Helpful Resources

Collecting Multiple Sclerosis Disability Benefits Is A Reality

The disability insurance attorneys of our firm have handled numerous multiple sclerosis and other chronic disability cases in which the disability insurance company will deny a claim, insisting that the client does not have a severe enough form of the disease. However, we understand that living with multiple sclerosis, or MS, can be emotionally challenging and physically demanding as you try to maintain daily activities in addition to your job. Due to the degenerative nature of MS, most claimants will work for many years with the condition, before they are no longer able to do so. Disability carriers will want to see strong medical support that that your medical condition has deteriorated to the point where you can no longer perform your work duties. Our disability lawyers work very closely with you and your treating doctor(s) to make sure your disability is properly documented.

Through our years of experience we know exactly what the insurance companies must see in order to approve a claim or reverse a disability benefit denial. We have worked with the world’s leading neurologist specializing in MS and all of our lawyers are constantly staying updated on the latest medical publications dealing with diagnosis and treatment of MS. Disability companies often focus on the physical limitations and ignore the cognitive difficulties a person with MS experiences.

MS can often be challenging to diagnosis early in the course of the disease because symptoms often come and go, sometimes disappearing for months. These relapses, or flare ups, of the disease can often affect an individual for an unknown amount of time. Returning to or continuing employment following an episode can also exacerbate the disease. As soon as a disability carrier hears that a claimant is having a good day, then they immediately assume the claimant is fit to return to work. The disability company will also conduct regular video surveillance of claimants suffering with MS. We work with our clients to educate them about how to deal with the disability carrier and their treating doctors in order to avoid claim denial.

Which Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Are Disabling?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society defines MS as having four different clinical courses. These clinical courses are called relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive and progressive relapsing. Symptoms of MS vary widely, depending on the amount of damage and which particular nerves are affected. Common symptoms individuals with MS can suffer from include:

Numbness or weakness
Optic neuritis and other eye disorders
Tingling or pain
Tremors
Lack of coordination
Unsteady gait
Fatigue
Dizziness
Muscle stiffness or spasms
Paralysis
Cognitive changes
Depression
Epilepsy

If you or someone you love is struggling to continue working after an MS diagnosis, talk with us about your rights in seeking short or long term disability insurance benefits. Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your legal options and we help with the application process, ERISA appeals or the filing of lawsuits. Additionally, if an insurance provider asks you to continually prove the severity of your disability, talk with us about how we can help. Call us or fill out our online case review form to begin your no obligation discussion of your potential claim today. We have been handling disability insurance claims since 1979 and we can help you no matter where you live.

Our Experience with Multiple Sclerosis Disability Claims

We have handled numerous MS disability insurance claims. The cases below attest to our achievements in securing beneficial results for our clients with MS. We invite you to review our resolved cases and client testimonials to learn more about our firm.

– Woman with Multiple Sclerosis Files Long Term Disability Benefit Denial Lawsuit Against Prudential Insurance Company
– Hartford Approves Long Term Disability Benefits for Teaching Assistant with Multiple Sclerosis

Resources

If you would like to learn more about MS, these sites are valuable sources of information:

Many charities are dedicated to researching new technologies, better symptom management and providing a community of support for individuals with MS. These charities include the:

We keep the content on this site updated with the most current MS disability news and law changes. Bookmark this page and return to it frequently to stay informed.

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

(660)

Showing 8 of 660 Reviews

Lincoln Financial

Uses every dirty trick in the book

Reviewed by Michelle T. on March 11th 2025 Verified Policyholder | August 2022 date of disability

It’s next to impossible to get $ out of them without a lawyer. They use plenty of intimidation and unfair tactics. They don’t want to pay. And yet, their CEO made 13 m... read more >

Unum

Unum is evil

Reviewed by Shandra on January 30th 2025 Verified Policyholder | November 2021 date of disability

On 11/3/2021 I got shot by my boyfriend and my spinalcord got hit, paralyzing me from the neck down and accepting Unum benefits was the worst decision I ever made. I sued ... read more >

Lincoln Financial

Every month I get paid on a different date

Reviewed by Ben Dover on January 29th 2025 Verified Policyholder | January 2022 date of disability

I will start by saying that my experience is not as horrible as others, like the folks who have valid claims but get nothing from Lincoln. I feel for you and hope to god y... read more >

MetLife

They will do anything to not approve your claim

Reviewed by Amanda on January 29th 2025 Verified Policyholder | January 2025 date of disability

MetLife’s handling of my short-term disability claim has been incredibly frustrating and stressful. I followed all the necessary steps prior to my surgery, providing the... read more >

Reply

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 pas... read more >

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 >

Standard

Stanfrod declined my MS claim

Reviewed by Connie on July 4th 2014 Verified Policyholder

Diagnosed with MS 2006, filed STD claim with The Standard April 1, 2014. Denial letter June 2014 stating doctor did not provide enough evidence that I am unable to perform... read more >

Reply

Sent on July 4th 2014 by Attorney Jay Symonds

Connie, the trend in the disability insurance industry seems to be denial of claims on account of MS due to a multitude of reasons they believe do not support functiona... read more >

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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(6)

Showing 6 of 6 Answered Questions

Q: What is clinical review? And what are my chances of getting continual approval during the own occupation period?

