• How Much Neck Pain Does it Take to Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits?
  • Disability Insurance Claims Dealing with Neck Pain and Disorders
  • Prudential Disability Insurance Claim Trends, Lyme Disease and Neck Disorders

Attorney Disability Claim Help for Neck Pain or Cervical Spine Problems

Disability claims which are the result of neck pain, also known as a cervical disorder are one of the most common causes of disability insurance claims. At least 20% of the claimants we represent are unable to work as result of a neck disorder. It is not usually the limited range of motion that prevents a person from working; rather it is the intermittent pain which prevents a person from being able to focus on their job. In order to have the best chance of collecting disability benefits it is imperative to be able to prove how your neck condition prevents you from working. Our disability lawyers know exactly what the disability insurance companies are trained to look for in order to approve a neck disability claim. We work with your treating doctor(s) and you to obtain the best medical documentation possible of your medical condition. If you are not treating with the appropriate physicians, then we will make doctor recommendations so that you can obtain the required proof to get your claim approved. Don’t assume that a letter from your doctor saying you are disabled is sufficient, because it is not. Disability insurance claim representatives are trained to look for reasons to deny claims. Call us for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you with your short or long term disability claim. At any stage of your disability claim we are available to assist you.

Objective Evidence of A Neck Pain Disability Claim is Very Important

Insurance companies often turn people down because neck problems are common, especially as we grow older. Disability companies will often argue that there is no objective evidence to support restrictions and limitations caused by neck pain. Examples of objective evidence of a neck disorder could be an X-ray, MRI, CT-Scan, EMG, nerve conduction study, discogram or injections performed under fluoroscopy. Objective testing in all neck disability claims is essential. Positive finding are not required to collect, but a disability claim is much more challenging if the objective testing does not have any abnormalities. There are a high percentage of claimants that have normal objective testing but still have debilitating pain. Some long term disability policies require positive findings of radiculopathy or myelopathy in order to receive benefits for longer than 24 months. Our lawyers have handled thousands of neck disorder claims and have an in-depth understanding of all disorders of the cervical spine. It is important to treat with a doctor that knows how to administer the proper diagnostic testing.

Disability Insurance Company Tactics Used to Deny Neck Disability Claims

Most insurance companies hire in-house physicians to review your medical records and make a decision about your ability to work, even though they may never meet claimants or physically examine them. They will also obtain video surveillance of you and have it reviewed by their hired gun physician. Your best defense against this tactic is routine examinations from your treating physician(s) and obtaining the proper diagnostic testing. It is essential to have a treating physician who properly documents all of your complaints, restrictions and limitations. Appeals courts will often rule against insurance companies when they ignore statements from treating physicians. We recommend that people with neck disability claims treat with an orthopedist, neurologist or a pain management doctor, also known as a physiatrist. In some cases we will recommend that our clients undergo a functional capacity exam (FCE). FCE can be useful in the correct types of cases. We also recommend the use of a daily pain journal. Record all the information you have, including dates, symptoms, treatments, medical visits and time taken off work. This could all be important later.

Watch our video or read about how to prove your neck pain is disabling.

Our Experience with Neck and Cervical Spine Disabilities

Some of our successfully resolved cases about cervical spine and neck pain include:

– $79,000 in long term disability insurance benefits is recovered for disabled teacher

– Berkshire approves total disability benefits for litigation attorney following surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and multi-level fusion of cervical spine

– Attorneys Dell & Schaefer win long-term disability trial against Prudential Insurance Company Of America on behalf of time-share salesperson suffering from cervical disc disease

– Lincoln Financial approves long-term disability benefits for financial advisor injured in car accident

Contact our disability insurance lawyers today to find out if we can help. We offer free consultations so you can find out instantly what your best options are.

Resources For Neck Pain Disability Claims

For more information about neck and cervical spine disabilities, visit:

To learn more about how new laws or cases might affect your benefits, check back to this page, as we frequently update it with relevant information.

Recently Resolved Cases (40)

