Collecting PTSD Disability Benefits Is A Reality

Disability insurance carriers often deny the limitations caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). How can disability insurance attorneys Dell & Schaefer assist you with a PTSD claim for disability benefits?

As disability attorneys, Dell & Schaefer have represented numerous long term disability claimants that have been unable to work as a result of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In many of the PTSD claims we handled we often see disability carriers attempt to deny a PTSD claim based upon the act of war exclusion in most disability insurance policies.

It is not unusual for a person disabled by PTSD to become unable to work many months or even years after the traumatic event that contributes to the PTSD diagnosis. As a result, many disability insurance companies will wrongfully argue that there is nothing wrong with you since you have been able to work for so many months or years after your traumatic event. For example, our firm represents numerous 9/11 World Trade Center survivors that attempted to work for several months or even years after the 9/11 attacks. Most of the 9/11 claimants we represent continue to have significant limitations and restrictions as a result of PTSD.

Disability Attorneys Dell & Schaefer have an expansive understanding of the significant restrictions and limitations that a person suffering with post traumatic stress disorder must live with on a daily basis. We have worked closely with top physicians in order to sufficiently satisfy a disability carrier’s threshold of evidence necessary to prove that a client is disabled by suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

Not everyone suffering from post traumatic stress disorder qualifies for long-term disability benefits; therefore the medical records of each client must be reviewed to determine the level of restrictions. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your long-term disability claim. You can contact us for a free initial consultation.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that’s triggered by a traumatic event.

Many people who are involved in traumatic events have a brief period of difficulty adjusting and coping. Normally with time and healthy coping methods, these traumatic reactions usually improve. In some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or even years. In these cases, a person may have post-traumatic stress disorder.

Getting treatment as soon as possible after post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms develop may prevent PTSD from becoming a long-term condition.

Researchers are still trying to better understand what causes someone to get post-traumatic stress disorder. As with most mental illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder is probably caused by a complex mix of an inherited predisposition to psychiatric illness, the amount and severity of trauma a person has experienced and the way your brain regulates the chemicals and hormones releases in response to stress.

People of all ages can have post-traumatic stress disorder. Approximately 7.7 million Americans, aged 18 and older suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder is especially common among those who have served in combat, and it’s sometimes called “shell shock,” “battle fatigue” or “combat stress.”

Women are four times more likely than men to develop PTSD. Experts believe this is because women are at increased risk of experiencing the kinds of interpersonal violence, such as sexual violence, which can lead to PTSD.

People of all ages can have post-traumatic stress disorder. Approximately 7.7 million Americans, aged 18 and older suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder is especially common among those who have served in combat, and it’s sometimes called “shell shock,” “battle fatigue” or “combat stress.”

Women are four times more likely than men to develop PTSD. Experts believe this is because women are at increased risk of experiencing the kinds of interpersonal violence, such as sexual violence, which can lead to PTSD.

Other traumatic events also can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, including fire, natural disaster, mugging, robbery, assault, civil conflict, car accident, plane crash, torture, kidnapping, life-threatening medical diagnosis, terrorist attack and other extreme or life-threatening events.

How the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect you

Post-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt your whole life: your job, your relationships and even your enjoyment of everyday activities.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms are commonly grouped into three types: intrusive memories, avoidance and numbing, and increased anxiety or emotional arousal (hyperarousal).

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include flashbacks in which a person may relive the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time or have recurring nightmares of the event.

Symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbing may include trying to avoid thinking of the traumatic event, feeling emotionally numb, avoiding activities previously enjoyed, a sense of hopelessness, memory and concentration problems and difficulty maintaining close relationships.

Symptoms of anxiety and increased emotional arousal may include increased irritability or anger, overwhelming guilt or shame, self destructive behavior (such as alcoholism or drug addiction), insomnia, and being easily startled or frightened. Having PTSD also may place you at a higher risk of other mental health problems, such as depression, drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts and actions. In most disability claims we have handled a person suffering with PTSD usually is suffering with either depression or anxiety at the same time.

In addition, studies of war veterans who suffer from PTSD have demonstrated a link between PTSD and the development of medical illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.

Types of treatment for post traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment often includes both medications and psychotherapy. This combined approach can help improve your symptoms and teach you skills to cope better with the traumatic event and its aftermath.

