer-needs-to-understand-your-conditions/): 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.
- [How Long Does Long-Term Disability Pay?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-long-does-long-term-disability-pay/): 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:
- [How Medical Evidence Supports Your Long-Term Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-medical-evidence-supports-your-ltd-claim/): 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 how to avoid common pitfalls that can hurt your claim.
- [Issues Social Security Does Not Usually Consider When Evaluating a Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/issues-social-security-does-not-consider/): 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 focus their efforts on the information that makes a difference.
- [How to Find Your Estimated Social Security Disability Benefit](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/how-to-find-your-estimated-social-security-disability-benefit/): Are you considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? One of the first questions on your mind may be, "How much will I receive each month?" Understanding your estimated benefit amount is important for financial planning. Here's how to find your estimated Social Security Disability Insurance benefit.
- [Client Wins Long-Term Disability Appeal After Abrupt Denial by New York Life](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/client-wins-ltd-appeal-after-new-york-life-denial/): Living with chronic illness is hard enough, but it is even more stressful when disability benefits are taken away. That’s what happened to one of our clients, who hasn’t been able to work because of several mental and physical health conditions. What started as a hopeful application for LTD benefits turned into a difficult fight, and we are proud to have helped our client win.
- [Client Wins Long-Term Disability Benefits After Facing Denial from New York Life](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/client-wins-ltd-benefits-after-new-york-life-denial/): Getting (and keeping) long-term disability (LTD) benefits isn’t always easy. Recently, New York Life Insurance Company (the parent company of the underwriting company Life Insurance Company of North America) unfairly denied a claimant’s LTD benefits. Thankfully, we were able to turn things around on appeal.
- [Independent Physician Reviews by Reliance Standard](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/reliance-standard-independent-physician-reviews/): Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, like many other disability insurers, frequently denies or terminates long-term disability (LTD) claims based upon “independent” physician reviews. These reviews play a significant role in the claims process and are often used to justify claim denials. Understanding how Reliance Standard conducts these reviews and how to respond effectively can make all the difference in an appeal.
- [Will Volunteering Affect My Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/volunteering-on-long-term-disability/): Yes, volunteering can affect your long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim. Even unpaid work might suggest that you are capable of performing job-related tasks. This could jeopardize your benefits. Before volunteering, it's important to understand the risks and speak with your doctor.
- [SSA Adds 13 New Conditions to Compassionate Allowances List in 2025](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/compassionate-allowances-update-2025/): The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list by adding 13 more medical conditions that now qualify for expedited disability benefits processing. This brings the total number of CAL conditions to 300.
- [Wessberg v. Unum – Minnesota Attorney Wins Long-Term Disability Lawsuit](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/minnesota-attorney-wins-ltd-lawsuit/): Minnesota attorney Ann Wessberg prevailed in her ERISA lawsuit against Unum after the insurer terminated her long-term disability benefits despite documented cognitive impairments linked to chemotherapy. The court found that Unum relied on flawed reasoning and non-expert reviewers, ignoring credible medical evidence. It ordered Unum to reinstate benefits and pay attorney fees and interest.
- [When Disability Insurers Deny Long COVID Claims Due to Mental Health Limitations and Objective Evidence Requirements](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/long-covid-disability-claim-denials/): Long COVID has left millions of people struggling with debilitating symptoms that disrupt every facet of their lives. Despite its recognized impact, disability insurance companies often attempt to deny claims by misclassifying the condition to trigger a mental or nervous limitation or citing a lack of objective diagnostic evidence. Claimants are labeled with Somatic Symptom Disorder or similar psychiatric conditions when there is clear evidence of physical impairment, or claims are denied on the grounds that disabling conditions like Long COVID lack definitive laboratory tests. These denials are not only unfair, but often violate established legal precedent.
- [Krueger v. Reliance Standard – Illinois HR Executive Wins LTD Lawsuit Over Misapplied Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/ltd-lawsuit-pre-existing-condition-exclusion/): Krueger filed for long-term disability benefits after developing POTS. Reliance Standard denied her claim, arguing it was a pre-existing condition based on earlier treatments for migraines and tachycardia. The court disagreed, finding Krueger’s symptoms and diagnosis were distinct and not properly excluded under the policy. It ruled in her favor and ordered Reliance to pay LTD benefits.
- [Ziegler v. Sun Life – Court Upholds Denial of Disability Benefits for Missouri Ophthalmic Technician](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/court-upholds-disability-denial-for-ophthalmic-tech/): Ziegler filed suit after Sun Life denied her long-term disability claim for lupus and related conditions. Despite support from her treating physician, Sun Life relied on three independent rheumatologists who found insufficient objective evidence to support disability. The court upheld the denial, ruling that Sun Life did not abuse its discretion under the ERISA plan.
- [Halleron v. Reliance Standard – Baptist Healthcare Physician’s LTD Claim Sent Back for Full Review After Flawed Denial](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/baptist-healthcare-physicians-ltd-sent-back-for-full-review/): Dr. April Halleron, a Kentucky physician, filed for STD and LTD benefits due to disabling symptoms from POTS. Reliance Standard denied both claims, citing a pre-existing condition exclusion for STD and lack of evidence for LTD. The court found both denials procedurally flawed and arbitrary, especially for failing to consider her treating physician’s opinion. The case was remanded for a full and fair review under ERISA.
- [Ortiz Law Firm Helps Client Recover Denied LTD Benefits After Cardiac Arrest and Brain Injury](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/olf-helps-client-recover-denied-ltd-benefits/): Our client’s life changed drastically in June 2022, when he suffered cardiac arrest that led to an anoxic brain injury. As a result of his condition, he could no longer work. He filed a claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits with Mutual of Omaha, and the insurance company initially approved the claim, paying benefits for approximately 27 months.
- [Ward v. Reliance Standard – Maryland Engineer Wins Long-Term Disability Lawsuit](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/engineer-wins-long-term-disability-lawsuit/): When Reliance Standard terminated Christine Ward's benefits in 2022, citing insufficient evidence, Ward challenged the decision. The court found Reliance failed to properly evaluate her cognitive limitations and lacked substantial evidence to support its decision.
- [How Long-Term Disability and Workers’ Compensation Benefits Interact](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/long-term-disability-and-workers-comp/): If you’re unable to work because of an illness or injury, you may be eligible for more than one type of benefit. Two of the most common are long-term disability (LTD) insurance and workers’ compensation (WC). While it’s possible to get both, it’s important to understand how these benefits work together and how one can affect the other.
- [Do I Automatically Get Long-Term Disability If I’m Approved For Short-Term Disability?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/std-approved-do-i-automatically-get-ltd/): Being approved for short-term disability (STD) does not automatically mean you’ll be approved for long-term disability (LTD). While the two benefits are often linked, especially if they’re offered by the same insurance company, there are important differences in how they’re evaluated.
- [Mercer v. Unum – Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Denied Long-Term Disability for Failure to Prove Continuing Disability](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/denied-ltd-failure-to-prove-continuing-disability/): Mercer filed for long-term disability due to chronic conditions including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Unum denied her claim, arguing she was not continuously disabled during the plan’s 180-day elimination period. Although Mercer submitted strong support from her doctors and a vocational expert, the court upheld Unum’s denial, finding it reasonable under ERISA’s “arbitrary and capricious” standard.

## Pages
- [New York Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/new-york-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in New York? New York's economy spans finance (Wall Street and the broader financial services industry), healthcare, technology, construction, and the arts. New York also has a significant state pension system that can further complicate the disability claim process. Understanding your rights — and the appeals process — is the first step toward protecting your financial future.
- [Arkansas Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/arkansas-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in Arkansas? Arkansas is one of the country's leading states for trucking and transportation (the Walmart supply chain alone moves enormous freight volume through Northwest Arkansas), poultry processing — Tyson Foods is headquartered in Springdale — and retail distribution. These are physically demanding careers where repetitive strain injuries, back conditions, and hearing loss are occupational realities. Understanding your rights — and the appeals process — is the first step toward protecting your financial future.