  1. MetLife Approves Long Term Disability Claim For Executive Assistant with Neck Pain
  2. Liberty Mutual Overturns Denial of Disability Benefits Following Submission of an ERISA Appeal
  3. Cigna Overturns Denial of LTD Benefits to Computer Systems Engineer after Appeal and Independent Medical Examination
  4. Berkshire Approves Application for Disability Benefits to Sales Manager
  5. Life Insurance Company of North America (CIGNA) overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for Massachusetts Senior Advisor
  6. Life Insurance Company of North America (CIGNA) overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for New Jersey Account Manager
  7. Prudential overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for Mississippi Nuclear Medicine Tech
  8. After Aetna denied Ms. Garner’s long-term disability claim, Ms. Garner filed suit against Aetna, and the Court overturned Aetna’s decision and ordered it to pay Ms. Garner’s disability benefits
  9. Reliance Standard Reinstates Disability Benefits to Project Manager
  10. After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, Hartford overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Kentucky District Sales Manager
  11. Another Long Term Disability Claim is Reinstated after Disability Attorney Alexander Palamara successfully argues The Standard Insurance Company Mishandled Preexisting Condition Investigation
  12. Cigna Approves Disability Benefits to International Sales Manager
  13. Disability Attorney Alexander Palamara Proves to Unum that Its Decision to Deny Benefits Was Wrong for Claimant Suffering from Heart Conditions
  14. Sun Life Approves Disability Benefits to Surgical Services Director
  15. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy’s Long Term Disability Claim Reinstated Following Appeal by Disability Attorney Alexander Palamara
  16. Cigna overturns Short Term Disability Denial and awards Long Term Disability Benefits
  17. Dell & Schaefer convinces Sun Life to Overturn Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits for a Person Suffering from Severe Cervical Disorders
  18. Florida Nurse wins long term disability benefits from UNUM after Disability Attorney Alex Palamara wins ERISA Appeal
  19. Standard Overturns Denial of Disability Benefits to Chiropractor
  20. Cigna Overturns Denial of Benefits to Data Center Manager
  21. Prudential denies and settles long-term disability claim with CPA after CPA becomes totally disabled from chronic cervical neck pain and radiculopathy
  22. Reliance Standard Overturns Its Decision to Deny; Dell & Schaefer Client Will Again Receive Long Term Disability Benefits
  23. Dell & Schaefer Appeal Successful, Cigna reinstates Long Term Disability Benefits for Lockheed Martin Employee
  24. Principal Approves Long Term Disability Benefits for Surgeon
  25. Hartford Settles Disability Claim of 60 Year-Old Account Executive After Terminating LTD Benefits
  26. Reliance Standard Overturns Denial of LTD Disability Benefits to Timeshare Salesman
  27. Liberty Mutual Overturns Disability Insurance Denial in Ten Days
  28. AT&T Employee Dealing With Sedgwick Has Horrible Disability Benefit Claim Experience
  29. $79,000 in long term disability insurance benefits is recovered for disabled teacher
  30. Unum approves long-term disability benefits for a general surgeon diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease  4
  31. A former podiatrist and current national judo champion and marathon runner collects long-term disability benefits
  32. Attorneys Dell & Schaefer win long-term disability trial against Prudential Insurance Company Of America on behalf of time-share salesperson suffering from cervical disc disease
  33. Attorneys Dell And Schaefer obtain lump sum buy-out of an Unum long term disability insurance policy for a drywall contractor
  34. AXA Equitable and Disability Management Services approves benefits for a chiropractor suffering from lumbar and cervical disc disease
  35. Former options trader receives confidential long-term disability settlement 10 years after his original claim was denied
  36. Lincoln Financial approves long-term disability benefits for financial advisor injured in car accident
  37. Prudential reinstates long-term disability benefits to sales specialist following appeal filed by attorneys Dell & Schaefer
  38. Unum approves dentist for residual/partial long-term disability benefits
  39. Unum approves opthamologist for long-term total disabilty benefits
  40. Jefferson Pilot’s denial of long-term disability benefits to a quality control manager is reversed  2

Cases & Claim Tips (60)

