Helpful Resources

Collecting Cognitive Limitations Disability Benefits Is A Reality

The majority of individuals that seek long term disability benefits have some sort of cognitive limitation or cognitive difficulty that prevents the person from being able to work with reasonable continuity. Cognitive limitations are things like memory loss, difficult focusing, multi-tasking, impaired organizational skills and mental fatigue. These limitations can be caused by a brain injury, stroke, psychiatric condition, medication side effects or a secondary condition associated with another major medical condition that the claimant may be suffering from.

We have helped thousands of long term disability insurance claimants suffering with cognitive difficulties to obtain disability benefits. If you are experiencing any cognitive difficulties it is extremely important to treat with a psychologist, psychiatrist or neuropsychologist. Most disability insurance companies will require a claimant to undergo a neuropsychological test in order to evaluate a claimant’s cognitive difficulties. Please contact any of our disability insurance attorneys for a free consultation nationwide.

What is Neuropsychological testing?

Neuropsychological testing is highly specialized testing performed by a neuropsychologist to identify and provide objective medical evidence of cognitive dysfunction. It is a highly valuable tool in establishing a claim for disability that involves various cognitive problems such as memory, thought processing and executive functioning.

Neuropsychological testing is most often used in claims involving:

Traumatic brain injury
Neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
Psychological disorders for example depression, anxiety, bipolar
Stroke

Neuropsychological testing can also be used in conjunction with other medical evidence to support disability claims stemming from physical medical conditions including:

Chronic pain conditions
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Autoimmune conditions
Effects of medications

Is a Neuropsychological test right for your Disability Claim?

It wouldn’t be necessary or appropriate to undergo neuropsychological testing in every claim for disability insurance benefits, but dependent on the specific facts of a case it may be a vital piece of information to assist in getting benefits approved.

How can a Disability Insurance Attorney help you?

The Disability Insurance Attorneys at Dell & Schaefer will identify if neuropsychological testing may be necessary or anticipate if the insurance carrier will want a neuropsychological test. In either case, our attorneys will recommend tests that should be performed to absolutely establish the extent of impairment. To help ensure the neuropsychologist has the complete background of our client; our attorneys will provide the neuropsychologist with medical records detailing our client’s condition and a historical record of our client’s symptoms. Our experienced attorneys will review the report and look for irregularities that may require further action. Once all the necessary documents have been completed our attorneys will examine the comprehensive record for valuable results that will be included in your claim file identifying medical evidence of cognitive dysfunction. If there are critical results our attorneys will make recommendations.

For More Information on Neurological Testing

Neuropsychological Evaluation FAQ – University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Neuropsychological Tests – WebMD

NAB – Neuropsychological Assessment Battery

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options

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We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong appeal.

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Sue Your Disability Insurance Company

We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide.

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We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

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Disability Company Reviews

(656)

Showing 8 of 656 Reviews

Sedgwick

Don't trust them, they like to play games

Reviewed by Bob on November 14th 2024 Verified Policyholder | June 2024 date of disability

They suck the life out of people that need help. They falsely advertise for helping people that they care. Sorry to tell you it's all about money, they do not care for any... read more >

New York Life

Lyme Disease Disability Claim Denial

Reviewed by Bob C. on November 13th 2024 Verified Policyholder

I have had repeat claims for genuine medical leave and they have repeatedly been denied by NY Life. I have even been diagnosed with Lyme and going through treatments and t... read more >

New York Life

Disappointed with NY Life Disability Excuses

Reviewed by Carina S. on November 12th 2024 Verified Policyholder

I am beyond disappointed with NY Life Disability Insurance’s handling of my father’s claim. My father, a 66-year-old man who has suffered two strokes and continues to ... read more >

New York Life

New York Life is a joke!