Answered on April 20th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Linsey, as disability benefits are determined on a month to month basis an insurance company is allowed to rev... Read More >

Q: Should I hire a lawyer for my appeal?

Answered on November 1st 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Mare, it certainly would be advisable to discuss the denial with an attorney. The ERISA appeal process can be ... Read More >

Q: What should I do if my company can't accomade an option for me to work remotely?

Answered on July 22nd 2016 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

A: Thomas, if you are unable to work, your employer disability plan(s) may be your only viable options for income... Read More >

Q: Why is Aetna taking so long to review my claim?

Answered on June 13th 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Mikki, without knowing about the procedural history of the current application we would not have much insight.... Read More >

Q: Do I meet the criteria for claiming disability if I have MS?

Answered on February 17th 2014 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Debi, Insurance carriers have been seemingly tough of MS claims due to the fact that like you said, you appear... Read More >

Q: Why is MOO saying my husband does not have MS to receive LTD when they approved his STD because of MS? Should I hire an attorney?

Answered on December 22nd 2012 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Marilyn, Hiring an attorney is obviously optional, but you are trying to deal with a multi billion dollar insu... Read More >

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Helpful Videos

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Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 8 of 331 Benefit Tips

How can a claimant exclude their disability insurance benefit payments from Federal Income Tax?

As disability lawyers we do not provide any tax advice. We are routinely asked about the tax implications of disability insurance benefits. In an effort to provide some answers in this area we reached out to Gary Kaplan, a certified public accountant.IssueWhat actions can a claimant take in order to exclude Disability Insurance Benefits from personal income tax?Hypothetical Fact PatternA surgeo... 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 >

Disability Denial Reason #1 – Paper Review & IME

At Dell Disability Lawyers, we've seen insurance companies give countless reasons to deny long term disability benefits. However, most disability benefit denials tend to fall into one of a few categories - and one of the biggest ones is the paper review and independent medical exam (IME). Learn more about what this review process entails and what your claim file... Read More >

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Dell Disability Cases

(375)

Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

Prudential reverses decision to terminate LTD benefits of MRI Tech with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and degenerative Disc Disease

The claimant is a 58-year-old former MRI Technologist for Fairview Health Services who has long suffered from the debilitating effects of her chronic medical conditions. She has a history of neck pain as well as right arm pain and numbness dating back to 2005 with a reoccurrence of severe symptomatology in 2013. MRI of her cervical spine performed in August of ... Read More >

New York Life Approves Disability Benefits for School Teacher With Multiple Sclerosis

Our client, a former elementary school teacher suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, contacted our office after New York Life terminated her claim for short term disability benefits and spoke with Attorney Stephen Jessup. New York Life had initially approved her claim for short term disability benefits, but in doing so awarded benefits only on account of a mental health condition, even though our client had filed... Read More >

Lincoln Denies Disability Insurance Benefits to 66 Years old Software Developer with Long Covid and MS

Our client came to us after he was denied continued Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Previously employed as a Software Developer for Novo Nordisk, the multinational pharmaceutical company, after years of service our client found he could no longer work following a severe case of Covid 19 which left him hospitalized for 30 days.... Read More >

Dell Disability Lawyers Wins Short Term Disability Appeal Against Lincoln

Prior to contacting our office to assist her in fighting Lincoln to secure her short term disability benefits, our client, a Financial Controller suffering from Multiple Sclerosis was denied short term disability benefits twice by Lincoln. Following her initial denial she filed her own first appeal in hopes of having her benefits approved. Unfortunately, Lincoln notified her that her first appeal was als... Read More >

New York Life overturns decision to terminate benefits of Claimant suffering from Multiple Sclerosis

New York Life terminated long-term disability benefits as it determined that the claimant was no longer unable to perform the material and substantial duties of any gainful occupation. However, the medical and occupational documentation clearly established that due to physical and cognitive limitations stemming from her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the claimant was unable to perform the material dutie... Read More >