  1. How To Get Long Term Disability Benefits Approved Due To Neck Pain  1
  2. Court Rules That Aetna’s Failure To Consider Plaintiff’s Actual Job Duties Was Arbitrary And Capricious 
  3. Court Rules That MetLife Improperly Limited Proof Of Claim To Only Objective Data 
  4. Court Upholds Reliance’s Denial of Disability Benefits to Riverboat Pilot 
  5. Can UNUM Deny LTD Benefits When Plaintiff Proves Eligibility by a Preponderance of the Evidence? 
  6. Neck Pain and Long Term Disability Insurance Claim Help 
  7. Long Term Disability Claims Due to Back Pain 
  8. Prudential Denies Long Term Disability Claim Due to Insurance Fraud  2
  9. Washington Court Finds Omaha Wrongfully Relied on Video Surveillance to Deny Disability Benefits 
  10. Court Allows Aetna to Use the Dictionary of Occupational Titles to Deny LTD Benefits 
  11. Lincoln Financial Beats to Their Own Drum With Long Term Disability Claims 
  12. Cigna’s Disability Denial Of Woman With Chronic Pain and Depression Reversed And Not Subject to Mental Nervous Limitation 
  13. Northern District of Illinois determines the exception to The Standard’s “limited conditions” provision does not apply when plaintiff failed to provide current positive MRI evidence of a herniated disc  2
  14. Eaton Corporation Employee Losses ERISA Disability Insurance Lawsuit as Court Says Ability to Perform Part-Time Works is Ability to Perform Any Occupation 
  15. Beware of Unfavorable Language Limiting the Maximum Pay Period of Neuromuscular, Musculoskeletal or Soft tissue Disorder in MetLife Group Long-term Disability Policies  3
  16. Hartford abused its discretion by relying on video surveillance and ignoring medical evidence 
  17. Unum Calculation Of Monthly Earnings Results In Loss Of $10,000 Monthly For Quadripeligic Disability Claimant  10
  18. Cigna Denies Disability Benefits, But Additional Information Could Have Resulted In A Victory 
  19. Court Compels Metlife To Reconsider Its Decision To Terminate Claimant’s Long-Term Disability Benefits 
  20. Court Orders Life Insurance Company Of North America To Pay Claimant Long-Term Disability Benefits 
  21. Clopay Corporation Customer Service Representative Sues Prudential For The Wrongful Denial Of Long-Term Disability Benefits 
  22. Wells Fargo disability claimants in Alabama and Florida file lawsuits against Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston for unpaid long term disability benefits 
  23. Registered nurse at Temple University Hospital denied disability benefits, sues Cigna 
  24. Liberty Life faces disability benefit lawsuits in Florida and Maryland for denying disability benefits  2
  25. Five lawsuits recently filed in Florida Courts against Prudential for non-payment of disability benefits to deserving claimants  2
  26. Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston sued under ERISA in three different cases for denial to pay disability benefits 
  27. Nestle Waters employee sues Assurant for denial of disability benefits under ERISA  1
  28. Steel fabricator suffering from disability wins lawsuit against Lincoln National 
  29. Wisconsin disability attorney and client sue Prudential Life Insurance for its “baseless” denial of ERISA disability benefits  2
  30. Arkansas disability attorney filed lawsuit against SunLife on behalf of disabled Buford Media Group, LLC’s Office Manager for denial of disability benefits 
  31. 20 years of receiving disability insurance benefits and CIGNA denies woman’s benefits three separate times  4
  32. Washington attorney sues CIGNA for denying disability benefits during any occupation stage and seeking to collect SSDI overpayment 
  33. Reliance Standard Insurance Company and Lincoln National Life Insurance Company attempt to avoid payment of disability benefits by ignoring claimant’s application 
  34. CIGNA/LINA sued for denying waiver of life insurance premium to caretaker of disabled and mentally challenged adults  6
  35. Federal lawsuit against Hartford Insurance alleges company refuses to pay disabled Patriot Act analyst  13
  36. Broadspire Services terminate long-term disability benefits after paying for 8 years 
  37. Pennsylvania Federal Judge orders Prudential to pay disability benefits to woman diagnosed with RSD 
  38. Prudential ordered by Michigan Court to reconsider long term disability insurance denial 
  39. Sun Life disability insurance benefit denial is reversed after 8 years 
  40. Prudential Disability Claim Denial is Reversed For Relying on Paper Medical Review to Deny Benefits 
  41. First Unum terminates long-term disability benefits after 4 years of paying and SSDI approval  4
  42. Kentucky Court reverses CIGNA’s denial of disability insurance benefits to tradesworker  3
  43. CIGNA can not raise new arguments for disability insurance claim denial at the trial level 
  44. Life Insurance Company of North America (CIGNA) ordered to supply information to disability insurance attorneys 
  45. Life Insurance Company Of North America (CIGNA) wrongfully denies disability benefits to a Kentucky repairman  1
  46. MetLife must reconsider denial of benefits for former MetLife employee 
  47. Hewlett Packard’s denial of disability benefits is upheld by appeals court 
  48. Pennsylvania Federal Court denies Unum’s attempts to dismiss a physician’s bad faith disability lawsuit 
  49. Prudential’s failure to provide documents weighs in long term disability claimant’s favor 
  50. Metlife’s wrongful denial of long-term disability benefits to a Wells Fargo employee is reversed  8
  51. Unum approves long term disability benefits for a financial advisor diagnosed with multiple disc herniations in her neck 
  52. The Standard Disability Insurance Company loses motion to prevent Attorneys Dell & Schaefer from deposing six of the Standard’s employees 
  53. Broadspire and Aetna deny long-term disability benefits to manager suffering from fibromyalgia, arthritis and cervical disc disease 
  54. Attorneys Dell & Schaefer’s client takes her case to trial against Prudential in Hawaii District Court 
  55. MetLife releases priveleged documents prior to entry of ruling by court 
  56. Court upholds Hartford’s denial of long-term disability benefits to a quality technical specialist suffering from cervical disc herniations and vertigo 
  57. Dentist wins right to apply stricter standard of review in her case against Hartford for a claim for long-term disability benefits 
  58. U.S. judge orders Broadspire to reinstate a former bank employee’s disability benefits 
  59. ERISA disability benefits denied by Lumbermens Mutual casualty due to lack of objective evidence 
  60. UNUM ordered to pay disability benefits to legal secretary 

Comments (49)

  • Does severe Spinal Stenosis qualify as a factor for LTD/STD benefits?

    Martin May 11, 2022  #49

  • Carolyn, if you have a short term disability policy then you should apply for those benefits asap if you have not returned to work. Sometimes going a pain management doctor can help and they are often times supportive of claimant’s disabilities.

    Rachel Alters Jun 28, 2018  #48

  • I have to have surgery on my neck. I have been off work with my ill mother for 1 month and do not have enough tome on my leave to cover me until my surgery date which my doctor have scheduled for August 15… my fear is I will lose my benefits before I can have the surgery.