- [North Carolina Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/north-carolina-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in North Carolina? North Carolina's economy is anchored by financial services — Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the United States, home to Bank of America and Truist Financial. The Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) is one of the country's premier technology and biotech clusters. Traditional industries including furniture manufacturing, tobacco, and textiles continue in the western and central parts of the state. Financial services workers often have strong employer-provided group LTD benefits — and face well-funded insurance companies when claims are denied. Understanding your rights — and the appeals process — is the first step toward protecting your financial future.
- [Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/ossification-of-the-posterior-longitudinal-ligament-opll/): Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) is an uncommon but serious spinal condition that can lead to chronic pain, neurological symptoms, and significant loss of function. But many long-term disability (LTD) claimants struggle to explain how fluctuating symptoms translate into real-world job limitations. The most common mistake I see claimants make is assuming that imaging alone will prove disability. Insurers focus on how your symptoms affect daily functioning, not just what appears on a scan.
- [Alaska Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/alaska-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in Alaska? Alaska's workforce is shaped by some of the most physically demanding industries in the country — commercial fishing in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, oil and gas extraction on the North Slope, federal and military employment (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is one of the largest bases in the country), and construction and utilities work in extreme conditions. When illness or injury ends a career in these fields, the financial consequences are severe and immediate. Understanding your rights — and the appeals process — will help you protect your financial future.
- [South Carolina Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/south-carolina-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in South Carolina? South Carolina's economy has diversified significantly in recent decades — BMW manufactures vehicles in Spartanburg (the only BMW plant in North America), Boeing assembles 787 Dreamliners in North Charleston, and Michelin has major tire manufacturing operations in the Upstate. Military installations (Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island) are also major employers.
- [Nebraska Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/nebraska-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in Nebraska? Nebraska's economy is centered on agriculture and food processing — the state is a major producer of corn, soybeans, and cattle, and companies like Tyson Foods, IBP (now Tyson Fresh Meats), and Nebraska Beef have large processing facilities across the state. Omaha is a significant insurance and financial services hub — Mutual of Omaha is headquartered here, making it a particularly common insurer for Nebraska group LTD claims. Trucking and rail transportation are also major employment sectors. Understanding your rights — and the appeals process — is the first step toward protecting your financial future.
- [Neurofibromatosis and Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/neurofibromatosis/): Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a complex genetic disorder that can significantly interfere with a person’s daily life and ability to work. For those who develop severe symptoms, continuing in any occupation may become impossible—making long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits an essential financial lifeline.
- [Long-Term Disability for Technical Writers: What Happens When You Can’t Work?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/technical-writers/): Technical writing is a demanding knowledge-based profession that relies on sustained cognitive performance, precise communication, and long hours at a computer. When a disabling condition interrupts that ability, a long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim may be the financial lifeline that keeps your household afloat — but getting approved is not automatic.
- [Oregon Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/oregon-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in Oregon? Oregon's economy spans technology — Intel has its largest campus in Hillsboro, and Nike is headquartered in Beaverton — along with timber and forestry, agriculture in the Willamette Valley, commercial fishing along the Pacific coast, and a growing beer, wine, and food production sector. Forestry and logging workers have some of the highest occupational injury rates of any industry. Technology sector employees increasingly face repetitive strain injuries and stress-related conditions. Understanding your rights — and the appeals process — is the first step toward protecting your financial future.
- [Frontal Lobe Encephalomalacia and Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/frontal-lobe-encephalomalacia/): Frontal lobe encephalomalacia is a serious neurological condition that can significantly impair an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities—including maintaining employment. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this condition and are unable to work, filing a long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim may be necessary. However, these claims can be complex, especially when dealing with cognitive or neurological impairments.
- [Long-Term Disability for Editors: What to Do When a Disabling Condition Ends Your Career](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/editors/): Editing is cognitively intensive work. Whether you are a copy editor, developmental editor, managing editor, or editorial director, your job requires sustained concentration, sharp language judgment, and the ability to hold complex information in working memory for hours at a time. A serious medical condition that disrupts those abilities can make it impossible to work — and a long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim may be the only thing standing between you and financial crisis.
- [Iowa Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/iowa-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in Iowa? Iowa's economy is built on agriculture and food processing — it is consistently the top producer of corn and soybeans in the country, and companies like Tyson Foods, Iowa Premium, and Smithfield foods have major processing operations across the state. Farm work and food processing carry significant repetitive strain and musculoskeletal injury rates. Des Moines is also a major insurance industry hub, housing principal operations for several large group disability insurers. Understanding your rights — and the appeals process — is the first step toward protecting your financial future.
- [Nevada Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/nevada-disability-lawyer/): Denied disability benefits in Nevada? Nevada's economy is overwhelmingly driven by gaming and hospitality — Las Vegas and the surrounding resort corridor employ a massive hospitality workforce of hotel workers, food service employees, security staff, and casino dealers. These are physically and cognitively demanding jobs. Construction is also a major sector given Nevada's rapid population growth. The state's remote geography outside the major cities means that workers in rural Nevada often face challenges accessing the medical specialists needed to document complex disability claims. When illness or injury ends a career in Nevada, the financial consequences are immediate and the legal deadlines are tight. Understanding your options quickly is essential.
- [Louisiana Disability Lawyer](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/louisiana-disability-lawyer/): At Ortiz Law Firm, we represent claimants across Louisiana in long-term disability (LTD) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. We focus exclusively on disability cases — and we offer free consultations so you can understand your options and act before deadlines pass.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims for Optic Neuritis](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/optic-neuritis/): Optic neuritis is a serious inflammatory condition that damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss severe enough to prevent you from working. If your optic neuritis has kept you out of work, you may be entitled to long-term disability (LTD) benefits — but getting those benefits approved requires knowing how insurers evaluate this condition and what evidence they need to see.
- [Terms and Conditions](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/terms-and-conditions/): Ortiz Law Firm sends text message updates and responses to legal customers about services offered at https://www.nickortizlaw.com.
- [Long-Term Disability Claim Denied? What Web Developers Need to Know](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/web-developers/): A denied long-term disability (LTD) claim can upend your financial stability overnight. For web developers, the situation carries unique complications: insurers frequently argue that someone with a desk job — someone who “just types” — cannot truly be disabled. This reasoning is legally flawed, factually inaccurate, and the attorneys at Ortiz Law Firm challenge it every day.
- [Long-Term Disability for Mathematicians](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/mathematicians/): Mathematics is often seen as a purely intellectual profession. But if you are a mathematician dealing with a serious medical condition, you already know the reality is very different. Your work depends on sustained concentration, abstract reasoning, and the ability to solve complex problems over long periods of time.
- [Long-Term Disability for Shoulder Impingement](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/shoulder-impingement/): Many people wonder whether shoulder impingement qualifies for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, especially when the condition prevents them from lifting, reaching, or performing routine work tasks.
- [Can You Get Long-Term Disability for Moyamoya Disease? What Patients and Families Need to Know](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/moyamoya-disease/): The short answer: yes — moyamoya disease can qualify you for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. But because it's a rare condition, insurers often don't fully understand its severity, and claims are frequently denied on the first try. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what moyamoya disease is, how LTD insurance works, why claims get denied, and exactly what steps you can take to build a winning case.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims for Radiologists: What to Do When Your Claim Is Denied](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/radiologists/): If you are a radiologist who has been forced to stop working due to a serious illness or injury, you may be counting on your long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits to replace lost income. Unfortunately, many radiologists receive denial letters from insurance companies — often despite having a legitimate, well-documented disability.
- [Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits for Metabolic Syndrome X? Here’s What You Need to Know](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/): If you've been denied long-term disability (LTD) benefits because of metabolic syndrome X — also called insulin resistance syndrome — you are not alone, and you are not without options. Insurance companies routinely deny these claims, often by downplaying the severity of the condition or arguing that it is manageable with lifestyle changes. But metabolic syndrome is a serious, complex disorder that can leave people genuinely unable to work. Here's what you need to know about your rights, your medical evidence, and your path forward.
