Question
Can I add a physical disability claim to my mental health one without seeing a doctor (hard to get an appointment with COVID)?
I have had to collect from New York Life for a mental health claim. The claim ends in July but for the last 4/5 months I have had some mobility issues with my right arm. I really didn’t think it was anything to even worry about but it has gone on for long enough that I really do want to find out the cause. With the coronavirus I’m not able to get into my regular doctor. The New York Life agent told me to call her after I had seen my doctor. Not sure where I could go from here. The agent was very concerned and told me to keep her informed on anything that happened. Is this anything that you could help with? I know it doesn’t look good going from a mental health claim to a physical claim but right arm numbness is pretty substantial. I’m right-handed. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
Heather, the only way to effectively include your physical disability claim is to see a physician qualified to treat you for that condition. They will likely want to conduct MRIs of your spine and arm as well as do a thorough examination. Your doctor will need to document the limitations caused by your arm pain and support the disability caused by this condition to New York Life. They will need to complete Attending Physician Forms and provide proof sufficient to New York Life to prove that your arm condition prevents you from performing any gainful occupation.