Treatment may include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD and trauma involves carefully and gradually “exposing” yourself to thoughts, feelings, and situations that remind you of the trauma. Therapy also involves identifying upsetting thoughts about the traumatic event and replacing them with more balanced picture.

Another type of therapy is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation, such as hand taps or sounds. Eye movements and other bilateral forms of stimulation are thought to work by “unfreezing” the brain’s information processing system, which is interrupted in times of extreme stress, leaving only frozen emotional fragments which retain their original intensity. Once EMDR frees these fragments of the trauma, they can be integrated into a cohesive memory and processed.

Since PTSD affects both you and those closest to you, family therapy can be especially beneficial. Family therapy can help loved ones understand what you’re going through and help everyone in the family communicate better and work through relationship problems.

Medication is sometimes prescribed to people with PTSD to relieve secondary symptoms of depression or anxiety, but it does not treat the causes of PTSD.

Resources

There are many valuable sources of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) information available. You can also access resources over the internet such as:

There are numerous charities dedicated to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research, detection and treatment including Anxiety Disorders Association of America

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.

Learn more

Sue Your Disability Insurance Company

We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide.

Learn more

Protect Your Benefits
Get Your Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Learn more

Prevent a Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Learn more

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.

Learn more

Disability Company Reviews
(641)
Showing 8 of 641 Reviews
New York Life

Keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting

Reviewed by M.T. on February 15th 2024   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
I have been appealing a claim for LTD for 8 months! New York Life keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting ... read more >
Reliance Standard

Staff Lie

Reviewed by Tanya on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | August 2021 date of disability
I had my disability cut off the day I was scheduled to find out whether I should have surgery. The claims examiner was aware that I had an appointment on that date and sai... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It’s crazy that Reliance Standard would deny your disability benefits when you are suffering so badly that you need surgery.... read more >

Hartford

Former Hartford employee has had life insurance and accidental death policy's revoked for one late premium payment

Reviewed by Becky H. THOMAS on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | February 2024 date of disability
Dislike how they are constantly interrupting the lives of their disabled EE's whom are entitled to benefit which they paid into out of there pay check every pay period onl... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Thank you for your review of Hartford and we appreciate you sharing.  It’s sad they don’t take care of their own employees.

Lincoln Financial

Never received benefits my entire leave - or help with them

Reviewed by Anna on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I used my short term disability insurance for maternity leave and started the process beforehand knowing when I would be out (scheduled induction.) It took a little over a... read more >
Sun Life

Unscrupulous Tactics

Reviewed by Misseekayy on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
Sunlife uses unscrupulous tactics in order to prevent payment of claims. They wait until it is close to the 30 day mark and then they ask for another form of information o... read more >
Sedgwick

Lame

Reviewed by Dennis T. on December 11th 2023   Verified Policyholder | March 2022 date of disability
My experience with Sedgwick and personell is as follows: Unhelpful, unprofessional and an overall unpleasant experience.
Hartford

Lack of respect, consideration, compassion and professionalism

Reviewed by Talita on January 23rd 2020   Verified Policyholder
My complaint about The Hartford is about the lack of respect, consideration, compassion and professionalism that I have been suffering.On December 4th, 2019 I had a pa... read more >
Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial approved my claim after I was denied WC, but now they won't pay me.

Reviewed by C on November 1st 2017   Verified Policyholder
I am a RN. I was diagnosed with PTSD after witnessing a horrible incident at work (hippa). HR wanted me to file for workmans comp but it was denied because it was mental h... read more >
Reply
Sent on November 1st 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

C, please contact our office to discuss your claim. As there has been no formal denial of benefits your recourse is limited to a few options, but there should not be an... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(2)
Showing 2 of 2 Answered Questions

Q: Can MOO deny my claim on the basis of preexisting condition when my condition is not preexisting?

Answered on October 27th 2018 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Doomed, if your claim has been denied then Mutual of Omaha will give you the right to appeal. Pre-existing con... Read More >

Q: Where does PTSD fall in to my Guardian LTD?

