Articles Posted in Uncategorized

Unum Must Pay Benefits to Doctor Disabled by Cognitive Deficits Caused by Cancer Treatments
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

We commonly work with clients who, aside from suffering from the physical impacts of cancer, are unable to re-engage in their occupation due to long lasting cognitive effects of chemotherapy and other medication treatment. We are particularly keen on helping women who have endured the impacts of breast cancer, but experience deficits in their memory,…

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How to Protect Your Long-Term Disability Claim from Denial
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

A common thread in disability claims is how active the individual is after filing their claim. Insurance companies require claimants to complete detailed forms describing their activities, asking them how they spend their day from morning to evening, what computer systems they use, even how often they watch TV. It is important to understand that…

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Dentist’s Repetitive Stress Injuries Eligible for Lifetime Disability Benefits Coverage
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

In order to obtain private disability benefits, you must be able to show that you are unable to perform the duties of your occupation due to symptoms of a medical condition. An important component of your claim is determining whether your condition is related to an injury or sickness. Many private individual policies provide for…

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Court Rules Insurer Cannot Withhold Relevant Claim Documents
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

The denial of a disability claim can be incredibly frustrating and confusing for claimants. Insurers typically provide only vague reasoning for the decision, leaving claimants in the dark to figure out why they were denied and what steps they should take to appeal the decision. They are advised of the deadline and procedure for appealing…

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Disability Claims Decided Based On File Reviews – Is this Fair?
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

Insurance companies routinely hire physicians to perform a medical records review and use that review to decide whether a claimant qualifies for disability benefits. The use of reviewing physicians is not always problematic, as they may support the claim. A fair and thorough review can also provide valuable insight and identify evidence that can be…

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Courts Rule That Deadlines for Disability Insurance Company’s Review of ERISA Appeal Cannot Be Extended
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

We regularly file appeals of disability insurance denials of long term disability claims. Our clients are bound by ERISA regulations which require that all appeals must be filed within 180 days of the insurance company denial. We meet with our clients as early as possible following their receipt of the denial, to strategize what evidence…

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Important Treatment Requirement For The Disabled
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

Many individuals with chronic permanent medical conditions reach a level of treatment that is palliative, that will not improve their symptoms or effect their prognosis. Continuing to visit a medical provider to monitor your condition that does not provide any medical benefit may seem pointless, and can use up valuable time and money resources. The…

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Doctors/Lawyers and Other Professionals Risk Losing Disability Coverage Upon License Suspension/Revocation
Bonny G. Rafel, LLC

Disability policies contain a provision explaining that coverage will not be extended for a claim based on a “legal disability.” Legal disability relates to the individual’s eligibility to work due to necessary licensing, such a financial advisor (Series 7 license), lawyer (bar license) and physician (medical license). What happens when a disability caused by a…

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I was an Engineer in a Research and Development division of a major corporation, putting in longer hours with the same workload. An unrelated episode landed me in the hospital, where I was DXd with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which explained my decline at work. I then learned that I had...

Charlie

I would like to re-acknowledge what a difference your work has made in my life. When forced to retire 5 years ago, you dedication to helping me enroll into my disability policy has made all of the world of difference.

George

I cannot thank you enough for successfully appealing my disability benefits. My special thanks also to Eileen for all of their assistance, support and expertise. Your legal expertise of disability benefit entitlement was evidenced by your comprehensive and knowledgeable litigation of my appeal. I...

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