IT Professional Long Term Disability Claim Information 

The IT field can offer some of the most interesting, cutting-edge, and lucrative careers available in the U.S. economy. But IT professionals are just as vulnerable to disabling illnesses and injuries as other workers, and applying for short or long term disability benefits under these circumstances can be a challenge when compared to those in more physically demanding jobs. Below, learn more about some of the tips IT professionals and software engineers can use when seeking long term disability benefits.

The occupational classifications of Light Duty and Sedentary should not be relied upon to prove eligibility for benefits.

One tactic the long term disability insurance carriers tend to take in disability claims involving IT professionals is to back away from the nuts-and-bolts duties of the job, instead simply focusing on the physical demand of the job. This doesn’t take into account what an IT professional does day in and day out, which can often be very nuanced. Many IT jobs don’t fit neatly into the insurance carrier’s definition of disability.

IT Professionals should always present the cognitive demands of their job.

The cognitive demands imposed on IT professionals can’t be understated. Software engineers and other IT professionals must be able to maintain a laser focus on the task at hand, often while battling multiple interruptions and other “fires” to be put out. Trying to perform this intense work while dealing with chronic pain or other health conditions can sap one’s concentration. But because IT professionals’ jobs are often considered sedentary and physically non-demanding, it can be tough to get the long term disability insurance carrier to understand the extent of a disability’s mental impact.

The disability insurance claims examiner needs to understand the intense occupational demands of an IT Professional.

Insurance carriers tend to evaluate IT professionals’ long term disability claims by referring to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, which includes just a general description of an IT professional’s duties. This manual was initially drafted well before most IT jobs existed, and its definitions can often be outdated and overly focused on the physical demands of a job. An IT professional’s long term disability claim should thoroughly discuss the unique occupational requirements this job poses and how the disability affects the claimant’s ability to perform these tasks. This can include cognitive testing or other medical evidence supporting an IT professional’s inability to focus due to a pain condition.

“Diagnosis does not equal disability,” which means you must present a complete package to get benefits approved.

As a claimant, it’s your duty to prove that you’re entitled to disability insurance benefits. This means presenting a comprehensive package that will make it all but impossible for the long term disability insurance carrier to deny your disability claim. For IT professionals who have powered through their condition for months or even years, the long term disability insurance carrier will often just ask, “what’s changed?” Your disability package should answer that question and can include non-medical evidence like records showing you’ve had to work longer and longer hours to try to achieve the same output.

You must file your claim timely to protect your long term disability benefits.

Long term disability insurance policies include very strict filing time limits, and missing a filing deadline can prevent you from being able to recover all the benefits you’d otherwise be entitled to. And another complication can arise if you file your disability claim after you’ve been fired from your job – not only will it call the timing of your disability claim into question, but it can also raise issues about your long term disability coverage and whether you’re still eligible to submit a claim under the policy. It’s crucial to take action quickly to preserve your rights.

Denials are most common if you have a change in the definition of “disability.”

Even after you’ve already begun to receive disability benefits, future denials are possible. Most short term disability policies are administered by an employer, and the insurance carrier has little incentive to deny a claim for benefits unless it is especially slim.

But after these short term disability benefits end and long term disability benefits are set to begin, the financial responsibility shifts over to the insurance carrier. This often coincides with a change in the definition of disability from “own occupation” (inability to perform your regular duties) to “any occupation” (inability to perform any job). Proving this can be a bigger hurdle than proving your initial short term disability claim, and claimants should be prepared with the medical documentation to back up their disability under the “any occupation” definition.

It’s also important to be specific when it comes to the initial definition of disability in your policy. If your regular duties include installing computer monitors, traveling to meet clients, or sitting in one spot and staring at a computer monitor for four to six hours per day, your job may not be a “light duty” position, despite your insurance carrier’s claims to the contrary.

No matter where you are in the course of a long term disability claim, the experienced team of attorneys at Dell & Schaefer can help you fight for the disability benefits you’re entitled to. We’ve helped thousands of IT professionals recover disability benefits and are well-versed in each insurance carrier’s processes and procedures. Get in touch with one of our attorneys today to schedule your free consultation.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options
Submit a Strong Appeal Package

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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Protect Your Benefits
Get Your Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

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Prevent a Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

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Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.

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Disability Company Reviews
(617)
Showing 8 of 617 Reviews
Prudential

Prudential terminated my LTD, so now I have no income

Reviewed by Carlos M on June 10th 2022   Verified Policyholder
I was working at a shipyard at San Diego and hurt my back again while working. Hurt my back in the US Navy in 98 and had issues since then so I decided to get the surgery ... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 11th 2022 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Carlos, yes we may be able to help. Please email your denial letter to Rachel@diattorney.com and cc Amanda@diattorney.com. Thank you.

Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial made my life a living hell

Reviewed by Salyna D on June 1st 2022   Verified Policyholder
Lincoln Financial made my life a living hell. I went on medical leave from my job just to work for them basically. My mental health is worse than it was and I still do not... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 2nd 2022 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Salyna, I am sorry to hear about your experience. I wish I could say it is an anomaly, but it is an all too common occurrence. Depending on if the claim was ever approv... read more >

MetLife

They demanded an overpayment, stopped my claim, and lied about it

Reviewed by Diana R. on May 28th 2022   Verified Policyholder
Metlife over paid me. Stopped my Ltd claim. The overpayment were not done right. They lied and said they deposited money in my account.
Reply
Sent on May 28th 2022 by Attorney Alex Palamara

Diana, I am sorry to hear of this denial and the demand for an overpayment. Please contact us so that we can review your claim and see if we can get you back to receivi... read more >

Sun Life

Sun Life is a real pain

Reviewed by Chris K. on May 20th 2022   Verified Policyholder
Sun Life is a real pain. I just want them to buyout my long term disability policy, but they keep playing around and around. I just to be left alone and given my lump sum ... read more >
Reply
Sent on May 20th 2022 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Chris, you can contact me at Rachel@diattorney.com and we can set up a call to discuss your buy out options.

