MetLife Disability Help

Question

Am I at risk of losing my Metlife benefits if I have a secondary mental illness (the primary disabling condition is physical)?

Name: Dell Disability Lawyers
Brand: Dell Disability Lawyers
Rating: 5 (746 reviews)

Asked on April 28th 2011 by Marcy

Please help. I have recieved LT disability through MetLife for 2 1/2 years due to severe osteoarthritis, knee surgeries and knee replacement. Just recently I was approved for SSDI. My SSDI has me disabled due to “mental” issues (I have chronic depression and anxiety – everything went wrong with me mentally and physically after I got West Nile Virus 3 1/2 years ago). Anyway, can Metlife now change my disability status to a mental diagnosis and decline benefits according to their “mental” clause of 24 month maximum beneifit period? If so, can they go back and demand to be repaid for anything paid over the 24 months? I still have the orthopedic issues and other medical issues due to West Nile. I am involved in Metlife’s rehabilitation program and they were going to begin paying for additional education starting in August. There is a plan in place with MetLife for me to eventually return to work in about 2 1/2 years. Is everything on the line now due to the SSDI’s ruling? Am I at risk for losing my Metlife benefits?

Answer

Answered on May 4th 2011 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Marcy, if the primary disabling condition is physical and your mental illness is secondary then the 2 year limitation should not be a concern. If you continue to be disabled by orthopedic issues then the findings of social security will not have any retroactive implications. If you are accepted to the Rehab program I have never heard of a situation where MetLife revoked approval.

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Sent on January 27th 2025 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Amanda,We are sorry to hear about your MetLife experience. Stay on top of them and it’s likely they will past you since you are post surgery....

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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.

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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

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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.

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Question

Am I at risk of losing my Metlife benefits if I have a secondary mental illness (the primary disabling condition is physical)?

Answer

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

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Prevent a MetLife Disability Benefit Denial

Negotiate a MetLife Lump-Sum Settlement

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