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Ortiz Law Firm | National Disability Law Firm

Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.

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Home | Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

How to Correct Errors in Your Medical Records (and Why It Matters for Disability Claims)

March 18, 2026 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow to Correct Errors in Your Medical Records (and Why It Matters for Disability Claims)
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability, Medical Eligibility for Social Security Disability

How to Avoid Being Misclassified Under a Mental Health Limitation in Your LTD Claim

March 6, 2026 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow to Avoid Being Misclassified Under a Mental Health Limitation in Your LTD Claim
Category: Long-Term Disability, Additional Parts of a Claim That Do Not Happen In Every Case, Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

The Growing Trend of 2-Year Limitations in Long-Term Disability Insurance Policies

October 15, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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. What began as …

Read moreThe Growing Trend of 2-Year Limitations in Long-Term Disability Insurance Policies
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

The Importance of Ongoing Medical Treatment in Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims

October 10, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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. Consistent medical care plays a major role in building a successful appeal. In fact, it’s often one of the most important factors …

Read moreThe Importance of Ongoing Medical Treatment in Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

The Burden of Proof In Long Term Disability Claims

October 1, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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. Here’s what you need to know. It’s not the insurance company that …

Read moreThe Burden of Proof In Long Term Disability Claims
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Why Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Needs to Understand Your Disabling Conditions

September 22, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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. Here are a few key reasons why …

Read moreWhy Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Needs to Understand Your Disabling Conditions
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

How Medical Evidence Supports Your Long-Term Disability Claim

September 12, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow Medical Evidence Supports Your Long-Term Disability Claim
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Challenging a Reliance Standard Long-Term Disability Denial: Understanding Independent Physician Reviews

August 20, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreChallenging a Reliance Standard Long-Term Disability Denial: Understanding Independent Physician Reviews
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

How Insurers Misinterpret Medical Evidence to Deny Long-Term Disability Claims

June 27, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

For many professionals, a disabling chronic illness brings more than just physical symptoms. It upends your career, your routines, and your sense of identity. You’ve spent years building your professional life, only to be sidelined by a medical condition that makes full-time work impossible. When you file a claim for long-term disability (LTD) …

Read moreHow Insurers Misinterpret Medical Evidence to Deny Long-Term Disability Claims
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Understanding Sun Life’s Independent Physician Reviews

June 11, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been denied by Sun Life, one of the most critical parts of the appeals process may involve an “independent” physician review. While this may sound like an objective second opinion, the process is often anything but neutral. In reality, these reviews can be a significant hurdle in securing …

Read moreUnderstanding Sun Life’s Independent Physician Reviews
Category: Additional Parts of a Claim That Do Not Happen In Every Case, Long-Term Disability, Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability
Tags: Sun Life

Peer Review Reports In Long-Term Disability Claims and Appeals

May 22, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been denied, there’s a good chance that a “peer review report” played a role in that decision. Understanding what these reports are and how they’re used can help you make sense of the denial letter you received and decide what to do next. What Is a Peer Review …

Read morePeer Review Reports In Long-Term Disability Claims and Appeals
Category: Additional Parts of a Claim That Do Not Happen In Every Case, Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

How to Respond to a Lincoln Financial Independent Physician Review

April 4, 2025 // by Nick Ortiz

When appealing a long-term disability (LTD) claim denial with Lincoln Financial Group, claimants often encounter an independent physician review. Lincoln, like many other insurance companies, uses independent physician reviews to re-evaluate a claimant’s medical condition and determine if it is consistent with the reported functional limitations. …

Read moreHow to Respond to a Lincoln Financial Independent Physician Review
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability, Additional Parts of a Claim That Do Not Happen In Every Case, Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals
Tags: Lincoln

Mistakes You May Be Making With Your Doctor That Could Hurt Your Disability Claim

December 23, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Navigating a Social Security disability or long-term disability insurance claim can be a complex and lengthy process, and one of the most critical aspects of your case is the medical evidence that supports your claim. The relationship you have with your doctor and how you communicate about your condition can make or break your chances …

Read moreMistakes You May Be Making With Your Doctor That Could Hurt Your Disability Claim
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability, Medical Eligibility for Social Security Disability