    I need a doctor that will understand I can not work for this pain is so bad and I should not have to wait this long to get treatment. I need help now.

    Carolyn B. Jun 27, 2018  #47

  • Shawn, if you are not able to work due to your medical conditions and you have a disability insurance policy you could certainly explore filing a claim for benefits. If you’d like to discuss your situation and your policy in detail, please feel free to contact our office.

    Stephen Jessup Jan 12, 2018  #46

  • Good evening, I’m 43 years old and have had three back surgeries (laminectomy). My doctor recommends fourth surgery (spinal fusion ), but insurance denied it. They want me to try therapy but I’m out of work and can’t afford my 20%. So I’m medicating, and up under a pain management specialists getting injections and pain patches. None of it is working long enough, I have breakthrough pain. I suffer from cervical dystonia and couldn’t afford the 20% for botox. Should I file for disability again?

    Shawn Jan 11, 2018  #45

  • Susan, if you have disability insurance coverage through your employer and would like to discuss your situation and policy please feel free to contact our office.

    Stephen Jessup Sep 4, 2017  #44

  • I am 50. I been with same company 17 years. I was recently diagnosed with what doctor called cervical spine disease and carpal tunnel. I get headaches and I’m in constant pain. Right now I feel like puking and my neck is throbbing. I am a banker with all the insurances. I’m not sure how much longer I can work though. I am forcing myself now because I make pretty good money and don’t want to impact it. The pain in my neck is debilitating, and radiates through my shoulders and between shoulder blades. Doctor has not said it is from computer, and phones in the crook of my neck for 17 years, but I’ve never hurt my neck. The 17 years of computer Work sometimes with no break or lunch, and before they made us go hourly from salary it could be 10 hours with out a lunch or few minutes break. I work for one of the largest banks in the US.

    Susan Sep 2, 2017  #43

  • Suzanne, who is your disability insurance company, and when did they deny your claim?

    Stephen Jessup Jul 7, 2017  #42

  • Hi. I turn 50 in July. I had neck surgery, in 2010, I have MRI, nerve text. I go thru horrible pain from sitting, standing, lying down always in pain, neck pain lower back pain. I sleep 2 to 3 hours. Yes i had the nerve text done, I have 75% nerve damage, lower back bulging disk, no feeling on my left and right arm and legs, my anxiety is bad to a point I can not drive, scared to go out side scared to drive. I the medication Norrco and muscle relaxers only mask the pain for 1 to 2 hours, the side affects are just horrible.

    I applied for disability to get denied twice, I’ve been to their doctor’s when they send you, to find out they don’t see disability. I worked all my life, I been off work for a year, I’m an Armed Gurard. Yes I been healthy all my life until I was in 3 car accidents and one semi truck accident complete destroyed me physically, mentally, emotionally, standing sitting walking doing chores bathing are just a few numbered of the struggles I go thru. Why am I getting denied?

    Suzanne Jul 4, 2017  #41

  • Bob, without a better understanding of your disability policy, occupational information and medical information we would not be able to say. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your pending claim.

    Stephen Jessup Jun 13, 2017  #40

  • Hi,

    I am being treated by a pain management doctor for lower back pain and my case is currently being evaluated by the ltd insurance company. I had positive results for mild spinal stenosis, positive findings on an emg and nerve conduction study. Is it likely my claim will be approved?

    Thanks

    Bob Jun 13, 2017  #39

  • Angela, have you considered filing for disability?

    Stephen Jessup May 16, 2017  #38

  • I am 50 years old and have worked for the federal government for over 14 years now in sedentary desk jobs. I was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis, DDD, radiculopathy, and nerve damage to lower left side back in 2014, and now suffer from episodes of Sciatica. My employer (Department of Veterans Affairs) denied my reasonable request to telework like many other co-workers. So they decided a sit-stand workstation was a sufficient accommodation. They have medical statements from both my Pain Management Specialist and my Water Physical Therapist provided my employer with medical proof, diagnosis, and symptoms which limit my ability to walk, sit, stand, bend, stoop, etc., without having access to hot showers two to three times per day, and a bed to allow me to lay with feet propped up, and the ability to rotate positions while in bed. For that my employer stated they will be installing a medical bed in an empty small office for my back disease. I was told to go home to take a shower, then return to work. I live approximately 20 to 25 miles from work. The Union President stopped the meeting at that time and stated that the option to go home to shower, then return to work was highly uneasiness and suggested I file a complaint with the EEOC. He stated that my employer was doing everYthing in their power, including financial, to prevent me from teleworking. Furthermore, the medical bed would be degrading while other employees observe me going to and from the office with the medical bed. In additional, that would be highly unsanitary. The Management Team that blatantly disregarded my Pain Manage Specialist concern about not allowing my to telework would be detrimental to me physically and mentally. She is also a Surgeon, yet the Management Team who decided my fate, has no medical background and did not schedule me to see their doctor(s). I have to report to work and sit, stand, walk, all of which are causes for exacerbating my pain, and creating episodes of Sciatica. Which anyone who has experienced it, knows it is very painful. They should not be allowed to make medical devious or RA for disabled employees. And ironically, I’m a Veteran working for the Department of Veterans Affairs!!

