What to Know About This Case:
- Our client, a former project manager, was forced to stop working due to chronic migraines, dizziness, neuropathy, and cancer-related complications.
- Despite recognizing her disability for years, Reliance Standard terminated her benefits multiple times without evidence of improvement.
- Independent evaluations, Social Security Disability approval, and consistent medical documentation confirmed her ongoing inability to work.
- After a compelling appeal, Reliance reversed its decision and reinstated benefits, restoring critical support and validating our client’s experience.
From Career Success to Daily Pain: A Project Manager’s Life-Altering Diagnosis
Before disability, our client led a successful career as a strategic project manager earning over $85,000 annually. She thrived in a fast-paced, high-level role and took pride in her work. But a motor vehicle accident changed the course of her life, leaving her with persistent post-concussive symptoms and chronic migraines.
Not long after the accident, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, requiring aggressive treatment and long-term medication. The combination of lingering injuries, daily migraines, dizziness, and cancer recovery made it impossible for her to continue working.
A Pattern of Long Term Disability Denials Despite Strong Medical Support
Reliance Standard originally approved the long-term disability (LTD) claim, recognizing her inability to meet the demands of her occupation. However, this approval was short-lived. The insurer terminated benefits multiple times over the course of the claim, even as her symptoms remained unchanged or worsened.
In 2024, a board-certified neurologist retained by Reliance confirmed that she was unable to work in any consistent or reliable capacity. That same physician, reviewing extensive medical records and firsthand clinical observations, described her prognosis as “guarded” and supported full restrictions from work.
Despite this, the disability insurer reversed course again in 2025, terminating her benefits without new evidence of medical improvement.
Validated by Social Security and Treating Physicians
After multiple denials, our client was awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, a recognition by the federal government that she was disabled from all forms of work.
Meanwhile, her treating physician continued to document the progression of her symptoms. She regularly reported worsening migraines, severe dizziness, visual disturbances, and extreme sensitivity to screens and light. Her prescription history included migraine-specific medications and nerve pain treatment, all used with limited relief.
Her migraine diary revealed a disturbing pattern: frequent, severe headaches with pain levels up to 10/10, accompanied by vomiting, blurred vision, and fatigue. The headaches disrupted her ability to function and resulted in sleep disturbances, emotional distress, and persistent disability.
A Successful Appeal Reinstates Long Term Disability Benefits
The appeal included:
- Updated treatment records
- A migraine diary documenting frequency, severity, and duration
- A personal statement describing her daily struggle
- A supportive physician letter confirming her inability to work
The medical evidence was overwhelming, and ultimately, the insurance company reversed its decision, reinstating long-term disability benefits. This success brought much-needed financial relief and access to treatment, giving our client a path forward as she continues to manage her chronic and complex conditions.
Your Disability May Be Invisible But It’s Still Valid
This case is a reminder that disabling conditions like migraines, post-concussive syndrome, and cancer-related side effects are often invisible to others, but no less real. Our client had to fight for the benefits she was promised, even when the evidence of her disability was clear.
If your long-term disability benefits have been denied, even after approval, you don’t have to go through the appeal process alone.
Dabdoub Law Firm can help:
- We specialize in long-term disability claims, appeals, and lawsuits
- We’ve taken on every major insurance company and won
- We represent clients nationwide
- We do not get paid unless you do
Call today for a free consultation with a disability insurance attorney.