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What type of doctor should I be treating with in order to claim long-term disability benefits?

Disability attorney Gregory Dell discusses what type of doctor a claimant should be treating with in order to claim long term disability benefits.

Disability claimants often call us and ask what type of doctor they should be treating with in order to seek long-term disability benefits. The answer to this question is really that you can treat with just about any type of medical doctor for your claim for long-term disability benefits; however, you really should have your main attending physician be a specialist in the field for which you have a disability. For example, let’s assume that you have a neck disorder or a back disorder; you should really be treating with an orthopedic doctor who specializes in conditions of the spine.

Another example, if you have a heart condition, you should have a cardiologist as at least one of your doctors to complete your attending physician’s statement, which has to be sent to the long-term disability carrier in order to meet your burden of proving disability. So the answer is yes, an internal medicine doctor or general practitioner doctor would be acceptable. However, if you’re claiming some type of orthopedic, cardiac, or some type of other part of the body for which there are doctors that specialize, you should see a specialist as that would give you a lot better chance of getting your long-term disability benefits approved and continued to be paid.

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Reviewed by Danyette on January 23rd 2026 Verified Policyholder | December 2025 date of disability

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Not getting paid on time

Reviewed by Jim on January 7th 2026 Verified Policyholder | October 2025 date of disability

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Deadlines for you while theirs are ignored

Reviewed by AT&T employee on December 16th 2025 Verified Policyholder | September 2024 date of disability

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Reviewed by Tryan on December 16th 2025 Verified Policyholder | September 2025 date of disability

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Lincoln Financial

These people must not be human, they have no regard for people

Reviewed by Ann on December 16th 2025 Verified Policyholder | September 2025 date of disability

LF has no sense of urgency for people without money to buy food, pay rent, etc. They take their sweet time and it's almost like they enjoy it. I have an appeal pending for... read more >

Lincoln Financial

FMLA denial after doctor who specializes in my syndromes submitted proper medical records and forms

Reviewed by SC on December 16th 2025 Verified Policyholder | August 2025 date of disability

FMLA denial after Dr. who specializes in my syndromes submitted proper medical records and forms. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome hEDS, hyperadrenergic POTS and a miriad of ... read more >

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Reviews from Our Clients

Keith G.

They were very professional with their responds and on time with keeping you inform about everything with your case. I would recommend My lawyer Stephen Jessup, he was on point with everything, thank you. You guys are awesome people to work with. God bless you guys.

Keith L.

I was not able to work as a physician for about 14 months due to neck/back issues. Even though I had 3 medical doctors explicitly state that I was not to work AT ALL as a physician at that time, New York Life (NYL) Disability Insurance denied my long term disability claim (which apparently they deny a high percentage of people similar to me- only they know why they do this to so many- I have my own suspicions). I was in pain from my medical issues and so frustrated with NYL considering I had many bills coming due. I then decided to call Dell Disability Lawyers. One of their attorneys, Alex Palamara, spoke to me on the phone right then to hear and understand my story and then offer ways he could help. Long story short, within a few months of me returning back to work, he was able to persuade NYL to pay me my long term disability claim. He (and his kind assistant, Tabitha) were always very helpful, informative, and available to me. I feel quite certain that NYL would NEVER have paid me what was appropriate based on my insurance agreement/ contract with them without the help of Alex. I highly recommend him/Dell Disability Lawyers. If you find yourself in a similar situation of disability insurance denial of your own personal/group policy, especially if you are a medical provider/physician like me, then consider contacting them for advice/direction PRIOR to appealing your claim on your own.

Kyle D.

Jay Symonds and his assistant, Sonia helped me tremendously. The insurance company that worked for my former employer did everything they could to make my life literally miserable. That all changed when I hired Jay. He and Sonia fought for my rights and forced the insurance company to pay what they should have.

If you have a disability claim hire Jay as if you go it alone the insurance company will screw you. Jay and Sonia will fight for everything you are entitled for. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Frank R.

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Dell Disability Lawyers. Attorney Stephen Jessup and Amanda offered an opportunity to provide clarity on a complex issue regarding my disability claim. Mr. Jessup offered advice on an offset to my claim after my insurance company asked for additional information from Social Security. With counsel from Mr. Jessup, I was able to address the outstanding issue with the Social Security office and provide my insurance company with the required documentation to address their concerns. Mr. Jessup always responded in a timely manner with expert advice and offered the opportunity for follow up. I strongly recommend Dell Disability Lawyers to those seeking legal counsel for disability matters.

Wesley D.

I have been able to help others as a soldier, a police officer, and a pharmacist. I needed help forcing the insurance company to keep their commitment to take care of me and my family. I called Dell. Alex, Tabitha, and their entire team were very compassionate, extremely patient, and extraordinarily knowledgeable. Many thanks Dell!

Samar A.

My husband had applied for Long Term Disability and was denied. We sought out Rachel Alters at Dell Disability Lawyers to help us with our appeal. Rachel and her team were so diligent and meticulous in every aspect of the process. The process was seamless, and we never had any doubts that she would get it done and that she did! We are forever grateful to Rachel and Catherine for all of their determination and tenacity to get us the outcome we needed and deserved.

We could not recommend better representation and are indebted to them for making us whole again. Thank you so much Rachel and team!

Jam

Alex Palamara is one of The Best lawyers in the world and Dell Disability Lawyers are the Best by Far. Alex and his Assistant Tabitha helped me get the compensation I needed for a Horrific Disabling heath condition I’ve been dealing with for over a year. Alex and his team were so professional and caring. They treated me like I was there own family. Alex Knowledge, Expertise and skills as a Lawyer is among the Best of the Best in his field and I would HIGHLY recommend that if you ever have any issues with any Insurance Company over your Disability issues, please don’t hesitate to seek out Dell Disability and Alex Palamara. They truly are Amazing and caring. Thank God for them. Outstanding Job Alex and Tabitha

G.T.

9 years ago when I had to apply for disability benefits from my private disability policy the insurance company ignored my inquiries until Dell and Schaefer represented me and I have received the benefits without interruption til my policy expired at age 65. I have appreciated not having to deal directly with the insurance company and having attorney Greg Dell and assistant Danielle Lauria handle all communications which included monthly progress reports. I thank them for their efforts on my behalf and highly recommend them to all those in need of disability benefits.

Misty A.

I’m so thankful I chose to reach out to the attorneys at Dell. They have always been quick to respond to any and all questions I have had. The anxiety I had while dealing with Lincoln Financial on my own has decreased immensely since Alex and Danielle took my case. They were able to get my LTD denial reversed and I am so very grateful!

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