The Crucial Role Your Doctor Plays In Getting Your Disability Claim Approved

February 7, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

When applying for disability benefits, the support of your doctor is crucial. Their medical expertise and documentation are fundamental in proving the extent of your disability to the authorities. Without their cooperation and detailed input, getting your disability claim approved can become significantly more challenging. Understanding your …

Read moreThe Crucial Role Your Doctor Plays In Getting Your Disability Claim Approved
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Benefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Neuromuscular Disorders

January 26, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Long-term disability claims for neuromuscular disorders can be complex and overwhelming. Navigating the process requires a clear understanding of the intricacies involved. From the initial application to potential appeals, each step demands attention to detail. This blog post will provide valuable insights to help you understand and navigate …

Read moreBenefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Neuromuscular Disorders
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Benefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Soft Tissue Disorders

January 22, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Long-term disability claims often involve soft tissue disorders, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this blog post, we discuss long-term disability (LTD) claims for soft tissue disorders and the specific challenges and policy limitations associated with these claims. With this knowledge, claimants can navigate …

Read moreBenefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Soft Tissue Disorders
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

How to Respond to a Peer Review Report in Your Long-Term Disability Appeal

November 8, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

It is not uncommon for a disability insurance company to order a peer review during the long-term disability (LTD) appeal process. If your insurer has requested a peer review report, you may have received a letter that states something like: “We are writing to update you of the status of your appeal request for the …

Read moreHow to Respond to a Peer Review Report in Your Long-Term Disability Appeal
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability, Additional Parts of a Claim That Do Not Happen In Every Case, Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Benefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Chronic Fatigue Conditions

October 25, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

Chronic fatigue conditions are increasingly recognized for impacting a person’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. In many cases, sufferers of these conditions may need to resort to long-term disability (LTD) insurance. Unfortunately, the path to accessing these benefits is not always straightforward, with claimants often facing …

Read moreBenefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Chronic Fatigue Conditions
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Benefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Chemical And Environmental Sensitivities

August 3, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

Chemical and environmental sensitivities (CES) can lead to a wide array of disabling symptoms. In severe cases, these sensitivities can profoundly impact a person’s ability to work and complete regular life activities. When symptoms impact a person’s ability to perform their occupation, pursuing disability benefits is essential, …

Read moreBenefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Chemical And Environmental Sensitivities
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Benefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Musculoskeletal Disorders

July 31, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

Disability insurance can be a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot work due to severe health conditions. One of the common health issues that lead to long-term disability claims is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The impairments caused by these conditions are real and can significantly impact the ability to work. However, individuals …

Read moreBenefit Limitations In Long-Term Disability Claims For Musculoskeletal Disorders
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

What Is An Attending Physician Statement?

June 26, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

One of the most commonly requested documents by disability insurance carriers is an Attending Physician Statement (APS). Attending Physician Statement forms are provided by your insurance company to be completed by your doctor(s). The medical information your doctor provides on the Attending Physician Statement could make or break your claim. If …

Read moreWhat Is An Attending Physician Statement?
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Total vs. Residual Disability Insurance Claims

June 16, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

When it comes to long-term disability (LTD) insurance, it’s important to understand the difference between total and residual disability. These two concepts can significantly impact your insurance benefits and coverage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each term means and how they affect your insurance policy. What Is …

Read moreTotal vs. Residual Disability Insurance Claims
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Which Doctor Should You See To Claim Long-Term Disability Benefits?

May 1, 2023 // by Nick Ortiz

If you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, obtaining these benefits is often a complex and challenging process. One of the key factors that can affect your chances of getting approved for long-term disability benefits is the medical evidence that you submit with …

Read moreWhich Doctor Should You See To Claim Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability

Can A Doctor Refuse To Fill Out Disability Forms?

October 12, 2021 // by Nick Ortiz

When applying for disability insurance benefits, one crucial requirement is having medical evidence to support your claim. Your doctor may need to complete specific paperwork to support your claim, such as an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) or Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. These forms detail your diagnoses, treatment, and any …

Read moreCan A Doctor Refuse To Fill Out Disability Forms?
Category: Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability, Medical Eligibility for Social Security Disability
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Recent Posts

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  • How to Correct Errors in Your Medical Records (and Why It Matters for Disability Claims)
  • Medicaid vs. Medicare: Understanding the Differences

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