    Angela May 13, 2017  #37

  • Tom, please feel free to contact our office to discuss the potential filing of a disability claim under your employer’s disability plan. We will need to see a copy of the policy to best be able to advise you of your options.

    Stephen Jessup May 9, 2017  #36

  • Hello. My name is Tom, for the last six years since at my current job I have been going to pain management, I have occipital neuralgia, chronic neck and lower back problems and bad anxiety, I’m still working but in constant pain and head aches, very well documented but so scared and worried to leave my job because I have 3 children to support, how could I file? I also pay extra for if I get hurt at work or home, but don’t know what to do as I can’t afford to be out of work. Could you please help?

    Tom May 4, 2017  #35

  • Erik, as the benefits from the policy would represent a portion of your financial outlook for years to come it is always wise to consult with an attorney to review your policy and discuss with you your options under same. Applications for benefits under private disability policies set the tone for your entire claim and the last place you’d like to find yourself is having to potentially sue a carrier for benefits. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your situation further and for a free review of your policy.

    Stephen Jessup Apr 10, 2017  #34

  • I am 50 and a vascular surgeon and for years I have been operating with severe pain in my neck/ shoulder because of the posture I have to maintain during long surgery. Obviously I can’t take narcotics or muscle relaxants during surgery. I have cervical arthritis and C5-C6 herniated disc. I have Ameriprise long term disability insurance with the OWN OCC rider. I am thinking of quiting and just become a teacher. When I asked an attorney about this his response was surprisingly, that this kind of case is very easy, and I do not need an attorney, unless they deny it on the first go around. What are your thoughts to approach this? Thanks.

    Erik Apr 7, 2017  #33

  • Marshall, if you have a disability insurance policy through your employer you could explore your options in making a claim under same. If you have a copy of your policy or are able to obtain one please feel free to contact our office to review it and discuss your options.

    Stephen Jessup May 18, 2016  #32

  • 9 months ago I was diagnosed with DDD I had severe stenosis in c6 c7, with stenosis in c5 c6 and c4 c5. The neurologist completed a fusion of C5 c6 c7 and I went on ( not pain free) after 4 months they started physical therapy and the pain became unbearable and my balance issues worsened and I started having severe headaches and falling again causing pain to return in my lower back (where I have mild stenosis, I have had 3 steroid injections in the last 9 months in L3 L4). I stopped physical therapy and returned 2 months ago to my neurologist who said the x-rays looked ok and I shouldn’t be in pain that my falling was from” my legs being weak and I need to strengthen my legs”. Finally after pressure from my primary care physician and pain management doctor(from the surgury center that gave lumbar injections) the neurologist ordered a new MRI, his nurse called the next day and scheduled an appointment for the next week where he informed me I now need a fusion of the C4 C5. Besides being extremely frustrated that I have to go through another surgery I am on the road as a Factory Rep so I manage my pain by taking 12 to 16 over the counter migraine pills per day( being that I drive 5k plus miles per month. I spend too much time pulling over and walking or reclining my seat with a pillow to relieve pain. My fear is that with the second cervical fusion in less than a year I don’t know if I can continue to tolerate the pain and preform my job duties. Any suggestions?

    Marshall C. May 17, 2016  #31

  • Vic, we do not handle SSDI claims, only claims under private disability insurance policies. However, please feel free to contact our office and we can assist you in contacting a SSDI attorney near you that may be able to answer your questions.

    Stephen Jessup Mar 22, 2016  #30

  • I am 55 years old, and I have degenerative bone and disc disease and spinal stenosis in my lumbar spine and cervical spine according to multiple MRI(s) and x-rays. I use a medically prescribed walker, because I am unable to walk without assistance, due to constant pain and bad knees. I worked for 38 years and I have not been able to work now for over a year now. I applied for Social Security Disability over a year ago, and I am still waiting for a determination. All my medical records, doctor’s letters, and even SSD’s doctors medical and mental evaluations have been submitted. I, verified that all the medical doctors did in fact disabled me, several months ago; but still nothing has been determined. Please advise what should be my next step? Is this normal procedure? Each time I inquire, I am told medical is in review.

    Vic Mar 19, 2016  #29

  • Maria, FMLA time is for a pre-determined period of time as set forth by the government. I recommend you contact your HR department to discuss your options.

    Stephen Jessup Mar 14, 2016  #28

  • Can I have 2 FMLA’s at once? The second one would help me secure LTD thru my work because I’m past the 90 pre existing time. This is 200% legitimate and my doctor is very supportive. I have applied for STD under the first FMLA. However, LTD will likely be denied due to pre existing clause.

    Maria Mar 9, 2016  #27

  • Marion, please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions regarding your STD claim.