Reviewed by Heather on October 3rd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

This company sucks when it comes to disability claims. They are slow at processing stuff, then they always say they didn't recieve the doctors information. You spend your ... read more >

MetLife

They FULL OF ****

Reviewed by KM on October 3rd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

MetLife is what everyone on this review are saying. They don't contact you to let you know what's going on with your claim or to let know you need additional info. I had a... read more >

Sedgwick

Worst Company Ever

Reviewed by RobRob on September 23rd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

If something happens to you at work you better hope you die, my son is going through HELL because this company is handling his work comp. NO RETURN PHONE CALLS, TEXTS, EMA... read more >

MetLife

MetLife for disability? Avoid the surgery unless it's life-threatening

Reviewed by Jeff on August 22nd 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2024 date of disability

The worst company I ever dealt with, never received a call from my claim manager.

Reliance Standard

Short Term Disability Claim/Inconsistent to NO Communication

Reviewed by GaKRN on August 22nd 2024 Verified Policyholder | June 2024 date of disability

When I did call & reach a live person they were kind & helpful. The person assigned to my claim left one phone message & I have not spoken to her since. Information she re... read more >

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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

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Showing 2 of 2 Answered Questions

Q: I need help understanding what MMI means in my case. I also need help because I have also been diagnosed with PTSD related to my head injury from the same accident.

Answered on February 15th 2024 by Attorney Jay Symonds

A: Rhonda, you have a complicated situation and we would need to review your STD/LTD coverage certificates before... Read More >

Q: Can I prevent Standard from cutting off my mental health benefits after 2 years?

Answered on October 27th 2011 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Clare, If your disability policy has the two year mental nervous limitation, then there is no case law I am aw... Read More >

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Helpful Videos

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Disability Benefit Tips

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Neuropsychological Testing in Long Term Disability Insurance Claims

What Should I be Aware of if I Have Cognitive Limitations and I Am Receiving Disability Insurance Benefits?

Don't let your disability company limit your disability claim to 24 months due to a cognitive disorder. You may have options to extend your disability benefits. The disability companies are notorious for ignoring physical conditions and trying to make every claim a mental health disability only. Disability Attorney Gregory Dell shares information regarding claim... Read More >

Why Must Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Understand Your Disabling Condition?

When it comes to securing your disability insurance benefits, it's vitally important that your disability insurance lawyer thoroughly understands the symptoms and impact of your disabling condition. Doctors can help you create strong medical records, but they're not accustomed to dealing with the rigorous documentation disability insurance companies require. Lea... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak

If you're seeking long term disability benefits from an insurance company, you may be concerned that you're facing an uphill battle. Fortunately, the stronger your medical evidence, the greater the odds that your claim will be approved. On the other side of the coin, one of the most common reasons for denial of long term disability benefits involves too-weak med... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company

When you're seeking disability insurance benefits, your medical records and treating physician's statement are two of the most important components of your claim. But because the insurance company has a vested interest in denying your disability insurance claim, it often will rely on tactics like ambushing your doctor with a phone call in an attempt to get them ... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

One thing many disability insurance claimants don't know about (or expect) from the claims review process involves video and social media surveillance. Disability insurance carriers often hire people to follow claimants around with a telephoto lens - or even send social media friend requests from fake accounts - to glean whatever information they can about the c... Read More >

How Do You Fight a Long-Term Disability Denial?

Getting a denial letter from your disability insurance company is one of the ultimate insults. You are sick and not able to work, yet your disability insurance company is telling you to return to work. The disability insurance company has denied your disability benefit claim and is basically calling you a liar. When receiving a disability denial letter or a ph... Read More >

Disability Denial Reason #2 - Change of Disability Definition & Vocational Review

One of the top reasons for terminating a claimant's long term disability benefits involves the change in the disability insurance policy's definition of "disability." This definition change often happens in conjunction with a vocational review, or an analysis of a claimant's medical records that tells the insurance company which jobs the claimant should be able ... Read More >

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Dell Disability Cases

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Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

Lawyer Wins 24 Month Mental Nervous Prudential Disability Denial

Our client, a former law partner of a large national law firm, filed for disability with Prudential due to severe mental health conditions that resulted in hospitalization. Prudential approved her claim for short and then long term disability benefits and in doing so asserted the 24 month limitation on benefits due to mental health conditions that was contained ... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Texas Retail Store Manager

