LymeNet Flash: I am applying for Short Term Disability and have a question please

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Posted by hopeandme (Member # 8803) on :

Hi there,

I am applying for Short Term disability. Do I need a lawyer for this? My doctor has considered me to be disabled as of 02/08 so it has been some time. My short term goes for 12 weeks. Do they usually ok the short term disability without issue? I sure hope so because we are broke due to my disability and will lose ourhome soon if my disability does not come through. I am just now applying because I have not been able to get tax information together. I am a scatter brain.

I do plan to hire an attorney for my Long Term disability.

Thanks for your help!
HopeandMe

Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :

Hey hope...

I can't answer that question with any authority. May I suggest contacting some lawyers to ask them IF you need one?

Anytime though.. that you don't know the legal ins/outs... it might be better to find someone who does.

Each state and each company is different... so what worked for one.. might not work for you.

GOOD LUCK!

[Big Grin]

Posted by cantgiveupyet (Member # 8165) on :

as long as your dr keeps filling out the std forms then it should go ok. STD usually doesnt bother you unless the dr neglects to fill out the forms.

Just stay on top of things and make sure he is giving them timely updates.

when you reach the LTD mark get a good Lawyer for that. Find out if the plan is ERISA too.

Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :

you've been off 4 months now; you can file for SSDI, SS disability insurance benefits, in 5 months.....ONE MORE MONTH.

how you thought about this? if you could get your paperwork together; have SUPPORTIVE PCP completing special forms, etc., you'd have a really good chance as long as DOCTORS HAVE GOOD MEDICAL FILES WITH DOCUMENTATION FOR YOU.

ltd is a real pain in the butt, and you end up paying them back, and they have SURVEILLANCE on you, etc.

short td, i have no knowledge on....

good luck! [group hug]

if you have my newbie package, please sign up for the DISINISSUES, disability insurance issues, sit where they discuss short and LTD plus ssdi... it's in the last 20 pages.

Posted by Bugg (Member # 8095) on :

I STRONGLY urge you to contact a lawyer at this stage to complete the short term disability forms, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR PLAN IS A SELF-FUNDED PLAN AND IS GOVERNED BY ERISA. You might inadvertently disclose something on your application which could damage your case for both short-term and long-term disability.

You may have a great insurance company that will grant your disability benefits. However, most are set-up to fight the claim, especially when it comes to a disease such as lyme where there are often a large number of medical records where the patient has been repeatedly told he/she doesn't have lyme....Insurance companies will use those records against you to deny your claim....They might also try to show your condition is a pre-existing one and, therefore, not covered by thier policy....They might also have a "mental health" provision in their policy that allows them to cut-off your benefits because your illness is derived from a mental health issue and is not "organic".....

PLEASE e-mail me and I will privately send you the name of an attorney who can help you...He is wonderful and VERY KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT LYME...You ONLY pay him upon receipt of your benefits so there are no costs upfront....

Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :

I sent you a PM with info about a great ERISA attorney. He will know if you need to hire him, and be honest about it.

Posted by Karol (Member # 15831) on :

I am on Permanent disability but it did start with STD and I did not need a lawyer.

STD is generally very easy as long as your doctor fills out the paper work necessary for STD to continue.

With my employer I did not have LTD so once my STD was finished and I could not return to work then I applied for SSD...permanent disability.

I was one of the lucky ones who got approved first time out. I waited 5-6 months when I got my approval letter.

Typically this does not happen and this may be when you need a attorney, or if you have LTD then you may need a attorney then also.

Best of luck and keep us posted.