Disability Blog & Cases:
The evolution of denying fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome claims in group long term disability policies

As a disability claimant it is important to be aware of any limited benefit periods which may unfairly limit your benefits to two years. Once considered “fringe” conditions not commonly understood by many- especially Group Long Term Disability insurance companies, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have become more prevalent, spurning widespread acknowledgment and recognition of these debilitating conditions. The medical communities acceptance of Fibromyalgia and CFS as disabling conditions have resulted in Long Term Disability insurance companies looking for ways to combat paying claims for these conditions.

Disability Blog & Cases:
Reliance Standard terminates long-term disability benefits after receiving the results of an IME and FCE

A recent federal court opinion upheld Reliance Standard’s decision to terminate a claimant’s long-term disability benefits. The Court stated that the existence of both an Independent Medical Examination (“IME”) and a Functional Capacity Examination (“FCE”) was evidence of a thorough investigation. The Court concluded that the results of those exams and the inconsistent documentation from the claimant’s physicians were sufficient proof to show that that Reliance Standard’s decision was not arbitrary or capricious.