Our client, Mr. S, formerly worked as a Store Manager for a large national retail chain. In August 2016 Mr. S suffered from multiple Transient Ischemic Attacks (“TIAs”) or mini-strokes which left him with debilitating physical and cognitive impairments. Mr. S made several attempts to return to work failed but continued to suffer slurred speech, headaches, pressure in the back of his head and memory loss, h... Read More >

Hartford Reinstates Disability Benefits to HR Manager

I recently wrote an article regarding the relationship between Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Cognitive Dysfunction that discussed increasing medical literature to support verifiable cognitive deficits due to arthritic conditions. As noted in the article, when people think of RA the first thing that comes to mind is usually severe pain and swollen joints. However, within the context of a claim for disability in... Read More >

Lincoln Financial Reinstates Disability Benefits To School Teacher

Our client, a former Special Education Teacher, was brutally assaulted in a commercial gym by another gym patron that required brain surgery and resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left our client with severe cognitive problems, migraines, seizures, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Shortly after the attack our client filed a claim for disability insurance benefits through his county school district’... Read More >

Aetna overturns decision to deny LTD benefits for claimant suffering from post-concussion syndrome and neurocognitive disorder

The above claimant contacted the law firm of Dell Disability Lawyers to represent her after receiving a denial of STD and LTD benefits from Aetna. In its denial letter, Aetna states that its decisions to terminate her STD benefits and deny her claim for LTD benefits was based on the determination that the medical records did not support a functional impairment from performing the material duties of her own occ... Read More >

Liberty Mutual reverses decision to terminate disability benefits

Dell Disability Lawyers win a long-term disability appeal on behalf of a psychologist whose disability benefits were denied by Liberty Mutual. Our client's benefits were re-instated and she will now receive several hundred thousands of dollars throughout her lifetime.Our client was a successful psychologist who became disabled from her occupation as a result of a diagnosis of hepatitis C in 2007. Treatment... Read More >

Seven Surgeries and The Standard Still Denies Disability Insurance Benefits

Our client was employed with the State of Oregon as a Technical Support Representative. She sought disability through her employer provider LTD Policy with Standard due to low back, hip, and lower extremity pain. She had two hip, two knee and three back surgeries.After paying her for 1.5 years Standard hired a board-certified neurologist to perform a review ... Read More >

Sun Life Wrongfully Denies Disability After Paying For 23 Months

We represent a 57 year-old claimant who’s occupation was selling commercial vehicles for many years. Her job was very physical as it required her to climb in and out of semi-trucks multiple times a day as well as operate them which was very strenuous. She went out of work in due to ongoing and severe debilitating right hip, low back, and bilateral knee pain... Read More >

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Disability Lawsuit Stories

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Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Court Finds Prudential Abused its Discretion in Denying LTD Benefits

In James Ampe v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, et al., Plaintiff Ampe worked for several years for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a senior development and test engineer. In August 2011, Ampe slipped and fell in his bathroom, hitting his head.He noticed some cognitive decline over the next few months and took intermittent FMLA leave. Meanwhile, his performance re... Read More >

Prudential Wrongfully Relies on Neuropsychological Report to Deny LTD Benefits After 12 Years

Initial denialMr. Paquin became disabled in 2003 after contracting encephalitis from a mosquito infected with the West Nile virus. The infection resulted in brain damage and cognitive impairment rendering Mr. Paquin unable to continue working as a business development director for his employer, Transistor Devices. He qualified for short term and long term disability benefits under his employer sponsored di... Read More >

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Analyst Wins Long-term Disability Lawsuit against CIGNA

Cal Van Steen had been employed as a Systems Integration Business Analyst at Lockheed Martin Corporation and participated in the company’s group long-term disability plan with Life Insurance Company of North America a/k/a CIGNA.In 2011 while walking his dog he was assaulted during an altercation which resulted in a traumatic brain injury that affected Mr. Van Steen’s cognitive abilities, namely his abi... Read More >