- [Heidi Hebert](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/about-us/our-team/heidi-hebert/): Heidi is our intake specialist/paralegal.
- [Jenny Pureber](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/about-us/our-team/jenny-pureber/): Jenny is your friendly neighborhood Front Desk at Ortiz Law Firm. She takes her role as most client’s first point of contact seriously and makes it her goal to ensure every caller gets a warm reception.
- [Kelsie Nagele](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/about-us/our-team/kelsie-nagele/): Nagele brings more than a decade of professional experience spanning disability law, public policy, advocacy, and government affairs. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School and has built a career focused on representing individuals and advancing public-interest causes.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims for Insurance Underwriters](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/insurance-underwriters/): Insurance underwriters play a critical role in evaluating risk and protecting the financial stability of insurers. But when a serious medical condition prevents you from performing that same high-level analytical work, your own financial stability can quickly become uncertain.
- [Long-Term Disability for CNC Operators, Machinists, and Programmers](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/cnc-operators-machinists-programmers/): Working as a CNC operator, machinist, or programmer can be incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities for technical mastery and career growth. However, these roles also come with real physical and mental demands that can lead to serious injury or illness.
- [Nippon Life Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims and Denials](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/insurance-companies/nippon-life/): Most Nippon Life long-term disability policies replace approximately 60 percent of your pre-disability earnings. However, the amount you actually receive may be lower depending on several factors.
- [Long-Term Disability Insurance for Interpreters and Translators](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/interpreters-and-translators/): You dedicate your professional life to helping people communicate. Yet few professions depend so heavily on delicate biological tools.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims for Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/common-variable-immunodeficiency-cvid/): Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), previously known as adult-onset hypogammaglobulinemia, is a chronic immune system disorder that can severely limit an individual’s ability to work. If you have CVID and are struggling to maintain employment due to frequent infections, fatigue, or related complications, you may be entitled to long-term disability (LTD) benefits under a group or individual disability insurance policy. Unfortunately, securing those benefits is often more difficult than it should be.
- [Yao Syndrome and Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/yao-syndrome/): Yao Syndrome is a rare and often misunderstood autoinflammatory disorder. For those living with this chronic condition, the physical and emotional toll can be profound—especially when symptoms interfere with the ability to work. Navigating a long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim for Yao Syndrome can be particularly challenging due to the disease’s complexity and episodic nature. This article will help you understand what’s involved in pursuing an LTD claim for Yao Syndrome.
- [Getting Long-Term Disability for Intercostal Neuralgia](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/intercostal-neuralgia/): Intercostal neuralgia can cause chronic ribcage pain that limits daily activities and may prevent employment, making long-term disability (LTD) benefits critical. This guide explains the condition, its symptoms, and treatment options, and outlines how long-term disability insurance works. It details eligibility requirements, the medical documentation needed, and the step-by-step application process, with strategies to overcome common challenges. It also includes legal assistance for appeals and guides patients to more resources for continued help.
- [Understanding Long-Term Disability for Alpha-Gal Syndrome](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/): Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne disease. It causes an allergy to a sugar found in mammals. This can lead to delayed and unpredictable reactions, along with ongoing symptoms. Because of this, it is hard for many people to work safely and consistently.
- [Dysautonomia and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/dysautonomia/): If you suffer from dysautonomia and are struggling to maintain full-time work, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, insurance companies often misunderstand or undervalue the impact of this complex condition. In this article, we break down what dysautonomia is, how it can impair your ability to work, what medical evidence is essential, and how to navigate the common challenges in filing or appealing an LTD claim.
- [Retinopathy and Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/retinopathy/): Retinopathy can severely impair vision and make it difficult—or even impossible—to continue working. Whether caused by diabetes, hypertension, radiation, or another medical condition, retinopathy often leads to progressive vision loss that impacts both daily activities and professional responsibilities. If you’re struggling to maintain employment due to vision problems, long-term disability (LTD) benefits may be available. However, securing those benefits can be challenging without strong medical and legal support.
- [Adrenal Insufficiency and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/adrenal-insufficiency/): Adrenal insufficiency can lead to extreme fatigue, cognitive issues, and even life-threatening crises, all of which may prevent someone from maintaining steady employment. Although long-term disability (LTD) insurance is meant to provide financial support when work is no longer possible, proving a claim based on adrenal insufficiency can be complicated. This guide explores how the condition affects your ability to work, the type of medical evidence needed, potential challenges in the claims process, and how a disability attorney can help if your benefits are denied.
- [When Cancer Affects the Brain: CRCI and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/cancer-related-cognitive-impairment/): Surviving cancer is an incredible milestone — but it’s not always the end of the struggle. Many survivors develop unexpected cognitive problems that make it difficult to return to work. These challenges, known as Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI), can significantly impact daily functioning. They can also complicate the process of getting or keeping long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
- [Pulmonary Fibrosis and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/): Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that can significantly impair a person’s ability to work. If your long-term disability (LTD) claim for pulmonary fibrosis has been denied or terminated, we can help. This article explains evidence used to support LTD claims and how a disability attorney can help you fight back after a denial.
- [What Is the Maximum Benefit Period In a Long-Term Disability Claim?](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/ltd-glossary-key-terms-in-policy/maximum-benefit-period/): In a long-term disability (LTD) claim, the “maximum benefit period” refers to the longest period of time a claimant can receive benefits under their disability insurance policy. This is typically stated in the policy as a specific number of years or an age limit, such as “to age 65” or “for 5 years.”
- [Transverse Myelitis and Long-Term Disability Benefits](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/transverse-myelitis/): Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare but serious disorder that impairs mobility, sensation, and bodily functions. The physical and cognitive limitations can make it impossible to sustain gainful employment. Unfortunately, many long-term disability (LTD) claims get denied due to the condition's complexity and fluctuating symptoms.
- [Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/symphysis-pubis-dysfunction/): Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects the joint at the front of the pelvis. While commonly associated with pregnancy, SPD can also occur due to trauma, surgery, arthritis, or chronic instability in the pelvic region. This article explores how SPD may lead to long-term disability, the evidence necessary for a successful claim, and how to overcome common challenges in the claims process.
- [Latent Autoimmune Diabetes and Long-Term Disability Claims: What You Need to Know](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/latent-autoimmune-diabetes/): Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is often called "type 1.5 diabetes" because it shares characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. What sets LADA apart is its gradual progression and the fact that it's often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Because the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells progresses slowly, symptoms can seem manageable for a time, but LADA can eventually lead to severe functional limitations that impair the ability to work.
- [Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/): Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful nodules and abscesses. While some may experience mild symptoms, others endure severe, recurring flare-ups. If HS has affected your ability to work, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, getting approved for benefits isn’t always easy.
- [USAble Life Long-Term Disability Attorney](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/insurance-companies/usable-life/): If you are an employee covered by a long-term disability insurance policy from USAble Life, you may need to file a claim after a serious illness or injury. Unfortunately, even legitimate LTD claims are sometimes denied. This guide offers key information to help you understand the process, avoid common mistakes, and know what to do if your claim is denied. If that happens, seeking the help of a USAble Life disability attorney could significantly improve your outcome.
- [Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension/): Living with a chronic medical condition like idiopathic Intracranial hypertension (IIH) can be overwhelming, especially when the symptoms interfere with your ability to work and earn a steady income. If you're experiencing debilitating headaches, vision problems, or other IIH-related complications, you may qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits through your employer's group insurance plan or a private policy.
- [Long-Term Disability for Functional Cognitive Disorder](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/functional-cognitive-disorder/): Are you struggling with memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or mental fog despite having normal brain scans? Symptoms of Functional Cognitive Disorder are not only inconvenient; they can be disabling. If you're facing a long-term disability denial, we can help you recover your benefits.
