Reliance Standard Overturns Its Decision to Deny; Dell Disability Lawyers Client Will Again Receive Long Term Disability Benefits

Previously employed as a Store Manager for Victoria’s Secret, our eventual client was forced to leave her position on July 8, 2009 due to numerous issues with her back, neck, hands, arms and feet. Her conditioned included severe and progressive Chronic Low Back Pain with Radiation to the Lower Extremities, Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease, Lumbar Post Laminectomy Syndrome, Lumbar Strain, Lumbar Scoliosis, L5/S1 Disc Bulge, Lumbosacral Neuritis, Peripheral Edema, Left Breast Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, Left Renal Nephrolithiasis, Bilateral Hip Pain, Left Hip Bursitis, Bilateral Buttock Pain, Groin Pain, Sacroiliitis, Left Knee Pain, Bilateral Foot Pain, Chronic Neck Pain, Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease, Cervicalgia, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Headaches/Migraines, Dizziness, Insomnia, Memory Loss, Depression and Anxiety.

Luckily for our client, her employment provided her with Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance coverage with Reliance Standard under the Limited Brands, Inc. Long Term Disability Policy. For the first 12 months of her claim, this policy would provide for disability benefits should our client prove to the insurance company that she is unable to perform the material duties of her regular occupation. After benefits are paid for 12 months, benefits will only continue if she was then able to prove that she cannot perform the material duties of any occupation that her education, training or experience will reasonably allow. This is what is known as the “change in definition of disability” and is present in most ERISA Group Disability Insurance Policies.

After first leaving work our client applied for and was approved for LTD benefits by Reliance Standard. Reliance Standard paid her LTD benefits from August 7, 2009 through August 6, 2010 under the “regular occupation” definition of disability. From August 7, 2010 through August 31, 2013, the insurance company also paid her under the “any occupation” definition of disability. Unfortunately for our eventual client, by way of a letter dated October 3, 2013, she was informed by Reliance Standard that her claim would be closed beyond August 31, 2013.

In its denial letter of October 3, 2013, Reliance Standard informed our client that it “determined that (she) retained the ability to perform the material duties of Any Occupation.” Reliance Standard opined that “there are no noted complications or ongoing medical conditions that would support” her doctor’s given restrictions, and also argued that the “medical information does not provide a clear indication of a condition to the severity that would preclude (her) from working.” As such, Reliance Standard denied any benefits beyond August 31, 2013 and closed her claim.

Claimant Contacts Dell Disability Lawyers

Prior to even receiving the denial letter of Reliance Standard, the client came into contact with Attorney Alexander Palamara of Dell Disability Lawyers on September 30, 2013. Within a few days thereafter, Reliance Standard’s denial letter was received and within a few days after that, the client hired Dell Disability Lawyers to represent her on her claim. This early contact allowed her lawyers to have the luxury of potentially using the full 180 day period ERISA provided to file the strongest appeal possible to overturn Reliance’s Decision.

The Administrative Appeal

Armed with a history of supportive physicians and objective findings, the administrative appeal filed by Lawyer Alexander Palamara was easily able to document the errors of Reliance Standard’s review and its overall conclusion.

On July 10, 2014, Reliance Standard informed Dell Disability Lawyers that its administrative appeal was successful and that the client would be placed back on claim. A back benefit check for the period of September 1, 2013 through the present would be forthcoming, as well as monthly disability benefit checks thereafter.

The lawyers of the law firm of Dell Disability Lawyers will continue to work on her claim to assure her receipt of benefits until her policy expires when she turns age 66 and 4 months.

If your claim has been denied or if you have a fear that Reliance Standard or any long term disability insurer might be planning to deny your claim, please do not hesitate to call Dell Disability Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case.


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Reliance Standard Reviews
(642)

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1.6 out of 5
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Showing 8 of 642 Reviews
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 >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard denied my LTD benefits because COVID-19 limited my ability to provide proof of continued disability.

Reviewed by Ken S. on February 11th 2021   Verified Policyholder
Hello, I have a LTD policy with Reliance Standard and it has been paid (considered disabled) for 14 plus years. However, due to limited doctors visits / records this past ... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 11th 2021 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

Ken, it’s important to ensure that if your claim is denied your Appeal be exhaustive, comprehensive, and contain not only all of your relevant medical records, but th... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard cut off my LTD benefits claiming I'm fit enough to work even though I'm more sick than before.

