Unum’s At It Again – Time To Start Listening To Those Who Know
I’ve received six emails/calls from claimants with Unum Group policies in the last week complaining of denials and having difficulties dealing with Unum. I should…
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You And Your Claim
While so many people are trying to manage their own disability claims, I’m finding that what insureds DON’T KNOW is really starting to hurt them.…
Living With A Disability Claim – Personality Types And What They Do Wrong
I’ve been managing disability claims for over 25 years now and I can honestly say that “the official process of managing claims” has gone through…
Attorneys Are Not Always The Answer, And Neither Are Friends ,Or The Internet Or AI
Most people believe that because attorneys are licensed to practice law, they are also experts in the disability claims process. While some, due to experience,…
What You Tell Your Therapist Can Be Used Against You
It is extremely important for those receiving benefits under the mental & nervous provisions of their policy to be aware of an unfortunate circumstance that…
Employers Who Stack The Deck Against You
Although the disability claims process is intended to be administered in a fair and objective way, it rarely is. This is true particularly when it…
“My Chart” And Other Public Records
In today’s world there are many public forums keeping track of your medical history including patient notes. In order to make it easier for insurance…
Disability Insurance And Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease which can be slightly impairing, moderately impairing, or totally impairing. It is diagnosed with either a brain MRI that identifies…
Living With A Disability Claim – In The Beginning
Here you are. Can’t work anymore, and had to leave your cherished job. You’re worried, disappointed and already missing your co-workers. Upon leaving your job…
Conflict Of Interest – Employer And Insurer
Most people either aren’t aware, or don’t realize that for ERISA claimants there is an obvious conflict of interest. You may have read many times…
Beware: Mental Health Claims
By far, the majority of claims currently brought to my desk involve mental health. I’m not going to speculate why that is, it’s just…
Workplace Elder Discrimination “My Brain Is Not A Squishy Donut!”
I think it’s fair to say that most disabled insureds are over 50, and some are looking to return to the workplace. Returning to work…
Self-Insured Employers Aren’t On Your Side
So many times I hear claimants telling me “how good their employers are” and how helpful they are when applying for disability. I quickly remind…
Any Occupation Investigations And How They Affect Your Claim
As you are probably aware, LTD policies contain a change in definition of disability that requires claimants to be disabled from working in ANY…
Medical Proof Of Claim And When It Doesn’t Help
Medical “proof of claim” is perhaps the most important information required for disability benefits. In fact, for twenty years I’ve always told people, “no…
What DCS Can Do For You In 2026!
Having an expert to assist you with your claim in 2026 can make the difference between a denied claim or a paid one. While disability…
Managing PTSD As A Disability Claim
Before the 1980’s PTSD was psychiatrically managed with different names such as depression, fear, sleeplessness, etc. However, after the Vietnam War it became obvious that…
What Does Your Plan Or Policy Say? First Point of Reference
Many claimants and insureds are now report receiving letters or notifications by mail that are dated two weeks earlier. In addition, claims handlers are requesting…
ERISA Initial Claim Review Process
Most insureds are unaware that there is a hierarchy of review that takes place on claims before any other review is done. Claims NOT passing…
Carrot & Stick Awards for 2025
Based on my experience in managing disability claims in 2025, the top three unfair insurance companies were: New York Life The Hartford Prudential It seemed…