- [Long-Term Disability Benefits for Dental Assistants](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/dental-assistants/): Working as a dental assistant can be both rewarding and physically demanding. The role involves a mix of clinical and administrative responsibilities. Unfortunately, when a serious health issue arises, this hands-on profession may become impossible. Understanding how to navigate a long-term disability claim is essential for protecting your financial future.
- [Shoulder Disorders and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/shoulder-disorders/): Shoulder disorders can be painful, limiting, and long-lasting. Whether caused by injury, overuse, or degenerative disease, these conditions can significantly impair your ability to lift, carry, reach, or perform repetitive tasks. If you're struggling to work due to a shoulder disorder, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, these claims are often denied without strong medical evidence and legal support.
- [Chemists and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/chemists/): If you're a chemist who can no longer work due to a serious illness or injury, you may have questions about long-term disability (LTD) claims. The technical nature of your job—and the physical and cognitive demands it requires—can make it especially challenging. Understanding your rights and how to present your case is critical to securing the benefits you deserve.
- [Chemotherapy Fatigue and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/chemotherapy-fatigue/): Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience severe, persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest. This fatigue can be so debilitating that it impairs a person’s ability to work. Long-term disability insurance may provide financial relief, but securing benefits is challenging. This article explains what you need to know if you are considering or appealing an LTD claim based on this condition.
- [Vestibular Dysfunction and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/vestibular-dysfunction/): Vestibular dysfunction refers to disorders that affect the inner ear and brain systems. It causes debilitating symptoms such as chronic dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and nausea. For individuals with severe vestibular disorders, continuing to work may become impossible. For those who cannot work, long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide financial support.
- [Behçet’s Syndrome and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/behcets-syndrome/): Living with Behçet’s syndrome can be a daily struggle. The unpredictable symptoms and long-term health complications often make it difficult, if not impossible, for individuals to maintain steady employment. If you are unable to work due your condition, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. This article explains how the condition can affect your ability to work, what medical evidence is needed for a strong claim, and how a long-term disability attorney can help if your claim is denied.
- [Occipital Neuralgia and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/occipital-neuralgia/): Living with chronic pain can interfere with your ability to work and enjoy daily life. For individuals with occipital neuralgia, the challenges are often compounded by the invisible nature of their symptoms. This article explores how occipital neuralgia can affect your ability to work, the medical evidence needed for a long-term disability (LTD) claim, and the role of legal support when a claim is denied.
- [Long-Term Disability for Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/bone-marrow-transplant/): A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, can be lifesaving. But it can also be life altering. For many recipients, the road to recovery is long, uncertain, and filled with complications that can make returning to work impossible. If you’ve received a bone marrow transplant and can no longer work, you may qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always make the process easy.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims for Spinal Stenosis](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/spinal-stenosis/): Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow. This puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal. It can cause pain, weakness, and functional limitations that prevent you from working.
- [Kleine-Levin Syndrome and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/kleine-levin-syndrome/): Kleine-Levin Syndrome is a rare and complex neurological condition that can be disabling. Patients have recurring episodes of excessive sleep, cognitive disturbances, and behavioral changes. These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning and the ability to maintain employment. Securing long-term disability benefits is critical, but these claims can be challenging.
- [Neuromyelitis Optica and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/neuromyelitis-optica/): Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), is a rare autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spinal cord and optic nerves. Often confused with multiple sclerosis, NMO can cause sudden and severe neurological symptoms, including vision loss and paralysis.
- [De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/de-quervains-tenosynovitis/): If your job requires constant use of your hands and wrists, you know how debilitating hand pain can be. For professionals like assembly line workers, hair stylists, massage therapists, and data entry clerks, De Quervain's tenosynovitis isn't just a minor irritation — it can be a career-ending condition. If your long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim has been denied or terminated, you may still have options to fight back.
- [Thoracolumbar Levoscoliosis and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/thoracolumbar-levoscoliosis/): Living with chronic back pain and limited mobility can make holding down a job nearly impossible—especially if your condition worsens over time. For individuals diagnosed with thoracolumbar levoscoliosis, the physical challenges and ongoing symptoms can have a serious impact on their ability to work full-time. Understanding how this condition affects daily function, what medical evidence is needed for a long-term disability claim, and how to overcome insurance barriers is key to securing the benefits you deserve.
- [Long-Term Disability Benefits for Attorneys](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/attorneys/): As an attorney, your work requires sharp focus, long hours, and the ability to handle high-stakes responsibilities under pressure. If an illness or injury makes it difficult to continue practicing law, long-term disability (LTD) insurance may be your best option for financial stability. Unfortunately, even highly skilled professionals like attorneys often face significant challenges when navigating the LTD claims process.
- [Long-Term Disability for New Daily Persistent Headache Disorder](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/new-daily-persistent-headache-disorder/): New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a rare and debilitating neurological disorder that can severely impact a person’s ability to work. Unlike other headache disorders that come and go, NDPH begins suddenly and becomes relentless, often without a clear cause.
- [Trochanteric Bursitis and Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/trochanteric-bursitis/): If you’ve been diagnosed with trochanteric bursitis and your long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim has been denied or cut off, you may be wondering what went wrong and what to do next. This page will help you understand how the condition can affect your ability to work, what kind of medical evidence is needed to support your claim, and how an LTD attorney can help you in your appeal.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims for Pilots](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/pilots/): Pilots shoulder an immense responsibility every time they step into a cockpit. Whether they’re flying for a major airline or a private charter, they’re entrusted with passenger safety, strict regulatory compliance, and real-time, high-stakes decision-making. But when a medical condition threatens a pilot’s ability to fly, the road to long-term disability (LTD) benefits can be unexpectedly turbulent.
- [Babesiosis and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/babesiosis/): Babesiosis may be less well known than Lyme disease, but for those who suffer long-term complications, it can be just as disabling. Transmitted by tick bites, this parasitic infection attacks red blood cells and can lead to severe flu-like symptoms and serious complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems. If you’ve been diagnosed with babesiosis and are unable to work due to ongoing symptoms, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
- [Motor Neuron Diseases and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/motor-neuron-diseases/): Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons. Motor neurons are the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles, such as those used to speak, walk, breathe, and swallow. This group of disorders includes diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease. Other types include progressive bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Kennedy's disease, and post-polio syndrome.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims For Melanoma](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/melanoma/): Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, and in advanced cases, it can be life-threatening. Even after initial treatment, the long-term effects of melanoma or its recurrence can severely impact your ability to work.
- [Long-Term Disability For Organ Transplant Recipients](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/organ-transplant/): Organ transplants are often life-saving, but they are also life-altering. While the goal of a transplant is to restore health and quality of life, the recovery process and potential complications can be overwhelming.
- [RiverSource Life Insurance Company and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/insurance-companies/riversource/): RiverSource Life Insurance Company is a provider of life insurance, annuities, and disability insurance products. While the company offers long-term disability (LTD) insurance to protect individuals who are unable to work due to illness or injury, policyholders often face challenges when filing claims.
- [Georgia Disability Lawyer – Get the Benefits You Deserve](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/georgia/): A long-term disability can affect every aspect of your life, including your health, your income, and your ability to provide for your family. When you have long-term disability (LTD) insurance or need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you expect the system to work for you. But too often, valid claims are delayed, underpaid, or denied altogether.
- [Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and Long-Term Disability](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/cidp/): Living with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) can be physically and emotionally draining. This progressive neurological disorder can make it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain steady employment due to debilitating symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and chronic fatigue.
- [Kienböck’s Disease and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/kienbocks-disease/): Kienböck's disease is a rare, progressive disease that primarily affects the wrist - specifically the lunate bone. As the disease progresses, it can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of function in the wrist and hand, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
- [Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/joint-hypermobility-syndrome/): Living with joint hypermobility syndrome can be a daily struggle, as the condition often results in chronic pain, frequent joint dislocations, and debilitating fatigue. While some people can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes, others experience severe impairments that prevent them from maintaining steady employment. If joint hypermobility syndrome affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits. However, obtaining these benefits can be challenging due to the complexity of proving the condition’s impact on daily function.