Reviewed by Jeff S. on July 7th 2020   Verified Policyholder
It should be criminal that this company treats sick people like this who just want PTO be left alone! I received a call from Reliance on 7/6/20 cutting me off after 1 year... read more >
Reply
Sent on July 7th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Jeff, in my opinion Reliance Standard is one of the more difficult insurance companies to deal with. What you are experiencing they do day in, day out. You can certainl... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard notified me that my benefits were being stopped with no warning or reason.

Reviewed by Deborah S. on June 5th 2020   Verified Policyholder
Horrible company! Phoned me on June 4th to let me know that I would no longer be receiving benefits as of June 3rd. Just like that! No questions asked and no info given!
Reply
Sent on June 5th 2020 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Deborah, I am sorry to hear of the denial of your claim and how you were provided no notice of an immediate end of your income. Please contact us at once for a free con... read more >

Reliance Standard

I was receiving LTD from Reliance Standard due to breast cancer until they suddenly denied me my benefits.

Reviewed by Mary Anne B. on March 3rd 2020   Verified Policyholder
I was diagnosed stage 2 breast cancer June 2015 and went out on std with Reliance. Within 4 months following my status changed to stage 4 with Mets to my spine. STD conver... read more >
Reply
Sent on March 3rd 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Mary Anne, your recourse would be to go through the administrative appeal process and if that is denied to file lawsuit. Please contact our office to discuss the denial... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard never answers or returns my calls, has not provided me my benefits, and falsely claims I never provided necessary paperwork.

Reviewed by Chrystall on July 5th 2017   Verified Policyholder
I have been on STDI since April 28th, 2017 and I have only received what they say is a “courtesy payment” because they know the hardship which I am facing. I call mult... read more >
Reply
Sent on July 5th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Chrystall, please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim. Needless to say, the carrier is well beyond the typical timeframe to render a decision on a STD... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard is unreasonably prolonging the transition from STD to LTD for my boyfriend.

Reviewed by Wendy on April 4th 2017   Verified Policyholder
In August 2016 my boyfriend was placed on disability by his family physician. A short background, he is a type I Diabetic since age 4 and had to have multiple lumbar back ... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 4th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Wendy, please contact our office to discuss the claim further. Decisions on long term disability claim applications should only take about 45-60 days. If the claim is d... read more >

Reliance Standard

The appeals process with Reliance Standard is very frustrating. I'm not sure how to get an answer from them.

Reviewed by Rachel on October 23rd 2016   Verified Policyholder
I started with Reliance Standard when i had surgery 4/13, complications in surgery caused my recover last longer and brought my Lupus out of remission. I stayed on STD wit... read more >
Reply
Sent on October 23rd 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Rachel, if your claim was denied and your appeal already submitted there may be little that can be done until such time that RSL renders a decision on your appeal, whic... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(25)
Showing 8 of 25 Answered Questions

Q: Are VA disability payments considered “other income” by Reliance Standard?

Answered on October 25th 2023 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: The disability policy may allow Reliance Standard to deduct and offset your monthly benefit payment by your VA... Read More >

Q: Denied short term disability and need to file for long term with same insurer

Answered on June 29th 2023 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
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Q: Why is Reliance Standard trying to recover payments I was awarded through another company?

Answered on August 6th 2020 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Dani, your disability plan may contain a provision which allows Reliance to claim and recover an overpayment o... Read More >

Q: Do I have to provide additional proof of my disability that's specifically requested by Reliance Standard?

Answered on July 11th 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Fred, I am sorry to hear all that you have been through medically and in dealing with Reliance Standard. Unfor... Read More >

Q: How do I access a copy of my STD policy with Reliance Standard?

Answered on March 26th 2019 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Vicki, I am sorry to hear the trouble you are having with the Standard. It seems they are certainly make thing... Read More >

Q: If I'm not receiving the SSDI benefits for my children from Reliance Standard due to custody, should my SSDI benefits increase?

Answered on July 11th 2018 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Bill, it depends on terms and conditions relating to “other income benefits” and “offset” under your f... Read More >

Q: How can Reliance Standard not coordinate with both of my disability insurance policies?

Answered on December 13th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Jerry, you will need to review your RSL policy to determine what it deems to be a source of “Other Income”... Read More >
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In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of... Read More >

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In Sue Ray v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, W.D. Washington, July 31, 2018, Plaintiff filed suit under the Employee Retirement Inc... Read More >

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