A computer programmer is someone who writes code to create software programs. Computer programmers turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. Programmers are also usually responsible for debugging the programs, which means they test the programs to ensure that they produce the expected results.
In this article, we will explore the following:
- Why It’s So Difficult To File For Disability As A Computer Programmer; and
- How to Create A Winning Claim.
Why Is It Challenging to File For LTD Benefits as a Computer Programmer
Programmers have a lot of duties and responsibilities. Here is a shortlist of just some of the duties and responsibilities of a computer programmer:
- Code and test programming for software and mobile apps;
- Develop and deploy computer applications;
- Execute code builds to test and production environments;
- Fix bugs in existing code;
- Collaborate with product, design, and marketing teams;
- Maintain documentation per company standards;
- Provide testing, documentation, training, and support for third-party software products; and
- Resolve user-submitted problems and questions.
Depending on the company, sample computer programmer skills, requirements and qualifications may include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in computer science;
- Work experience as a Computer Programmer or in a related field;
- Understanding of object-oriented software engineering;
- Track record of successful application development;
- Ability to write clean, well-documented code;
- Excellent complex problem solving and critical thinking skills;
- Working knowledge of SQL and Microsoft SQL Server;
- Solid troubleshooting and communication skills;
- Experience using Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Visio); and
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking abilities.
In short, here is a list of the top 10 skills a computer programmer may require in his or her job:
- Complex problem solving;
- Critical thinking;
- Coordinating with others;
- Judgment and decision-making;
- Cognitive flexibility;
- Understanding objectives;
- Good verbal communication skills;
- Problem-solving;
- Be a good listener; and
- Excellent time management.
Alternative titles for computer programmers include:
- Software Developer;
- Developer;
- Software Engineer;
- Senior Software Engineer;
- Programmer;
- IT Programmer;
- Coder;
- Architect; and
- Software Architect.
Computer programmers are well-compensated for the high level of skill it requires to do their job.
If a computer programmer becomes disabled and files a long term disability claim, he or she will have a hard time getting approved.
Why? Because the insurance company is looking at the case from a financial standpoint. The insurance company is looking at how much money it will cost the company to provide a computer programmer with benefits throughout the illness or disability. The longer it could potentially take the programmer to return to work, the more scrutiny the programmer will face in the claims process.
Tips for a Successful Claim
Tip #1 Gather Strong Medical Evidence
Medical paperwork is the foundation of any long term disability claim. Collect all the medical evidence from your doctors that are treating your disability. Be sure that your doctors are noting your pain levels and cognitive difficulties on your chart. This is not always common practice, but you will need detailed documentation for your claim.
For example, let’s assume a claimant has a significant back injury (such as herniated discs) and the claimant cannot sit, stand, or even walk for very long. The most comfortable position is for the claimant to lie down for 50% of the day to alleviate pain. There are not many jobs that will accommodate the need to lie down for half of the day. So the claimant will want to make sure there is good “objective medical evidence” to support the subjective complaints of pain. Objective evidence may include MRIs, X-Rays, etc.
Tip #2 Anticipate Surveillance
A large monetary claim – like one for a computer programmer – will likely call for video surveillance. Surveillance is completely legal. During the surveillance period, a private investigator will stake out the claimant’s house, talk to nearby neighbors about the claimant’s daily activities, and then try to use that information against the claimant in the administrative decision (or in court). This is why it is crucial to not rush back into exercise routines or anything else that is very strenuous on the body during the claim period.
Tip #3 Stay Off Of Social Media
In our article here, we discuss the likelihood that social media accounts will be monitored. As a busy programmer, you probably do not have much spare time for social media. However, when you are at home with nothing to do but rest, you may be tempted to start an account on a social media platform such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat. We suggest staying off social media entirely during the claim period. The insurance investigator will try to use posts to social media accounts to deny your claim.
Tip #4 Do Not Try to Go Back to Work Too Fast
The amount of time spent recovering from a disability can be very dull and feel unproductive to a computer programmer. The change from a very active schedule to weeks (and perhaps months or even years) of rest can feel like a prison sentence. Programmers must resist the urge to go back to work too early. When a computer programmer pushes himself or herself back into work before his or her body is ready physically and mentally, the programmer is in danger of making a mistake that could cause more harm.
Tip #5 Do Not Forget Cognitive Problems
An individual suffers from “cognitive impairment” when his or her ability to think and process information is reduced (for any reason). Examples include when the individual has difficulty with basic cognitive functions, such as memory processing, perception, problem-solving, and language. The symptoms of cognitive impairment may vary wildly from person to person; however, common symptoms include short-term memory loss and/or long-term memory loss; difficulty with planning, organizing and problem-solving; confusion; an inability to handle stress appropriately; problems with managing time; and difficulty managing, influencing, and communicating with others. Cognitive impairment can even result in physical manifestations, such as by causing poor motor coordination.
Cognitive impairment can arise from a number of severe and disabling medical conditions such as delirium, dementia, amnesia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or Huntington’s disease. Cognitive impairments can also manifest as the result of other medical problems/diagnoses, including a stroke, heart disease, a brain injury, major depression, an anxiety disorder, insomnia, high blood pressure, chronic migraine headaches, lupus, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and fibromyalgia. This list of causes is not exhaustive. There may be other diagnoses that cause cognitive problems.
While the language of every short term and long term disability policy is different, you are typically entitled to disability insurance benefits if you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your own occupation or any gainful occupation for which you are qualified by education, training, and experience.
It seems obvious that when a computer programmer suffers from cognitive impairment, whatever the cause, he or she would have difficulty performing the material and substantial duties of a computer programmer. However, insurance companies do not always pay benefits, even when their liability seems obvious. Too often, the Ortiz Law Firm has seen insurance companies/ERISA administrators assert that an insured has the “functional capacity” to return to work even if they are suffering from conditions such as cognitive impairment.
Note: An insurance company may require the claimant to sit for an “independent” neuropsychological examination. Keep in mind that this exam is conducted by a medical professional the insurance company hand-picked and the insurance company is footing the bill. As you can well imagine, the paid neurophysiologist often prepares a biased report concluding that the claimant has the residual ability to return to work, regardless of the limiting cognitive impairments from which they suffer. The Ortiz Law Firm has significant experience assisting claimants in this situation and has been successful in convincing insurance companies to reverse their denial decisions, even when that decision was initially supported by the results of an unfavorable neuropsychological examination.
In Conclusion
Programmers will find it challenging to get a long term disability claim approved. The insurance company will search for virtually any reason to deny the claim. By providing strong medical evidence, keeping a low profile, and not rushing back to work too soon, a computer programmer can create a solid case for disability.
Using an experienced disability attorney will help you protect yourself against insurance investigators. The Ortiz Law Firm is based in Florida but represents claimants across the country. Receive a free consultation by calling (888) 321-8131 with no obligation. We can help you evaluate your claim to determine if you will be able to access long term disability benefits and how to move forward with the process.