- [Alabama Disability Lawyer for Long-Term Disability and Social Security Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/alabama/): Dealing with a long-term disability can turn your life upside down. When an injury or illness prevents you from working, you expect your long-term disability (LTD) insurance or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to provide the financial support you need. Unfortunately, many claims are denied even when you have strong medical evidence.
- [Vasovagal Syncope and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/vasovagal-syncope/): Living with vasovagal syncope can be unpredictable and challenging, especially when frequent fainting episodes interfere with daily activities and work responsibilities. While some people can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes, others experience severe and disabling episodes that make it impossible to maintain employment. If vasovagal syncope prevents you from working, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, proving disability for this condition can be difficult because insurance companies often dispute claims due to the intermittent nature of the symptoms.
- [Texas Disability Lawyer – Legal Help for LTD and Social Security Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/texas/): Living with a disability can be challenging, especially when faced with the complexities of securing the benefits you deserve. At the Ortiz Law Firm, we are committed to helping Texans get long-term disability (LTD) insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Our experienced legal team is here to advocate for your rights.
- [Disability Services for Financial Industry Professionals](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/financial-industry-professionals/): Financial industry professionals cover a wide range of roles, including financial advisors, client service managers, investment analysts, portfolio managers, traders, risk analysts, and executives at financial services firms. These roles often require a high level of expertise, focus, and the ability to manage stress in a fast-paced environment.
- [Myositis and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/myositis/): Living with myositis can be incredibly challenging, especially when it affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks. Many people with myositis struggle with progressive muscle weakness, fatigue, and other complications that make it difficult to maintain employment. If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been denied, you may feel frustrated and uncertain about your next steps. Understanding the nature of myositis, the medical evidence required for a successful disability claim, and how to fight a denial can help you navigate this complex process.
- [California Disability Lawyer – Legal Help for LTD and Social Security Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/california/): Living with a disability is hard enough without the added stress of battling insurance companies or the Social Security Administration. At the Ortiz Law Firm, we provide trusted legal guidance to help California residents secure the benefits they deserve through long-term disability (LTD) insurance or Social Security disability claims.
- [Florida Disability Lawyer – Comprehensive Support For LTD And Social Security Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/areas-we-serve/florida/): If you are facing a long-term disability claim denial or struggling to get Social Security disability benefits in Florida, the process can be frustrating and overwhelming.
- [Functional Neurological Disorder and Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/functional-neurological-disorder/): Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), sometimes referred to as Neurological Conversion Disorder, is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects the nervous system. Unlike structural neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy, FND does not present with clear structural abnormalities.
- [Cavernous Malformation And Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/cavernous-malformation/): Cavernous malformation (also called CM, cavernoma, or cavernous angioma) is a condition characterized by clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. These malformations can vary in size and location and can cause a range of symptoms that can significantly affect a person’s ability to work. The following is a comprehensive overview of cavernous malformations, the challenges associated with proving disability, and how an attorney can assist with long-term disability (LTD) claims.
- [Autoimmune Encephalitis and Long-Term Disability](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/autoimmune-encephalitis/): Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of diseases in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing inflammation. Its symptoms and diagnostic challenges often make it difficult for people to get the benefits they deserve. Here's what you need to know if you're pursuing a long-term disability (LTD) claim for autoimmune encephalitis.
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- [Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/central-sensitization-syndrome/): Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by increased sensitivity to pain and other stimuli. This increased sensitivity is not only painful, but often debilitating, making it difficult or impossible to maintain employment. Despite its serious impact, individuals with CSS often face challenges in securing long-term disability (LTD) benefits due to misconceptions about the condition, a lack of awareness, or the limitations in how insurance policies handle invisible illnesses.
- [Understanding Bertolotti’s Syndrome And Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/bertolottis-syndrome/): Bertolotti’s Syndrome is a spinal condition that results from a congenital malformation of the lumbosacral spine, typically resulting in an abnormal connection (or fusion) between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and the sacrum. This fusion can cause problems with the alignment and structure of the spine, resulting in chronic pain, limited mobility, and other debilitating symptoms that make it difficult to function and work.
- [Long-Term Disability for Femoroacetabular Impingement](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/femoroacetabular-hip-impingement/): However, an FAI diagnosis alone isn't enough to secure benefits. You must prove how your pain and limitations prevent you from performing your job duties. This guide outlines the steps for building a strong claim for long-term disability for femoroacetabular impingement, showing you how to document your struggle and build your case.
- [The Challenges Accountants Face When Filing For Long-Term Disability](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/accountants/): An accountant plays a critical role in the financial health of businesses and individuals. Accountants are responsible for maintaining and auditing financial records, ensuring their accuracy, and ensuring that taxes are paid properly and on time. This profession requires a great deal of detailed work and adherence to strict regulatory standards, making it especially challenging for accountants to continue working when faced with a disability.
- [Understanding Disability Claims for Restless Legs Syndrome](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/): Because RLS can severely disrupt sleep, it frequently leads to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased productivity. In more severe cases, the persistent discomfort and sleep loss can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult or even impossible to maintain regular work routines. For many people, this necessitates filing disability claims for restless legs syndrome.
- [Understanding Long-Term Disability Claims for Electrical Engineers](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/electrical-engineers/): Electrical engineers play a critical role in designing, developing, testing, and supervising the manufacture of electrical equipment. This includes electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. These professionals are essential in a wide range of industries, ranging from telecommunications to aerospace. However, if an electrical engineer becomes disabled, obtaining long-term disability (LTD) benefits can be a complex and challenging process.
- [Elise Money](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/about-us/our-team/elise-money/): Elise Money is new to the legal field and is thoroughly enjoying the experiences and challenges that come along with the role of Legal Assistant. She has a ride range of experience throughout the fields of administration, education, customer service, and even the performing arts. She finds joy in offering support to the Ortiz legal team and is honored to be a part of the firm.
- [The Challenges Mechanical Engineers Face When Filing for Long-Term Disability](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/mechanical-engineers/): Mechanical engineers play a critical role in the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems. They work in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. Because of the technical and often physically demanding nature of their work, mechanical engineers can face unique challenges if they become disabled and need to apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
- [Understanding Acoustic Neuroma Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/acoustic-neuroma/): Acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor impacting the vestibular nerve, poses significant challenges for those affected, particularly concerning their ability to work. This article explores the critical aspects of acoustic neuroma, from its symptoms and complications to practical tips to help you secure long-term disability benefits. By understanding the intricacies of this condition and the documentation needed for a successful claim, you can better navigate the path toward receiving the support you need.
- [Amber Yelvington](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/about-us/our-team/amber-yelvington/): Amber Yelvington earned her degree in Paralegal Studies in 2011 and has been involved in Social Security and Long-Term Disability law ever since. She's grateful to find an area of law she feels truly benefits the people who need help the most.
- [Tiffanie Turner](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/about-us/our-team/tiffanie-turner/): Tiffanie has over 11 years of experience working in the legal field. She began her career as a legal assistant in 2013, where she acquired the knowledge to be able to navigate the rules and regulations of Social Security. Her knowledge was hands on and as time went on, she became a Paralegal for a small law firm in Destin, FL.
- [The Challenges Chemical Engineers Face When Filing A Long-Term Disability Claim](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/chemical-engineers/): Chemical engineers play a critical role in many industries, applying the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, food, and many other products. Their responsibilities are extensive and require a high level of expertise and dedication.
- [Understanding Tinnitus and Long-Term Disability Claims](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/practice-areas/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer/medical-conditions/tinnitus/): Imagine a constant ringing or buzzing in your ears that never stops, disrupting your ability to concentrate, sleep, and even perform everyday tasks. This is the reality for many individuals living with tinnitus, a condition that can severely hinder one’s quality of life.