    Stephen Jessup Feb 15, 2016  #26

  • I work from home as tech support for a Electronics company. I am seeing a chiropractor for 4 of 7 vertebrae being out of line in my neck. She called it Cervical Subluxation. And All the bones on the left side are pushing together so the left hip is higher. I’m only 32 but I sit at a desk for 10 hours/day, 4 days a week. The job ergo department has provided me with a monitor riser, ergo keyboard and mouse, footstool and back support. I’m not doing anything under worker’s comp, just personal. I have just filed a claim for short term disability with my company. My treatment will be 18 weeks long – 3x/week for the first 6 weeks, 2x/week for the second 6 weeks and once a week for the last 6 weeks. She got X-Rays done the first day I saw her and she said that if I need to do an FMLA leave to just bring the paperwork and they’ll fill it out; that they do it all the time.
    I work overnight so I have to sleep during the day. She wants me to come in right after work or 2 hours before I get off. I can’t do that and sleep and function. And so far my treatments have resulted in me not feeling too great afterwards and waking up some mornings feeling horrible or missing sleep due to pain. I want to take a full LOA during the first 6 weeks at least to ensure that I can rest and exercise as necessary during the treatment. I’m just hoping that my claim won’t be denied. I’m afraid that there won’t be sufficient evidence to take the LOA and that they’ll deny the claim. But I can’t be taking intermittent leaves because I’ll be missing hours and won’t be paid for that. That’s why I need to apply for a short term disability leave instead. Makes things easier on me for treatment.

    Marion Feb 13, 2016  #25

  • Rachelle,

    With respect to “help” do you mean help in filing your claim for disability benefits? If so, please feel free to contact our office to discuss. Additionally, if you don’t have a copy of your STD and LTD policy I recommend you request one from your employer.

    Stephen Jessup Nov 23, 2015  #24

  • I was recently diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy. I am scheduled to see a neurologist that specializes in the spine 12-14-15. I am worried because I have been unable to work the past week. I work in a call center, which means I am on the phones and type 8 hours of the day. My work station has three computers and it was not only painful to turn my head, but the numbness in my arm and hand became unbearable. I tried to work through it, but I just couldn’t take it anymore. I’ve had an x-ray, nerve conduction test, and an MRI which state that I have multi-level degeneration and carpal tunnel. I requested FMLA and had to fight my employer just for them to give me the FMLA form to take to my doctor. (I think they were trying to build a case to fire me due to missed days) I was afraid so I caught the bus down to the U.S. Department of Labor to seek advice. They told me to state my FMLA rights to the employer and threaten to file a claim against them if they still refused to give me the FMLA form. I did that and they finally emailed the form to me last Tuesday. I know that I cannot type for long periods of time, nor sit at that desk with those three computer screens. So along with the FMLA papers I asked that my employer also send me Short Term Disability papers. Just like the FMLA, I think I am in for a fight with the STD. I don’t know what to do, I am nervous about all of this is going to work out. Every time I try to sit down and figure things out I become stressed, and the stress causes my neck to hurt. I am so worried sometimes I actually feel like vomiting (sorry). I don’t know what to do, or which way to turn….I just know that I cannot do this job right now. I need to see this specialist, and figure out the treatment for my spine. I do plan on calling you guys….I can’t think of what else to do. I am afraid to face my employer alone….they are being very nasty, especially since I had threatened them with filing a claim with the U.S. Department of Labor. I really hope you guys can help….

    Rachelle P. Nov 22, 2015  #23

  • Kathy,

    You will need to consult with a SSDI attorney to determine your rights. Please note we only handle short and long term disability insurance claims through private companies. If you are in need of assistance in finding a SSDI attorney in your area please feel free to contact our office and we can assist you with same

    Stephen Jessup Jul 29, 2015  #22

  • Welcome to the world of the silent pain, the invisible pain… Occipital neuralgia! I have always had chronic migraines and worked 2 and three jobs at times. I fell in august a year ago and ended up with a concussion. I do not understand what the SSA wants from me!!!! I see a neurologist regularly and all my condition’s are supported with test, “syncope, Occipital neuralgia, chronic migraine”. I at times feel so depressed and never sleep good because you can find no comfortable way to lay…I sleep with a trash can next to my bed because of severe nausea. I am now 54 and only looking for any advice to help me live in a bit of peace. I know I will never feel the same, but at least let me eat… I paid in to SSA for 38 years and was hoping more but things beyond my control happened and lost my job after my FMLA ran out and now I qualify for nothing…

    Kathy Barnette Jul 28, 2015  #21

  • Sharon,

    If you cannot return to work due to your conditions then you should most certainly appeal the denial. Please feel free to contact our office for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you in securing your benefit.

    Stephen Jessup Jul 15, 2015  #20

  • I have had 3 cervical fusions, a triple laminectomy, had a plate and screws put in my neck. They also had to fix my shoulder that some how was ripped severely. I am on SSDI and LTD. This month my LTD is 5 years and Cigna just cut it off with out any notice. I found out by looking online. I am a CPA but can not longer sit in front of a computer for very long. I have very limited movement of my head and am in severe pain 80 percent of the time. My policy I need to be able to make 80 of my previous earnings adjusted for CPI. This 80% is about $80,000. There is no possible way I can earn this since there is no way I could work anywhere near a 40 hour week. I am 58 years of age. Should I be appealing this?