Answered on April 5th 2018 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Frank, Limitations for mental health conditions are common in disability policies and alcoholism as well as PT... Read More >
Helpful Videos
(873)
Showing 12 of 873 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(330)
Showing 8 of 330 Benefit Tips

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 concern... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company

When you're seeking disability benefits under a long term disability policy, your medical rec... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

One thing many long term disability claimants don't know about (or expect) from the claims re... 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... 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 th... Read More >

Disability Denial Reason #1 – Paper Review & IME

At Dell Disability Lawyers, we've seen insurance companies give countless reasons to deny lon... Read More >

How to Apply for Reliance Standard Disability Benefits & Top 5 Reasons for a Claim Denial

At Dell & Schaefer we’ve handled hundreds of long term disability insurance claims against Reliance Standard, and have learned a few thi... Read More >

Applying for Standard Disability Benefits? Top 5 Claim Denial Reasons

At Dell & Schaefer, we've helped hundreds of clients recover long term disability benefit... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(372)
Showing 8 of 372 Dell Disability Cases

Engineer With Depression Wins Prudential LTD Appeal

The claimant is a former Senior Technology Services Engineer for Accolade, Inc. who was force... Read More >

Unum Approves Long Term Disability Application to a Program Manager

Our client, a high level Program Manager for a large international aeronautics company, was involved in an automobile accident that resulted i... Read More >

CIGNA overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for New Jersey Account Manager

Our client, Mr. W, formerly worked as an Account Manager for a large entertainment Company. In May 2015 a number of co-morbid physical and psy... Read More >

CIGNA overturned previous denial of both long term disability benefits for Massachusetts IT Procurement Specialist

Our client, Ms. K, formerly worked as an IT Procurement Specialist for a large international technology company, which required “sedentaryâ€... Read More >

Prudential overturns denial of Long Term Disability Benefits for Vietnam War Veteran after Lawyers from Dell Disability Lawyers file appeal

It is undisputed that our client served honorably in the Vietnam War during the time period of 1968 to 1969. Most recently he had been an empl... Read More >

Cigna Overturns Denial of LTD Disability Benefits to Off Shore Oil Rigger Suffering From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Prior to filing for long term disability benefits, our client had worked as a night tool pusher on an offshore oil rig. His job required long,... Read More >

Aetna Reinstates Short and Long Term Disability Benefits on Appeal to Warehouse Manager Suffering from Major Depression

Prior to filing for disability benefits our client was in charge for the day to day operations of a large warehouse; responsible for inventory... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(765)
Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Court Remands to Sedgwick for Reevaluation of Its Denial of Claim for Disability Benefits

In Daniel T. Derichs v. AT&T Services, Inc., plaintiff, an employee of AT&T who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a... Read More >

A Claimants View of a Standard Insurance Company Disability Benefit Claim

We always welcome people reading our website to share their experiences regarding the handling of their disability insurance claim.A reade... Read More >

Microsoft Employee Sues Prudential For Wrongful Denial Of Long-Term Disability Benefits

A Washington lawyer just filed a federal lawsuit against The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential). The Plaintiff, Jewel T., wo... Read More >

Disability attorney sues Aetna for failure to pay short term disability benefits to Huhtamaki Americas employee

A disability attorney recently filed a lawsuit in the District Court for the district of Maine against the Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna... Read More >

Dearborn faces disability denial lawsuit from disabled account clerk of Katz Insurance Group diagnosed with PTSD

Recently, a former account clerk of the Katz Insurance Group filed a lawsuit against the Dearborn National/Dearborn Group through a disabilit... Read More >

Cytec Industries and Broadspire Services discontinue disability insurance benefits for army veteran suffering from PTSD

An Appeals Court recently upheld the decision by Cytec Industries and Broadspire Services to discontinue short-term disability benefits for an... Read More >

Reliance Standard Disability Denial Upheld Due to Claimant's Lack of Strong Medical Record Support

In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of... Read More >

Unum Wrongfully Terminated Disabled Lawyer’s Disability Claim of Depression and Anxiety Despite Improvement in His Condition

This Unum lawsuit and appeal in federal court is a great victory for all Unum disability claimants. This ca... Read More >

Reviews from Our Clients

Request a Free Consultation

Our Lawyers Respond Same Day

5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability lawyers have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the "little guy" against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

We welcome you to contact any of our attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 700 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

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.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

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.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting 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.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9159 or by email. Lawyers 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.