- [Understanding Long-Term Disability Denials for Mechanics](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/mechanics/): Being a mechanic is one of the toughest jobs out there. It's not just the physical labor, but also the low margin for error that makes it so demanding. So when mechanics can't keep up because of a disability, you'd think getting long-term disability benefits would be easy. Unfortunately, many are shocked to find their claims denied.
- [Navigating Long-Term Disability Denials for Credit Union Employees](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/occupations-that-qualify-for-ltd/credit-union-employees/): Ortiz Law Firm has successfully appealed long-term disability denials for credit union employees:

## Videos
- [How Do Attorneys Who Represent Social Security Disability Claimants Get Paid? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-do-attorneys-who-represent-social-security-disability-claimants-get-paid/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains how Social Security disability attorneys get paid.
- [When Is The Best Time To Hire A Social Security Disability Attorney? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/when-is-the-best-time-to-hire-a-social-security-disability-attorney/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains when is the best time to hire a Social Security disability attorney.
- [Do I Have To Hire An Attorney For My Social Security Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/do-i-have-to-hire-an-attorney-for-my-social-security-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses whether you have to hire an attorney for a Social Security disability claim.
- [Why We Handle Social Security Disability Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-we-handle-social-security-disability-claims/): If you're applying for Social Security Disability, the legal team at Ortiz Law Firm provides aggressive representation to Social Security Disability claimants nationwide. In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains why we handle Social Security disability claims.
- [Who Will Be At My Social Security Disability Hearing? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/who-will-be-at-social-security-disability-hearing/): Disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains who will be at your Social Security disability hearing.
- [What Happens At A Social Security Disability Hearing? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-happens-at-a-social-security-disability-or-ssi-disability-hearing/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz reveals what happens at a Social Security disability or SSI disability hearing before an administrative law judge.
- [What Are My Chances Of Winning At A Social Security Disability Hearing? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-are-my-chances-of-winning-at-a-social-security-disability-hearing/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses the chances of winning at a Social Security disability hearing.
- [Can I Get A Second Disability Hearing If I Get Denied At My First? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/can-i-get-a-second-disability-hearing-if-i-get-denied-at-my-first-hearing/): Many claimants wonder if they can get a second disability hearing if they are denied at their first hearing. In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz answers this question.
- [How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Typically Take? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-long-does-a-social-security-disability-or-ssi-appeal-typically-take/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz reveals how long a Social Security disability or SSI appeal typically takes.
- [Do I Have To Go Through Reconsideration? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/do-i-have-to-go-through-reconsideration/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses whether you have to go through the reconsideration phase of the Social Security disability appeal process.
- [How Do I Appeal My Social Security Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-do-i-appeal-my-claim-for-ssd-or-ssi-disability-benefits-if-it-is-denied/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses how to appeal a claim for Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
- [What Should I Do If My Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-should-i-do-if-a-social-security-disability-claim-is-denied/): In this video, disability lawyer Nick A. Ortiz discusses what you should do if your Social Security disability claim is denied.
- [The Veterans’ Administration Says I Am Disabled, So Why Is Social Security Denying My Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/the-veterans-administration-says-i-am-disabled-so-why-is-social-security-denying-my-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains why the Social Security Administration may deny your claim even if the Veterans' Administration says you are disabled.
- [My Social Security Disability Claim Was Denied. What Do I Do Now? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/my-social-security-disability-claim-was-denied-what-do-i-do-now/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains what you should do if your Social Security disability claim is denied.
- [My Doctor Says I Am Disabled, So Why Is Social Security Denying My Social Security Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/my-doctor-says-i-am-disabled-so-why-is-social-security-denying-my-social-security-disability-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz answers the question "My doctor says I am disabled, so why is the Social Security Administration denying my Social Security disability claim?
- [How Long Does An Application For Social Security Disability Take And What Are The Steps? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-long-does-an-application-for-social-security-disability-take-and-what-are-the-steps/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains how long an application for Social Security disability takes and what the steps are.
- [How Long Do I Have To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-long-do-i-have-to-apply-social-security-disability-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains how long you have to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.
- [How Do I Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-do-i-apply-for-social-security-disability-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains how to apply for Social Security disability benefits.
- [I Am Disabled By A Mental Illness. Can Mental Illness Serve As The Basis For A Social Security Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/i-am-disabled-by-mental-illness-can-mental-illness-serve-as-the-basis-for-a-social-security-disability-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses whether mental illness can serve as the basis for a Social Security disability claim.
- [Am I Entitled To Past Due Disability Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/am-i-entitled-to-past-due-benefits/): Are you entitled to past due benefits? Disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz reveals the answer to your question in this video.
- [What Is The Earliest Age That I Can Receive Social Security Disability Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-the-earliest-age-that-i-can-receive-social-security-disability-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz reveals the earliest age that you can receive Social Security Disability benefits.
- [What Is Supplemental Security Income? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-ssi-what-is-supplemental-security-income/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains what Supplemental Security Income is.
- [What Is Social Security Disability Insurance? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-ssdi-what-is-social-security-disability-insurance/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains what Social Security Disability Insurance is.
- [Who Decides If I Am Disabled In A Social Security Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/who-decides-if-i-am-disabled-in-a-social-security-disability-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains who decides if you are disabled in a Social Security disability claim.
- [What Kind Of Evidence Is Used To Evaluate And Decide My Social Security Disability Benefit Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-kind-of-evidence-is-used-to-evaluate-and-decide-my-social-security-disability-benefit-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains the kind of evidence used to evaluate and decide your Social Security disability claim.
- [The Differences Between Social Security Disability (SSDI) And Supplemental Security Income (SSI) [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/differences-between-social-security-disability-ssi/): Disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains the differences between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- [What Is The Definition Of Disability Used By The Social Security Administration? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-the-definition-of-disability-used-by-social-security/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses the definition of disability used by the Social Security Administration.
- [What Happens To My Social Security Disability Benefits When I Reach Retirement Age? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-happens-to-my-social-security-disability-benefits-when-i-reach-retirement-age/): This video answers "What happens to my Social Security disability benefits when I reach retirement age?"
- [What Can I Do To Improve My Chances Of Winning My Social Security Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-can-i-do-to-improve-my-chances-of-winning-my-social-security-disability-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses what you can do to improve your chances of winning your Social Security disability claim.
- [How Far Back Will The SSA Pay Me If I File Now And Am Found To Be Disabled? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-far-back-will-the-ssa-pay-me-if-i-file-now-and-am-found-to-be-disabled/): If I file for Social Security disability now and am found to be disabled, how far back will the administration pay me? This video explains everything you need to know.
- [Does My Own Private Disability Insurance Offset Or Limit My Social Security Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/does-my-own-private-disability-insurance-offset-or-limit-my-social-security-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz answers the question "Does my own private disability insurance offset or limit the amount of Social Security benefits I receive?"
- [How Long Does It Take To Receive A Decision For Social Security Disability Claims? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-long-does-is-take-to-get-approval-or-denial-for-social-security-disability-claims/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains how long it takes to get approved or denied in a Social Security disability claim.
- [Do I Have To Be Permanently Disabled To Get Social Security Disability Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/do-i-have-to-be-permanently-disabled-to-get-social-security-disability-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains whether you have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security disability benefits.
- [How Do I Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-do-i-qualify-for-social-security-disability-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses how to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
- [Am I Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/am-i-eligible-for-social-security-disability-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.
