Even though my spinal illness is very well-documented, Reliance Standard has yet to transfer me to LTD.

On Oct. 12, 2015, I submitted a dual STD/LTD claim with Reliance Standard due to the continuing decline of my congenital spinal stenosis compounded by spinal DJD and psoriatic arthritis which has a spinal component. Over the last eight years, I have experienced herniation’s of every lumbar disc, the S-1 disc, some of them more than once. Until 2014, I was SVP of hospital operations for a national hospital chain. I took a downgrade of positions due to my inability to continue to travel once i became wheelchair bound (had no feelings in left leg and right leg buckled). I took a downgrade to VP, Revenue Cycle Management in a position the company created for me to allow me to continue working and even telecommuted half time. My spine has continued to deteriorate to the point that I can no longer sit for extended enough periods of time to work full-time and even have difficulties part-time. This has been well documented over the course of eight years, through multiple pain specialists (driven by my insurance), more epidurals than I can count, extended periods on steroids. All of this has also made me diabetic, etc. Long story short, I am limited on sitting to about an hour and a half (with pain), walking to about 30 yards, with walker before back seizes up and leg buckles, standing to under five minutes. Reliance Standard paid the short-term disability with no issue but after 5 1/2 months, still has not approved LTD even though they have my records demonstrating all of these issues as well as statements from my rheumatologist who manages most of these issues. I cannot get them to return my calls. Have spoken to my rep a total of two times now, both when I managed to get him to answer his phone. Spoke with him on 3/31 and he told me that he was meeting with medical team that day on my case and would call me back on either Thursday afternoon or on Friday. Again, nothing. I can’t get a denial to appeal so can’t go that route. All i get is nothing. Is it time to obtain counsel?