Disabled Georgia man sues Boston Mutual for denial of disability benefits

A Georgia disability attorney recently filed a federal ERISA disability lawsuit against Boston Mutual Insurance Company of America and Disability Reinsurance Management Services (DRMS) to recover long-term disability benefits that were wrongfully withheld.The plaintiff was employed by Green Island Country Club who contracted with Boston Mutual Insurance Company to provide disability benefits to its employe... Read More >

Prudential terminates disability benefits of traumatic brain injury claimant in a case of mistaken identity

James H. White filed a lawsuit against Prudential Insurance of America in the United States District Court For The Eastern District of Pennsylvania for the insurer's termination of White's disability benefits after paying him disability benefits for twenty-four (24) months. Claiming that White's disability was the product of a pre-existing metal illness, Prudential Insurance terminated White's disability benef... Read More >

AETNA sued for failure to pay out disability benefits to ex senior nurse suffering from disabling mental conditions

On March 29th 2011, a lawsuit was filed against the AETNA Life Insurance Company (AETNA Life) at the District court for the Southern District of Florida. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleged that AETNA Life had refused to pay the disability benefits sought by the plaintiff under a group long term disability (LTD) benefits policy that was issued and administered by AETNA Life.The Nature of the Complaint... Read More >

Reliance Standard Disability Denial Upheld Due to Claimant's Lack of Strong Medical Record Support

In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of health information services at Integrity Health Care when she stopped working on August 7, 2017. She brought claims for benefits under an LTD insurance policy and a waiver of premiums under a life insurance policy.In order to be approved for LTD benefits, Plaintiff ... Read More >

Unum Wrongfully Terminated Disabled Lawyer’s Disability Claim of Depression and Anxiety Despite Improvement in His Condition

This Unum lawsuit and appeal in federal court is a great victory for all Unum disability claimants. This case supports all claimants that are disabled and claim that they cannot return to work as the requirements of their job will aggravate their symptoms and make them unable to work.Mark was a personal injury litigation attorney, when he began struggling with symptoms of... Read More >

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Reviews from Our Clients

S.S.

I am a physician in my 30s who was practicing in my hospital based medical specialty until my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis began to severely limit my physical ability to work.

My husband and I were obviously in distress at these very unwanted life changes and frankly overwhelmed with the possibility of a long and traumatizing legal battle ahead of us. We knew we were legally entitled to benefits through the separate private individual and employer based ERISA disability insurance policies we had, but even cursory research and discussion with colleagues made it clear that insurance companies will strategize with their own legal teams to find ways to not pay out benefits. We found many before us who had fallen unwittingly into legal pitfalls that prevented them from ultimately obtaining benefits. We realized we needed to seek legal counseling.

We found Dell Disability Lawyers through their YouTube channel where their partners have videos discussing the legal intricacies and latest developments in private disability law. I was impressed by their dedication to the field and reached out through their website to request a free consultation.

We were delighted to hear that Mr. Steven Dell himself would be willing to take our case and felt assured that we would be represented by the best of the best.

We have not been disappointed in our expectation and have, in fact, been consistently very impressed. Steven Dell is clearly both knowledgeable and wise about dealing with these issues but more importantly, has shown kindness and impeccable honesty at each step of the way.

Merlin has demonstrated a very high capacity for organizing and handling the endless myriad of documents and communications between us and the insurance companies. She has also been very compassionate, accessible and forthcoming in dealing with our many anxiety fueled emails and telephone calls to her and we are very grateful for her involvement.

For over 7 months, we have been working closely with Steven Dell and Merlin Bryan from Dell Disability Lawyers as they have guided us through the process of review and initial application for benefits from our two insurance policies (Hartford and Ameritas).

We are happy to announce we just received approval of claim from the Hartford insurance company.

At this time we are still working with this firm as we await the final decisions from Ameritas policy that we are hopeful will have a similar outcome.

As anyone with a chronic and progressive illness can tell you, time becomes a very precious commodity. Through their representation, Dell Disability Lawyers has allowed us to focus the majority of our time enjoying the time and function I have left while resting assured that our disability case laid in competent and caring hands.

