Question
Can Hartford cut off my benefits after 24 months if I have both a mental condition and physical condition?
I had to stop working in January of 2016 due to severe spine and musculoskeletal issues at age 56. I was an LVN with a wound care specialty. I was quickly awarded SSDI and was approved for Hartford LTD after the exclusion period. I have since been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a congenital connective tissue disorder. This is a chronic, painful and debilitating condition. Recently I had an appointment with the MSW and Psychologist at my pain clinic. Sadly I now have “Adjustment disorder, due to medical condition” as a diagnosis. I’m currently under review. Did I shoot myself in the foot by talking to the mental health folks? Ugh.
Answer
Tina, generally, as long as your remain disabled from a physical disability the insurer cannot limit your claim because you also suffer a mental illness disability. Hartford would likely need to find that you are not disabled from your physical disabilities in order to say that the only remaining disability that you suffer is mental nervous and that you have reached the 24 month payment limitation.
