This video focuses on the big number of long COVID (long-haul COVID) disability claims and the challenges claimants face when seeking long-term disability benefits. The attorneys explain that while insurers are now more familiar with long COVID than in the early pandemic, claims remain complex because symptoms vary widely and are often chronic. Common issues include severe fatigue, shortness of breath, worsened preexisting conditions, and cognitive problems like “brain fog,” poor concentration, and slowed thinking. Some claimants have objective findings (such as abnormal pulmonary or cardiac testing), while others primarily have subjective symptoms, which can trigger policy limitations that restrict benefits for conditions not easily proven through testing.

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This video discusses Unum’s frequent practice of denying disability insurance claims based solely on “paper reviews,” where in-house or hired doctors review medical records without ever examining or speaking to the claimant. Long term disability attorneys Greg Dell and Alexander Palamara explain that while this practice is often legally permitted under ERISA, it is fundamentally unfair—especially for claims involving mental health or cognitive impairments, which cannot be reliably assessed without in-person evaluation. Unum rarely orders independent medical examinations (IMEs), likely to save costs and avoid confronting evidence that could support a claimant’s disability.

Continue Reading Can Unum Deny Disability Insurance Benefits Without Examining the Claimant?

This video provides practical guidance for claimants who have been denied disability insurance benefits by Voya Financial. Attorneys Greg Dell and Alexander Palamara emphasize that the most important first step after a denial is to request and carefully review the complete claim file. Under ERISA, Voya must provide this file, which contains all medical records, internal notes, communications, and medical reviews used to deny the claim. Reviewing the file allows claimants to identify exactly why Voya denied benefits, uncover internal inconsistencies, and spot missing or ignored medical evidence that can be corrected on appeal.

Continue Reading LTD Lawyers Discussing the Voya Financial Disability Insurance Claim Denial

Long term disability attorneys Greg Dell and Alex Palamara discuss why disability insurers like Lincoln often deny appeals even when multiple treating doctors support a claimant’s disability. Greg points out a common pattern: claimants may have four or five supportive medical sources, plus objective testing such as functional capacity exams. Yet disability insurance companies routinely rely on a single doctor—paid by the company—who performs only a “paper review,” never examines the claimant, and highlights isolated normal findings to justify a denial.

Continue Reading Who Makes the Final Decision in Lincoln Financial Disability Insurance Denials?

Disability insurance attorneys Greg Dell and Alex Palamara explain that under ERISA-governed group disability policies, a claimant cannot file a lawsuit immediately after a disability insurance denial. The law requires claimants to first file an administrative appeal with the insurance company and exhaust all internal remedies before suing.

Continue Reading Can You Sue Lincoln Financial Without Submitting a Disability Insurance Appeal?

We explain how long it typically takes to receive a decision on short-term and long-term disability benefit applications. Short-term disability decisions are usually quick—especially for clear, catastrophic injuries—but more routine conditions may take 1–2 weeks if proper medical documentation is provided. Long-term disability claims generally take 30–90 days after submission, depending on how quickly the claimant provides medical records, job descriptions, and other required information.

Continue Reading How Long Does it Take to Get a Decision on my Application for Disability Insurance Benefits?

Attorneys Greg Dell and Alexander Palamara from Dell Disability Lawyers discuss frequently asked questions about Reliance Standard disability insurance appeals. They explain that even if a claim is denied, it can often be successfully appealed—many denials are overturned with a strong, well-prepared case.

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