Since the coronavirus pandemic began, we have seen an increase in COVID-19 long haulers who are now debilitated by COVID-induced POTS or Nervous system disorders. We have been appealing Long Term Disability Insurance denials for clients suffering from POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and other Nervous System Disorders for many years. And we have found …
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. Although very rare (Stiff Person Syndrome affects only 1 in a million people), McDonald & McDonald has represented several Long Term Disability Insurance clients who have suffered from SPS. The cause of stiff person syndrome is unknown, …
In My Chronic Illness, I Found A Deeper Meaning This is an interesting article about one man who was used to living his life as an outsider. But then he was diagnosed with central nervous system lupus, and found that nothing had prepared him for “…the outsider status of being chronically ill“. He learns along …
Chronic Conditions are the Root of Most Long Term Disability Cases Most Long Term Disability Insurance cases are the result of chronic conditions, rather than accidents or injuries. In our experience representing clients in Long Term Disability Insurance cases, very few disabilities are caused by injuries resulting from an accident. Most of our clients have …
Most Long Term Disabilities Are Caused By Chronic Conditions Read More »
We wanted to share this thoughtful article on ways to prevent disabled neighbors or family members from becoming isolated in our communities: Community inclusion is something that most of us take for granted. Most of us have the freedom and opportunity to form many different types of meaningful relationships with other people in our communities. …
Recently the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed some amendments to Section 503 of ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), to improve the current rules governing Long Term Disability claims and appeals. Joe sent his comments and recommendations to the DOL with the hope of improving the disability claims process for all of our clients. Here are …
Proposed Changes to Rules Governing ERISA Long Term Disability Claims Read More »
Over the past few years we have represented many clients who have had Long Term Disability Insurance Denials of their POTS Syndrome claims. POTS or “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome” is an unusual condition that causes the Autonomic Nervous System to malfunction. POTS symptoms can include tachycardia, heart palpitations, chest pain, fainting, nausea, rapid gastric emptying, …
Long-Term Disability Denials of POTS Syndrome Claims Read More »
LONG TERM DISABILITY & THE UNDIAGNOSED CONDITION One of the most difficult cases in our long-term disability practice is the individual who does not have a diagnosis. It is very common in medicine for claimants to go longer than a year without receiving a proper diagnosis. This is not the fault of physicians, but …
Long Term Disability & the Undiagnosed Condition Read More »
Recently, a client asked me about my job. Those people who know me know I am bluntly honest. I told the client my job had two shifts: 1) the shift during the day, where I am in hearings, or meeting with clients, or on the phone handling problems. 2) the night and weekend shifts, where …
The Best Part of Being a Disability Insurance Attorney Read More »
Under ERISA, one of the rights you have as a part of your disability benefits claim is the right to a “full and fair review” by the insurance company. In providing a “full and fair review” the insurance company cannot cut corners or rely on generalizations to evaluate your claim. Instead, the insurance company has …