Unum

I feel like Unum is giving me the runaround!

Reviewed by Rachelle H. on May 11th 2022   Verified Policyholder
I have contacted UNUM multiple times since I’ve needed them. I feel like they are giving me the runaround! Please help!
Reply
Sent on May 11th 2022 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Rachelle, the law provides certain timelines and deadlines with which to provide information or decisions. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your situat... read more >

Cigna

Payment delays!

Reviewed by Kim W on May 7th 2022   Verified Policyholder | September 2021 date of disability
I have a Long term disability claim with Cigna. Approval process did not take too long and they did start my LTD just a few days after my STD ended. First check was mailed... read more >
Cigna

Cigna (NYL) denied my claim

Reviewed by Trapped in the cogs on March 7th 2022   Verified Policyholder | May 2021 date of disability
I’ve been an RN for 31 years. I lost 6 family members (3 of those to cancer) in 9 months and suffered a breakdown, I just couldn’t watch people die anymore. Cigna (NYL... read more >
Cigna

Hold up on payments!!!

Reviewed by A Crews on January 20th 2022   Verified Policyholder | July 2021 date of disability
I have had 3 people on my case since July 2021! This last person Amanda S drag her feet on my claims and payments. I literally have to go to my mom for help! When I contac... read more >
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Showing 8 of 349 Dell Disability Cases

CIGNA overturned previous denial of both long term disability benefits for Massachusetts IT Procurement Specialist

Our client, Ms. K, formerly worked as an IT Procurement Specialist for a large international technology company, which required “sedentary... Read More >

Team lead by Attorney Cesar Gavidia Forces Prudential to Overturn Long-term Disability Denial on Appeal for IT Support Technician Diagnosed with Cancer

Jared was an IT Support Technician before small cell carcinoma in his middle ear caused fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness and head pains... Read More >

Liberty Mutual Twice Denies and Approves Long-term Disability Benefits to IT Systems Analyst with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Our client, Ms. V, had been employed as an IT Systems Analyst with Highmark Blue Shield, one of the ten largest health insurers in the U.S. an... Read More >

Cigna Overturns Denial of Disability Insurance Benefits for IT Consultant Suffering from Physical and Mental Conditions

Prior to filing her claim with Cigna for disability benefits under her employer's group long term disability plan, our client was a Senior IT ... Read More >

Hartford Reinstates Long Term Disability Benefits on Appeal to Computer Systems Administrator Suffering with Chronic Back Pain

Prior to filing for disability benefits with Hartford our client worked as a Senior Database Administrator and had been in the computer indust... Read More >

Prudential pays computer system engineer's ERISA disability benefits after 3 unsuccessful appeals by the insured and his previous attorney

This client, a computer systems engineer, hired our firm to dispute Prudential's decision to terminate his long term disability benefits follo... Read More >

Hartford Denies Disability Benefits To Home Depot Employee 3 Weeks Before Change of Disability Definition

Our client was a former in-store merchandising associate responsible for the movement of merc... Read More >

Lincoln overturned its previous denial of LTD benefits for Escalation Engineer

Our client, Mr. E, formerly worked as an Escalation Engineer for a national data services and data management company. For many years Mr. E ... Read More >
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(764)
Showing 8 of 764 Lawsuit Stories

Programmer Denied LTD Benefits by MetLife Upheld by Court

In the case of Robert Gordon v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), Plaintiff was a Senior Staff Systems Programmer ... Read More >

Texas Judge Disagrees with Cigna and Applies Claimant Friendly Disability Standard of Review

In Brasseur v. Life Insurance Company of America (LINA), Plaintiff Wilfred Brasseur, a computer engineer, worked in the Houston office of Chic... Read More >

Unum Denial of Disability to Claimant with Lyme Disease Remanded by Washington ERISA Judge

In Bunger v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, the plaintiff was a Web Content specialist for Costco when he became ill and unable to wo... Read More >

Federal Court Overturns Aetna Denial Of Disability Benefits

In the recent case of Ferrin v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. a federal judge from the Northern District of Illinois determined that Aetna improperly te... Read More >

Court Finds Irregularities in Procter & Gamble Long Term Disability Benefit Denial

In ERISA cases filed in a district court asking for judicial review of a plan administrator's denial of benefits, the court is generally limit... Read More >

Federal Judge Makes Companion Life Insurance Pay Long Term Disability Benefits

Companion Life tried to play games and deny long term disability benefits, but thankfully a New Mexico Federal Judge made them pay disability ... Read More >

NFL Disability Review Board Ignores Evidence of Disability and Appeal Court Reverses Lower Court Decision

In Darren Mickell v. Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Players Retirement Plan (Plan), Mickell spent nine years in the NFL as a defensive e... Read More >

Judge Agrees that MetLife's Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits was Reasonable

In Anne Ehlert v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), Ehlert was a consulting pension actuary for pension plans at Towers... Read More >

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5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability lawyers have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the "little guy" against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

We welcome you to contact any of our attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 700 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9159 or by email. Lawyers and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.