After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, Hartford overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Tennessee Claims Supervisor

Our client, Ms. G, formerly worked as a Claims Supervisor for a large national insurance carrier. In November 2012 a number of medical issues, including Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis forced Ms. G to stop working and submit her claim for disability benefits first under her employer’s short-term disability (STD) policy and then continuing under its long-term disability (LTD) policy. Both benefits were... Read More >

Lincoln Approves Disability Benefits Following Second Appeal

After over a yearlong fight with Lincoln Financial, our client, with the assistance of Attorney Stephen Jessup, was finally successful in securing her long term disability benefits following two levels of administrative appeals in response to Lincoln’s denials of her claim. Prior to filing for disability benefits under her employer’s group long term disability insurance policy with the Lincoln, our client ... Read More >

Lincoln Overturns Denial of LTD Benefits After Two Appeals

After fighting for her disability benefits for over a year, Lincoln finally awarded benefits to our client following two levels of administrative appeal filed by Attorney Stephen Jessup. When our client first contacted our office she had been recently denied by Lincoln on the basis that the available medical information did not support a level of impairment that would prevent her from performing the material a... Read More >

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Disability Lawsuit Stories

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Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Court Rules Plaintiff's Medical Records Was Replete With Evidence Supporting Claim of MS & Was Not A Pre-Existing Condition

BackgroundIn Bayer v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, C.A. No. 18-9702 (E.D. LA 2020), Plaintiff began working as a senior property manager for Sealy Operating III, Inc., in September 2014. According to Sealy’s written job description, Plaintiff’s job duties included maintaining properties in good order and condition by contracting and scheduling necessary repairs and maintenance, con... Read More >

Court Finds Aetna Had No Credible Argument Whatsoever To Support Its Decision To Deny Benefits To Claimant With MS

When it comes to ERISA governed claims, no circuit is more plaintiff friendly than the 9th Circuit. A recent ruling by a Washington district court reminds us of that although the behavior by the disability insurer, Aetna Life Insurance Co., in Gorena v. Aetna deserved a strong reprimand.Ms. Gorena worked as a staff analysist for Boeing for more than 10 years before leaving work due to her worsening multipl... Read More >

3 Ways Hartford Wrongfully Denied Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits to Claimant with MS

A New York claimant, Ms. Ingravallo, filed an ERISA lawsuit after Hartford determined that, after paying long term disability benefits for over 3 years due to her diagnosis of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, she no longer met the Plan's definition of disability and was no longer eligible for continued benefits. Upon review of the administrative record, the New York Court found that Hartford abused its ... Read More >

Cigna denies Herff Jones Inc. employee disability benefits after she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Karen Kolesky has filed a lawsuit against Herff Jones Inc., Cigna Insurance, and Life Insurance Company of North America in the United States District Court of Utah, Northern Division in an effort to receive her long term disability benefits as promised in her employee insurance policy. In possession of an employee insurance policy from her employer Herff Jones, Inc., Kolesky applied for long term disability b... Read More >

Former Aegon USA employee suffering with multiple sclerosis sues CIGNA for denial of disability insurance benefits

A recent disability insurance lawsuit filed at the District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin can serve as an eye opener to the kind of claims handling practices that CIGNA will employ in order to evaluate a CIGNA disability claim. In L. v CIGNA Life & Health Insurance/Life Insurance Company of North America, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ... Read More >

Sun Life deducts veteran disability benefits from claimant's monthly long term disability check

Most long term disability insurance policies allow the insurance company to offset the monthly disability payments to an insured if the insured is receiving "other income" from certain sources. Often, these other sources include any Social Security disability or retirement benefits, workers' compensation benefits, retirement plan benefits from the employer, or even earnings the insured receives from any other ... Read More >

Reliance Standard limits disability insurance benefits to 24 months for mental nervous disorder, despite claimant's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

This case is an example of how a diagnosis of a disabling condition such as multiple sclerosis ("MS") does not always mean the claimant is disabled by the medical condition. In this case, while the claimant had MS, the disabling condition was depression and not MS. Unfortunately, the Reliance Standard disability policy limited benefits to 24 months for a mental nervous disorder.Igor Gunn participated in th... Read More >

Can CIGNA approve disability benefits but deny life insurance waiver of premium?

The case of William MacNally v. Life Insurance Company of North America (LINA / CIGNA) is an interesting one. In this case LINA argued that despite the fact that it had found MacNally disabled from his own occupation, he did not qualify for the life insurance premium waiver under his policy because he was not disabled from "any occupation."Had CIGNA / LINA violated the terms of its life-insurance policy?... 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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