- [Reasons Why Cigna Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/cigna-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz addresses some of the common reasons why Cigna denies/terminates long-term disability insurance claims and how one can respond to a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why Aetna Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/aetna-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because Aetna has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why Aetna denies/terminates claims, and some of the ways one can respond to a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why Prudential Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/prudential-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because the Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential) has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why Prudential denies/terminates claims and how one can appeal a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why Unum Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/unum-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because Unum has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why Unum denies/terminates claims and how one can respond to a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why Hartford Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/hartford-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because Hartford has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why The Hartford denies and terminates claims, and how one can respond to a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why MetLife Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/metlife-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because Metropolitan Life Insurance Company has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why MetLife denies/terminates claims and how one can respond to a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why Standard Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/standard-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because the Standard has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why the Standard denies/terminates claims and how one can respond to a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why Mutual Of Omaha Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/mutual-of-omaha-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because Mutual of Omaha has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why Mutual of Omaha denies/terminates claims, and some of the ways one can respond to a denial letter.
- [Reasons Why United Healthcare Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/united-healthcare-and-long-term-disability-appeal-of-a-denial-letter/): You are probably here because United Healthcare has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability insurance claim. This video addresses some of the common reasons why UnitedHealthcare denies/terminates claims, and some of the ways one can respond to UHC's denial letter.
- [Liberty Mutual And Long-Term Disability: Appeal A Denial Letter [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/liberty-mutual-and-long-term-disability-appeal-a-denial-letter/): Liberty Mutual is the brand name for Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston. You have legal rights if Liberty Mutual has wrongfully denied your LTD claim or terminated your benefits. In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses appeals and lawsuits with Liberty Mutual.
- [Reasons Why Guardian Life Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/reasons-why-guardian-life-denies-long-term-disability-claims-attorney/): You may be here because the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America wrongfully denied your long-term disability insurance claim or terminated your long-term disability benefits. In this video, Mr. Ortiz discusses the common reasons why Guardian denies long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Reasons Why Berkshire Life Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/berkshire-life-and-long-term-disability-claims-ltd-attorney/): Disability lawyer Nick A. Ortiz reveals the top reasons why Berkshire Life denies long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Top Reasons Why Lincoln Financial Group Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/top-reasons-why-lincoln-financial-group-denies-ltd-claims/): Long-term disability insurance attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses long-term disability insurance claims associated with Lincoln National / Lincoln Financial Group.
- [Top Reasons Why New York Life Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/top-reasons-why-new-york-life-insurance-denies-ltd-claims/): Long-term disability insurance attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses why New York Life denies long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Top Reasons Why Reliance Standard Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/top-reasons-why-reliance-standard-denies-ltd-claims/): The experienced attorneys at the Ortiz Law Firm handle long-term disability claims with Reliance Standard. Nick A. Ortiz explains the top reasons why Reliance Standard denies long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Top Reasons Why Sun Life Insurance Company Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/top-reasons-why-sun-life-insurance-company-denies-ltd-claims/): Disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz reveals the top reasons why long-term disability insurance claims with Sun Life Insurance company are denied.
- [Top Reasons Why Voya Denies Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/top-reasons-why-voya-denies-ltd-claims/): The experienced attorneys at the Ortiz Law Firm handle long-term disability claims with Voya. Nick A. Ortiz explains the top reasons why Voya Financial denies long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Why You Should Consider Hiring An Attorney For The LTD Appeal Process [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-you-should-consider-hiring-an-attorney-during-the-appeal-process/): You do not need to hire an attorney to represent you in a long term disability insurance appeal with the insurance company. However, there are many reasons why you should seriously consider hiring an attorney experienced in handling LTD claims. Nick Ortiz explains everything you need to know in this video.
- [Why You Should Hire An Experienced Long-Term Disability Attorney [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-should-you-hire-an-experienced-long-term-disability-attorney/): If your long-term disability insurance benefits have been denied, you should seriously consider hiring an attorney experienced in handling long-term disability claims. In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains that the appeal process in a long-term disability claim is very different than other claims involving insurance.
- [Reasons To Hire The Ortiz Law Firm In Your Long-Term Disability Claim [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/reasons-to-hire-the-ortiz-law-firm-in-your-long-term-disability-claim/): We know you have choices when you hire an attorney to represent you in a long-term disability insurance claim. Attorney Nick A. Ortiz is experienced in handling long-term disability claims. This video addresses the reasons why you should consider hiring The Ortiz Law Firm to represent you in a long-term disability insurance claim where your LTD benefits were wrongfully denied or terminated.
- [Why Would You Hire Us If You Are Not Local Or In Florida? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-would-you-hire-us-if-you-are-not-local-or-in-florida/): Most group long-term disability insurance claims are subject to the Employee Retirement and Income Securities Act of 1974 (ERISA). As this is a Federal Law, the Ortiz Law Firm can handle cases nationally - across the United States. Although most of our cases come from Florida, California, and Texas, we do represent clients across the country. Mr. Ortiz is an experienced LTD attorney.
- [When Is The Best Time To Hire A Long-Term Disability Attorney? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/when-is-the-best-time-to-hire-a-long-term-disability-attorney/): If your long-term disability insurance claim has been denied or if your benefits have been terminated, you are probably wondering (a) whether you should hire an attorney to represent you and (b) if so, when you should hire the attorney. This video gives a short answer to the question: "When is the best time to hire a long-term disability insurance attorney?"
- [How Do Attorney’s Fees Work In A Long-Term Disability Case? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-do-attorneys-fees-work-in-a-long-term-disability-case/): One of the most common questions our office receives is: "How do attorney's fees work in a long-term disability insurance case?" In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz answers this question.
- [What Types Of Disability Insurance Cases Are Handled By Our Firm? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-types-of-disability-insurance-cases-are-handled-by-our-firm/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses the types of disability insurance cases handled by our firm.
- [Why We Handle Long-Term Disability Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-we-handle-long-term-disability-claims/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains why we represent individuals who have been denied long-term disability insurance benefits by companies like New York Life, Lincoln, Reliance Standard, Prudential, the Hartford, the Standard, MetLife, Guardian, Unum, Sun Life, and more.
- [Can An Insured Sue For Future Benefits And Attorney’s Fees In Long-Term Disability Claims? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/can-an-insured-sue-for-future-policy-benefits-and-attorney-s-fees-insured-when-suing-an-insurer/): Disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses long-term disability insurance claims and whether an insured can sue for future benefits and attorney's fees when suing an insurer for long-term disability benefits.
- [What Are My Chances Of Winning A Lawsuit In A Long-Term Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-are-my-chances-of-winning-a-lawsuit-in-an-ltd-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses long-term disability insurance claims and the chances of winning a lawsuit in court.
- [Why Are Long-Term Disability Claims Often Cut Off After Two Years Of Benefits [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-are-long-term-disability-claims-often-cutoff-after-two-years-of-benefits/): This video addresses the common reasons why long-term disability insurance companies terminate benefits after two years, or 24 months. If your LTD claim has been wrongfully denied, you have the legal right to appeal.
- [What To Do After A Final Long-Term Disability Denial [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-to-do-after-a-final-ltd-denial-letter-long-term-disability-insurance-lawsuits/): What To Do After A Final Long-Term Disability Denial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th3gdEnhoyw
- [What To Do If Your Long-Term Disability Claim Has Been Denied [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-to-do-if-your-long-term-disability-claim-has-been-denied/): This video discusses what you should consider if your long-term disability insurance claim has been wrongfully denied or terminated.
- [3 Steps To Take If Your Long-Term Disability Benefits Have Been Cut Off [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/3-steps-to-take-if-your-long-term-disability-benefits-have-been-cut-off/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz goes over the three steps you should take if a long-term disability insurance company has cut off or terminated your benefits.
- [Top 10 Reasons Why Long-Term Disability Insurance Companies Deny Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/top-10-reasons-long-term-disability-insurance-companies-deny-claims/): This video gives a detailed explanation of the top ten reasons we have found that long-term disability insurance companies deny claims. You may recognize some of these as reasons cited in the denial letter in your own LTD claim.
- [Does A Long-Term Disability Insurance Company Have The Right To Deny Your Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/does-a-long-term-disability-insurance-company-have-the-right-to-deny-your-claim/): The short answer is yes, the insurance company does have the right to deny your claim if they determine that you do not meet the definition of disability. In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains that under most long-term disability insurance plans the insurance company has the discretion to interpret plan provisions. What that means is they have the right to review your case determine whether you have satisfied the definition of disability.