    Sharon G Jul 14, 2015  #19

  • Elizabeth,

    Based on the information provided you would need to contact our office and speak with one of the disability attorneys to determine any potential course of action. Please feel free to contact our office if you are interested.

    Stephen Jessup Jun 30, 2015  #18

  • I’m 53 years old, with bi-lateral carpal tunnel. I just had surgery for left hand carpal tunnel and trigger thumb. Still need surgery on right hand. I also have moderate cervical stenosis, always in pain. I have 28 years with the Postal Service as a mail carrier, I retire in 2years. Need advice on hiring a disability attorney, or the question is should I?

    Elizabeth Martinez Jun 29, 2015  #17

  • Desireia,

    You will need to consult with a social security attorney to determine your eligibility for benefits in light of your work status. Please feel free to contact our office and we can assist you in contacting one.

    Stephen Jessup Mar 1, 2015  #16

  • Hi, I am 35 years of age. I have been diagnosed with crohn’s disease and degenerative disk disease with bulging disk of the spine. I recently had a fusion done – 6 screws with a plate in my neck. Before the surgery I worked full time at a factory. Not by my choice, the probation department told me I had to work or go to jail. I told them I was signed up for SSI they said that they didn’t care. So while working my medical conditions have gotten worse. I needed emergency surgery. I lost all feeling to my arms and legs. I have a disability hearing in march with the law judge. Do you think they will deny me because I was working a full time job while waiting for a disability hearing?

    Desireia Feb 28, 2015  #15

  • Cee Cee,

    You will need to consult with a social security attorney- please feel free to contact our office to assist you in contacting one. Do you have any other disability insurance coverage through a private or employer provided policy? With respect to the surgery, without detailed information it would be impossible to determine whether you have any actionable claims.

    Stephen Jessup Feb 28, 2015  #14

  • I had a urology surgery done on Feb 5 2015. Before the surgery I spoke with the Anasthesiologist and he had asked me about my egg aldehyde because of the kind of anasthesia that they use. I ended up throwing up during the surgery. I now have occipital nerve damage from my head being turned too forcefully so that I wouldn’t get chemical pneumonia. I went to Neurologist and had an MRI done on the cervical spine. It ended up showing that I have degenerative arthritis with a diagnosis of cervical disc displacement. Can I possibly receive social security disability for this? Can I sue someone for hurting my neck during surgery?

    Cee Cee Feb 27, 2015  #13

  • Victoria,

    Are you covered under an individual or employer provided disability insurance policy? If so, please feel free to contact our office for a free review of same. If you are not, your only option for disability benefits would be SSDI, if you have the requisite work credits.

    Stephen Jessup Dec 21, 2014  #12

  • Hi. I am 60 years of age. A year ago I was diagnosed with spinal Stenosis and arthritis in my neck. In January of this year I was diagnosed with Emphysema. I have continued to work as a school sub on and off but the pain is becoming so hard. I also have discoid Lupus. Anyway, I am wondering if I should just apply for disability as working is taking a toll on my body. Thanks. I am 5 ft 3 inches and 130 pounds so I am not in a bad way this way. I hope you can help me.

    Victoria Lor Dec 20, 2014  #11

  • Teresa,

    Each case is very fact specific to medical condition, level of treatment, restrictions on account of same, and the duties of your occupation. Without knowledge as to the preceding it would be hard to know.

    Stephen Jessup May 28, 2014  #10

  • I’ve worked for the USPS for 31 years. I’ve had a cervicle fushion 12 years ago. My surgeon says I need another one. Severe cervicle stenosis. I retire in 3 years. I cannot do my duties at work and miss a lot. I have allot of flare ups. No matter what I do it’s always painfull. How hard would it be to get disability retirement from the P.O.?

    Teresa Forrester May 27, 2014  #9

  • Joanne,

    Entitlement to SSDI is based on having sufficient work credits to be eligible for benefits and then having a medical condition that would prevent you from working. I would suggest you consult with an attorney that specializes in SSDI. Additionally, I would suggest that you speak to your employer to see if they have a group disability policy you might be eligible for benefits under.

    Stephen Jessup Mar 29, 2014  #8

  • I was working for Sam’s Club, and in 2008 I injured myself. I was doing a lot of lifting. I collected unemployment and a settlement, because of my injury at Sam’s Club. I had injured my neck pretty bad. I was told in the settlement, that Sam’s Club is being held responsible for the injury. Now, it is 2014 and the pain in my neck as gotten worse. I have such bad neck aches that the pain is very sharp, like needles going up to the back of my neck. Since Sam’s Club said they are taking full responsibility for this problem, would I be able to apply for SSDI? I have saved all of my papers from my attorney and Sam’s Club.

    Joanne Mar 28, 2014  #7

  • Dana,

    Without knowing the language in your policy or a better understanding of your medical conditions, occupational duties, and how the former affects the latter, we would not be able to say. Please feel free to contact our office should you wish to discuss how we may be able to assist you.

