Long-Term Disability
What is the Difference Between the De Novo and Abuse of Discretion Standards of Review?
When you have exhausted your internal or administrative appeals for the denial of ERISA-governed long-term disability benefits through your insurance company, your next step for...
Different Definitions of Disability in Long-Term Disability Insurance Policies
The term “disability,” as used in a long-term disability insurance policy, refers to the criteria that the insurance company uses to determine whether you are...
The Importance of Long-Term Disability Coverage
Long-term disability coverage pays a portion of your income if you are unable to work for an extended period due to illness or injury. Typically,...
Changes in the Taxability of Attorney’s Fees
Recent changes in the tax code have increased the taxability of some lawsuit settlements. As a result, recipients could end up paying taxes on the...
What Must an Insurance Company’s LTD Denial Letter Contain?
While ERISA always has required denial notices for long-term disability benefits claims to contain certain elements, the Department of Labor (DOL) recently revised some of...
Documenting Mental Health Disabilities
While you can apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits on the basis of either physical or mental conditions that impair your ability to work, you...
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long-Term Disability Claims
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes individuals to suffer from severe fatigue of an unknown origin. No amount of rest or relaxation can relieve the constant...
What is the “Deemed Exhausted” Rule?
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently modified some of the rules that govern long-term disability claims. One of the updated procedures establishes the “deemed...
How Should I Handle an Independent Medical Exam?
When you apply for long-term disability benefits, most insurance policies provide that the insurance company can require you to undergo an independent medical exam (IME)....
What is a Return to Work Incentive?
A return to work incentive or work incentive benefit is a common provision in many long-term disability plans. If you are in the process of...
What Are the Tax Ramifications of Receiving Long-Term Disability Benefits?
When you are pursuing a claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you may not stop and consider the tax consequences of receiving those benefits. As...
How Do I Calculate What My Long-Term Disability Benefits Might Be?
Most long-term disability (LTD) benefits do not fully replace the wages that you were receiving at the time that your illness or injury made you...