- [What Is Long-Term Disability Insurance? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-long-term-disability-insurance/): In this video, disability lawyer Nick A. Ortiz explains what long-term disability insurance is.
- [What Is A Day In The Life Of Video? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-a-day-in-the-life-of-video/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains what a "day in the life of" video is and why you should consider submitting a "day in the life of" video with an administrative appeal.
- [What Is An ERISA Long-Term Disability Insurance Plan? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-an-erisa-disability-plan/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains what an ERISA long-term disability plan is and what it covers.
- [What Is A Vocational Consultant For A Long-Term Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-is-a-vocational-consultant-for-a-ltd-claim/): Long-term disability insurance companies often use Vocational Consultants or job experts in LTD claims. Some claimants hire their own vocational consultants as well. This video explains what a vocational consultant is and how they are used in long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims For A Neck Pain Problem [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/long-term-disability-benefits-for-a-neck-pain-problem/): You can get long-term disability benefits for neck pain. This video explains the types of evidence that will help one qualify for long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits for a neck pain problem (a problem with the cervical spine).
- [Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits For Migraine Headache Disorder [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/long-term-disability-benefits-for-a-migraine-headache-disorder/): You can get long-term disability benefits for migraines. This video covers the types of evidence that will support a long-term disability (LTD) insurance disability claim due to a migraine headache disorder.
- [Back Pain And Long-Term Disability [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/back-pain-and-long-term-disability-ltd-attorney-for-lumbar-spine-disorder/): If you have a back pain disorder, you may be eligible for Long Term Disability Insurance benefits. If the LTD insurance company has denied your lumbar spine disorder claim or terminated benefits, then you have legal rights. In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains everything you need to know about back pain and long-term disability.
- [Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims For Depression [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/depression-and-ltd-claims/): Disability lawyer Nick A. Ortiz discusses depression and long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Cardiac Impairments Or Heart Problems In Long-Term Disability Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/cardiac-impairments-or-heart-problems-in-ltd-claims/): Disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses cardiac impairments and heart problems in long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Fibromyalgia And Long-Term Disability Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/fibromyalgia-and-ltd-claims/): Disability lawyer Nick A. Ortiz discusses long-term disability insurance claims associated with fibromyalgia.
- [Cigna Long-Term Disability Insurance Buyout Settlement Offers [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/cigna-buyout-settlement-offers/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses what to do if you receive a Cigna long-term disability insurance buyout settlement offer and your options moving forward.
- [Settlement Offers vs. Buyout Offers In Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/ltd-claims-settlement-offers-vs-buyout-offers/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains the difference between settlement offers and buyout offers in long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Functional Capacity Evaluations And Independent Medical Exams In Long-Term Disability Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/functional-capacity-evaluations-and-independent-medical-examinations-in-ltd-claims/): This video addresses the use of Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in long-term disability insurance claims.
- [Evidence That A Long-Term Disability Insurance Company Will Use Against You [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/evidence-that-a-long-term-disability-insurance-company-will-use-against-you/): A long-term disability insurance company uses various pieces of evidence against LTD claimants in the interest of issuing a denial letter.
- [Attending Physician Statements: Custom Forms vs. Generic Forms [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/attending-physician-statements-custom-forms-vs-generic-forms/): Key evidence to any long-term disability insurance claim includes an Attending Physician Statement (APS). These are also called Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms, Physical Capacity Evaluation (PCE) forms, and Medical Source Statements. This video explains why a form that has been customized for your particular medical condition is significantly better than the APS provided by your insurance company.
- [Why It’s Important To Tell Your Story To The Long-Term Disability Insurance Company [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-its-important-to-tell-your-story-to-the-long-term-disability-insurance-company/): This video explains why it's important to tell your story to the long-term disability insurance company during the appeal process. Here's a tip: it is important for the appeal and it is important in case your claim goes to court in the future.
- [Why It’s Important To Get A Copy Of Your Long-Term Disability Insurance Policy [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-its-important-to-get-a-copy-of-your-long-term-disability-insurance-policy-plan/): This video goes into detail as to why it important to obtain a complete copy of your long-term disability insurance policy or plan if your LTD claim has been denied or terminated.
- [Pre-Existing Conditions In Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/pre-existing-conditions-in-long-term-disability-insurance-claims/): Long-term disability insurance companies often deny claims under a "Pre-Existing Condition" exclusion in the LTD policy. If your claim has been denied under the pre-existing condition clause of your policy, you may still have legal rights.
- [Group vs. Individual Disability Insurance [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/group-plan-vs-individual-disability-insurance-policy/): This video explains some of the differences between long-term disability policies issued as part of a group plan by an employer and individual disability insurance policies.
- [What Kind Of Evidence Is Used To Evaluate My Long-Term Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-kind-of-evidence-is-used-to-evaluate-and-decide-my-long-term-disability-benefit-claim/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains that there are several key pieces of evidence in a long-term disability claim that will be reviewed by the insurance adjuster handling your case.
- [Can Social Media Impact A Claim For Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/can-social-media-impact-a-claim-for-long-term-disability-insurance-benefits/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses whether social media can have an impact on a claim for long-term disability insurance benefit.
- [What Will A Claims Administrator Do To Investigate A Long-Term Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/what-will-a-claims-administrator-insurer-do-to-investigate-a-claim-for-long-term-disability-insurance/): What will a claims administrator/insurer do to investigate a claim for long-term disability insurance benefits? Disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains everything you need to know in this video.
- [Long-Term Disability Claims And Government Employees [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/ltd-benefits-and-government-employees/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz discusses long-term disability insurance claims for government employees.
- [Video Surveillance In Long-Term Disability Claims [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/surveillance-ltd-claims/): If you think your long-term disability insurance company is NOT conducting some sort of video surveillance on you, that's a big mistake. Disability attorney Nick Ortiz explains everything you need to know in this video.
- [Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims From The Insurance Company’s Point Of View [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/from-the-insurance-companys-point-of-view/): In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains the long-term disability insurance company's point of view.
- [Why Is It So Hard To Win A Long-Term Disability Claim? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-is-it-so-hard-to-win-a-ltd-claim/): In this video, Nick A. Ortiz explains why it is so difficult to win a long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim.
- [Communicating With The Long-Term Disability Insurance Company [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/communicating-with-the-long-term-disability-insurance-company/): Disability lawyer Nick A. Ortiz reveals the best way to communicate with the insurance company in a long-term disability claim.
- [Advanced Strategies In Long-Term Disability Insurance Appeals [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/advanced-strategies-in-long-term-disability-appeals/): This video covers advanced strategies in long-term disability (LTD) insurance appeals. These strategies apply whether the LTD application was denied or the benefits were initially paid and then terminated.
- [How Long Does A Long-Term Disability Appeal Take? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-long-does-a-long-term-disability-appeal-take/): Most (but not all) long-term disability appeals allow up to 180 days to file an appeal. This video really addresses two questions: (1) How long does a long-term disability appeal take? And (2) Why does it take so long to file an LTD appeal?
- [How Does An Attorney Help In The Long-Term Disability Administrative Appeal Process? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/how-does-an-attorney-help-in-the-long-term-disability-administrative-appeal-process/): You may be wondering how an attorney can assist at this stage of the process. In this video, disability attorney Nick A. Ortiz explains how an attorney can help during the administrative appeal of an LTD claim
- [Why Are You Given 180 Days To File A Long-Term Disability Appeal? [Video]](https://www.nickortizlaw.com/video/why-are-you-given-180-days-to-file-a-long-term-disability-appeal/): If your long term disability insurance claim has been denied or if your benefits are terminated, your denial letter may indicate that you have 180 days to file an appeal. This video explains why the LTD insurance company gives you such a long time to file an appeal (and why it often takes much of this time to prepare the appeal).

## Categories
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