    Stephen Jessup Mar 2, 2014  #6

  • I am about to turn 50 years of age, I have had 3 cervical spine surgeries, first being a single level anterior Discectomy and fusion with bone graft due to disk (herniation and compressed spinal cord), the 2nd in 2008 being 5 level Anterior Discectomy, fusion with hardware – I know have 5 plates and 12 screws down my entire neck – (herniated disk, kyphosis, osteoarthritis and compressed spinal cord with degenerative disk disease). 3rd 2010 for a posterior Foraminotomy of one level (nerve root compression that did not resolve with the previous surgery). I just had a 2 level microdisectomy – L4-5 and L2-3 surgery done on my lower back as well for (herniated disc, nerve root compression). I have chronic pain, neck pain and headaches along with pain, tingling and numb feelings that go down my left arm into my hand. It was also noted I have occipital Neuralgia. I have Fibromyalgia as well. I was told recently that my neck also requires another surgery to try to help some of the symptoms but it is not a simple surgery and my neck is very complicated the Dr. said. I do not wish to have a 4th surgery. With my low back issue my legs are week and I have no endurance to withstand any distance walking or standing any duration right now longer than about 10-15 mins time. I am also being treated now for depression as well as the Fibro and still in post op from back surgery. I have also just been issued a Perm Handicap tag by my primary doctor. My employment work position is fairly sedentary, I am a Medical receptionist, there is a lot of sitting, getting up and down, continuous work on the computer and phones it requires accuracy especially dealing with medical messages etc., assisting patients as needed. But, I have a lot of fatigue, requiring me to lay down several times a day, the chronic pain and stiffness make it near or impossible to even get up and the headaches or fairly continues several times a week. I have muscle spasms that occur out of no where and it is never a given of when any of these will strike. I have been with my office 7 years, missed a lot of work with the multiple surgeries, late getting in due to not moving, brain fog and sluggishness. I have had to leave many times due to the headaches and or spasms or pain is just too much. I have been on Short Term Disability and have been sent forms from my employer for Long Term Disability to be applied for. I am seeking to file for SSD and am wondering really what are the chances of my LTD being approved.

    Dana Mar 1, 2014  #5

  • Mike,

    You are in a very tough position as you have a great job. If you get laid off, you may have no coverage at all, so you need to consider this. You may also be eligible for SSDI as well. You need to obtain a copy of your STD and LTD disability plan documents from your employer. Contact us privately and we will let you know how we can assist you.

    Gregory Dell Dec 20, 2013  #4

  • I am working right now only 4 hours a day and finding it very difficult. I just had my second neck surgery in 4 years. I have been diagnosed with neck pain, neck cervical stenosis, neck disk disease and some other I think. Also arthritis. This last surgery was for a disk out of place that was making my right arm not to work. Well they put a metal sky cage and some screws in the back of my neck and fused something together. I thought this was for my neck pain until the surgeon said this is basically for your arm to start working again. My first surgery the doctor worked on c-2 all the way up to the top one. The second surgery was just c6-c7 fusion. My pain is awful. I work as a cashier in the corporate deli at Costco. I make good money and great benifts but I am afraid I cannot do the work as I am in pain all the time. My physical therapist said changing to a desk job will not stop your pain as you are looking down at a computer and still pulling the muscles in the back of the neck which is where all my problems are the worst. I started back to work after this last surgery 3 weeks ago. I had to have my doctor adjust my resctions to more weeks at 4 hour days as this is all I can take. I then go home and use ice the rest of the day. I feel this last surgery made my neck worse. I take pain medicine 120 oxycodone a week but find myself coming up short lots of the time as I have to take them in the middle of the night when I wake up 3-4 times a night. I do not get more than 3-4 hours of sleep at a time. So I don’t know what to do. I am now starting to think I might go for this disability thing even though I would lose Costco (the best job I have ever had and my benefits). Next week I am suppose to go to 6 hour shifts for two weeks then back to full time. I do not know If I can do the 6 hours shifts. I have had to leave early because of the pain even though I still take the pain medicine. What should I do? Who can live on 1040.00 a month? Thanks, Mike Green.

    Mike Green Dec 19, 2013  #3

  • Mark,

    The short answer is that MetLife can ask as often as they want. Sometimes they ask Monthly and sometimes they ask annually. There is not consistency with MetLife.

    Gregory Dell Oct 19, 2011  #2

  • I have been approved for Social Security disability benefits and receive them. I also have been approved for disability benefits with MetLife and receive them (till 2024). My question is how often can MetLife ask for supportive medical documentation? They received everything, all office visits, M.R.I’s and cat scans, x-rays. The last visit was 7/2011, now 3 months later they want follow up doctor’s notes by 10/2011, but my next appointment is not until 1/2012.

    Mark Finkelstein Oct 19, 2011  #1

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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.

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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.

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No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via telephone, e-mail, fax, GoToMeeting.com 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.

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When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-682-8331 or by email. Lawyer 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.

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