The truth is that no amount of money can make up for what we have lost, but it is a huge comfort to have a team like Dell Disability Lawyers at our sides to help us ensure we will be able to continue to care for ourselves and our families.

We highly recommend Dell Disability Lawyers, Mr. Steven Dell and Ms. Merlin Bryan to handle your disability insurance claim.

Thank you Steven, thank you Merlin!

We will certainly plan on leaving another review for completeness once we have our final decision from Ameritas.

Paula B.

I have been working with Dell Disability Lawyers for the past 5 years concerning my disability as it pertained to my employer. I have been more than pleased with them the entire time. They have always kept me informed of any paperwork needing completed or any changes coming ahead. Nothing has been a surprise. I would recommend them to you to help with your disability case if you’re trying to dip into the policy you’ve been paying for.

Michael M.

I am a physician who has been disabled for over 10 years. During this time I have been represented by Cesar Gavidia and his assistant, Danielle Lauria. Their representation on my behalf has allowed me to concentrate on dealing with my disability/disease process and all associated complications and not having to deal with all the things that are necessary in a disability insurance claim. Based on my personal experience from many years of practicing medicine I would consider their work product, insight and effort in the disability insurance claim procedures to be superior. I would recommnend them, which I have done, with my highest level of confidence. In short, you will be well served with this practice.

Dan P.

I had to retire from my career due to a bad back that restricted me from performing my duties. I had LTD insurance and after a few years of receiving monthly benefits from this insurance company, they notified me that my benefits were terminated stating that I don’t qualify due to my duties not fitting into some “national job description” and a nurse had deemed me eligible to go back to work. It’s a crushing feeling to have this told to you over the phone with hardly any information given. Luckily, I came across Dell Disability Lawyers and spoke with Attorney Palamara who calmed me down and stated they would take my case. Within a couple of months my benefits were restored, and I had piece of mind. I cannot thank Attorney Palamara and the staff at Dell Disability Lawyers enough for their professionalism, no nonsense approach, personal and timely communication and quick ability to litigate my case.

Jen S.

I wanted to thank Mr. Symonds and his legal assistant Sonia for their professionalism, guidance and dedication towards my LTD insurance claim. Going through the denial process on my own was going to get me sicker and I knew it was time for help right away. I reached out to Dell Disability Lawyers for assistance and not too long after my call, I was connected with Sonia. Soon after that, I was talking about my case with Mr. Symonds. After a long and tedious process with the LTD insurer, we won the case. The wait can absolutely be lengthy, but in the end, it was all very much worth the fight. Thank you both so much for all that you have done for me! I also want to thank those who assisted in keeping me updated, as needed. Highly recommended for anyone who is going through the brutal process of an LTD denial.

Carl G.

I would like to thank Dell Disability Lawyers for taking care of my case and help me get the insurance coverage that I was rightfully in need of. Specially, I would like to thank Attorney Alexander Palamara and right-hand legal assistant, Sonia Nogueira, who made this process less stressful. They answered all my questions and kept me informed every step of the way.

Don’t get me wrong. They never promised or told me that I was going to win my case, as no one can guarantee that for you. What they did do, was letting me know that they were working hard for me and to keep positive. Something that I recommend everyone to do is to subscribe to their YouTube channel. That will give you an idea on how they operate and why they (for most of their cases) win their cases.

Since I was awarded disability, I am still having surgeries and thanks to them, I’ve been able to cover all those expenses.

Warm regards to everyone at Dell Disability Lawyers!

Clarisa B.

I’m so very Grateful and Thankful for the team at Dell Disability Lawyers. They worked tirelessly to get the best outcome for me. I’m so glad that I found them!!

Carole S.

Exceptional, efficient and professional service from Jay Symonds and Sonia Nogueira. They were both so helpful and knowledgeable and navigated me through a very stressful and difficult situation with New York Life.

K. S.

Awesome team. Jay and his team, Sonia and Francesca, truly care. This team is very professional and quick to respond. Jay always provided answers in detail to my questions. I strongly recommend Jay Symonds.

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