Hartford’s “Any Occupation” Review: Why Job Demands and Appeal Records Matter
A recent ERISA disability decision examines Hartford’s appeal handling, retraining assumptions, and proposed job demands. The court returned the claim for renewed review without ordering an immediate benefits award.
A Later Diagnosis Needs a Clear Connection to Your Work Limitations
A California court upheld Unum’s termination of a lawyer’s disability benefits despite later diagnoses. The decision shows why medical evidence must explain specific work limitations at the time benefits ended.
When Speaking Limits Matter in an ERISA Disability Claim
Sedentary work can still require more speaking than a claimant can sustain. A recent Florida decision highlights why precise functional evidence and the policy’s governing law matter in an ERISA disability dispute.
Prudential LTD Lawsuit Highlights the Need to Identify the Plan and Explain Entitlement
A New Jersey court dismissed a Prudential disability complaint without prejudice, leaving ERISA coverage unresolved and identifying gaps in the allegations supporting benefits.
Lincoln LTD Denial Sent Back for Review: Why Psychiatric Evidence Must Connect to Job Duties
An Ohio court returned a Lincoln disability claim for renewed review, emphasizing psychiatric limitations and safety-sensitive work without awarding benefits.
When an ERISA Plan Defines a Lawyer’s Specialty, Generic Job Duties Fall Short
A federal court held that Unum could not evaluate a securities lawyer’s long-term disability claim using the generic duties of an attorney. The decision shows why a plan’s exact occupational definition can shape both the claim analysis and the remedy.
When Everyday Activity Does Not Prove Capacity for Sustained Work
An Oregon federal court reinstated long-term disability benefits after finding that limited hobbies, travel, and about ten minutes of observed outdoor activity did not establish capacity for sustained work. Zayn shows how longitudinal medical evidence puts isolated activities in context.
Seven Years of LTD Benefits Did Not End Aetna’s Review
A Minnesota federal court upheld Aetna’s termination of long-term disability benefits after seven years of payment. Young shows why current functional evidence can matter when an ERISA insurer reexamines an established claim.
When an LTD Carrier Changes Its Vocational Rationale on Appeal
An ERISA appeal should address material changes in vocational evidence, especially when a carrier revises a job’s physical demands.
When Disability Isn’t Disputed, Why Can LTD Benefits Still End?
Pankey v. Aetna shows why a financial-records dispute can threaten long-term disability benefits even when the claimant’s physical disability is undisputed.
Hartford’s ERISA Disability Win Shows Why Functional Evidence Matters
A recent Massachusetts decision involving Hartford highlights why functional evidence, changing policy definitions, and the administrative appeal record matter in ERISA disability claims.