Has anyone applied for company disability before?

[rendean]

I was looking for anyone who has experience with filing for disability from their workplace ...NOT SSDI.  The company handling my claim just called back and said the physician review requested my Mayo Clinic records. Two issues here.

First, there is a 90 day Benefit Waitng Period of 90 days. That began June 3rd. After MANY form letters saying they are still collecting records , they cannot obtain records from particular providers (in which case I  called personally AND provided same contact info to analyst) and my case is still under review, yadda yadda yadda. We have surpassed the 90 days. Any payment I receive is NOT retroactive. I have received written correspondence every 15 business days as required by law.

Does anyone know if I have any further rights? The policy reads that after 45 days I should receive a decision and if they are unable to do so then a 45 day extension will apply and I will receive notice...I did. What about the remaiing dragging their feet actions?


Second issue: Today the analyst called and read me what the physcian review said. "Seen on June.. for fall, complete neuro exam done, Iv soulu-medrol ordered, referral to Mayo." This is from my local neuro. this is a FALSE statement. I did not see the local neuro. The local neuro DID order the steroids since my MS neuro (an hour away) does not have privileges at the local infusion center.

I called the MS neuro and reported the fall and vertigo since he is my primary doc for MS. Went to the PCP for ear pain and  vertigo after fall. NO complete neuro exam unless you count "follow my finger with your eyes". Mayo referral was tried over 18 months ago and was denied by my insurance.  I asked the disability company to please order my PCP records (not previously done-only the 3 neuro's records and subspecilists to rule out  Sjogrens.)  The analyst thought perhaps another 2 weeks since my claim has already been reviewed once.

Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions???

It doesn't bode well if they need additional records to decide my claim. Apparently they have falsified medical records in their hands and I do not know how to correct these at this point in time given the records are under review for disability.

Would appreciate any help or ideas!

Thanks,
Ren

[rendean]

Thanks all for your responses. Hbananas you asked if I considered an attorney...I work for attorneys. They keep telling me they don't know anything about disability law. YOu'd think if they were sincere about finding me help with my situation they would pick up the phone ask someone they knew about the situation. Instead I was told early on, contact the disability company ....that's what we pay them for.

I think it's time to call the state insurnace commissioner's office and ask some questions. The kicker is this disability insurnace is only for 2 yrs of coverage if I am unable to perform my own occupation, after that I have to be incapable of holding down ANY job. I'm hoping and thinking I won't be bedridden in 2 years so after that I 'm SOL again. ARRGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hbananas]

My cynical side says if SSDI is difficult to get, then private LTD insurance should be even harder.  The private insurer is driven by a profit motive, so they don't want to approve anybody, natch.  Have you considered an attorney?

[Sailorsong]

I got my LTD over 20 years ago so needless to say I don't remember the exact process. It was actually easier to get SSDI than the LTD from the company I worked for. I actually went on STD first which only required a letter from my doctor. This lasted for 6 months. In the mean time my SSDI was approved and I got the LTD once the SSDI was approved. Every year I have to get a form filled out by my doctor to submit to the LTD insurance company. ( You would think that after over 20 years they would realize that as my doctors state I will not be able to go back to work ever). I also have to do the form each year for my premium waver on my life insurance. But I have not in all of these years had to go through a review for the SSDI.

Dennis

[Eyesnlegs]

Like wobbly I am not from the US and have no idea about this but I'm bumping it hoping others will see it as the forum has been very busy today.

Pat x

[rendean]

Thanks for the response. Doesn't matter that you don't have specifics because right now I'm fit to be tied and appreciate any correspondence regarding this.

I know hindsight is 20/20 regarding my incorrect neuro records. I had noticed one other mistake previoulsy but it seemed inconsequential (wrong date for follow-up). I should have requested them all and checked for other inconsistencies. Live and learn I guess.

Thanks,
Ren

[Wobbly]

Hi Ren.. I'm not from the states, so thing might be different there... do you have a union from work?  if so they should be involved with this.  I myself would be more assertive with this... get copies for yourself as well as for them from ALL drs or hospital that you have seen... since this all happened.. or before it happened if nec.. I'm sure that have done that though.. so my idea isn't going to help much.  

sorry, I'm having a wierd day, but want to be on the forum to chat and try to help with any suggestion I can give..

I know my work disability...denied me and I had to appeal it... and get more info from my GP etc... they approved it then.. it took months.. I was on unemployment insurance as that was part of the process until  they reached a decision...then they paid back the UI.. when my disability was approved..

they do no make it simple.. utherwise you would go back to work...that is what they are trying to do...make it hard on people..so they would say "never mind, I'm not going through this process, it's easier to work"... some people can go back to work .. but others like us..are unable..but the disability staff have to make it hard.

sorry, I'm chatting again...yak yak yak... hang in there..
and appeal it if nec..
take care
wobbly
dx