New York Life
I can't do anything, but New York Life says I can work and they are denying me what I paid for for several years.
I have had back problems since 2008. I had my surgery on my back dec 2008. I have been driving a bus since march of 2008. In 2009 I opted for STD coverage. In 2011, I started dealing with pain again. For the 2012/2013 I had to lower my hours from 6 to 4 because the pain was becoming more regular. I had been under the care of a neurologist since 2008 ’til he passed away in 2012. After that I was under pain management. The 2013/2014 school year I went back to 6 hours because of the need of income. March 2014 I had to go on medical leave because I was experiencing agonizing pain. For the past 2 years I had a note stating that it was known that I had to take medication on a regular basis. Between March 2014 and April 2014 I had been moved up to other medication. I was put on indefinite leave April 16, 2014 because of the pain and the medications that I am taking. My MRI in May stated that I have mild stenosis, mild to moderate degeneration, bulging disks, and I also have neuropathy, stenosis, a tumor inside a vertebrae, fusion between 2 vertebrae, and arthritis in the spine. New York Life turned me down stating that theres not enough evidence to show that I can’t work. I am appealing the decision since I have the May MRI. I had dif MRI when I applied in March. I also sent in the paper from the Dr. that New York Life had them fill out saying that I couldn’t return to work. I got another letter the other day saying that they are looking over the appeal but they will basically deny it because not much info has changed. I can’t sit upright but about 20 min without agonizing pain. I can’t stand or walk but a few min without agonizing pain. I can’t do anything at home. I can barely shower, and I can’t even do that everyday anymore. I can’t clean. Sleep in the same bed with my husband. I can’t drive far without the risk of getting too drowsy and having to fight dozing. But New York Life says I can work and they are denying me what I paid for for several years.
Reply
Sonya, what you are experiencing is common when dealing with New York Life. Insurance companies have an unspoken motto that “diagnosis does not equal disability” meaning that although they will acknowledge your diagnosis they will argue there is not sufficient evidence to establish restrictions and limitations from working. If New York Life denies your pending appeal please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we may be able to assist you.
