Appeal Filed After Long COVID Disability Denial by Hartford

What to Know

A former program director stopped working after long COVID symptoms, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise, made full-time work impossible.
Despite extensive treatment and multiple medical evaluations, Hartford denied his long-term disability (LTD) claim.
His appeal included a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), Independent Medical Examination (IME), peer review, and strong provider support.
Dabdoub Law Firm represents professionals nationwide in long-term disability claims, appeals, and litigation.

Former Director Appeals LTD Denial Due to Long COVID

A seasoned program director with a national energy company was forced to stop working due to disabling symptoms caused by long COVID. Despite years of professional success and a consistent work ethic, he could no longer meet the demands of his position after becoming ill. He filed for long-term disability benefits with Hartford, but the claim was denied.

With the support of multiple medical experts and objective evidence, he submitted a strong appeal in support of ongoing disability, which forced Hartford to conduct a full and fair review resulting in an approval of long term disability benefits.

Long COVID Led to Occupational Breakdown

While traveling for work, the claimant contracted COVID-19 and soon began experiencing serious symptoms. Though he initially attempted to continue working, his condition quickly deteriorated. He began experiencing:

Severe fatigue
Cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”)
Shortness of breath
Chest pain and palpitations
Exercise and standing intolerance
Heat sensitivity and blurred vision

These symptoms are commonly associated with long COVID. According to CDC guidelines, long COVID can result in functional impairments that qualify as disabling under federal law.

The demands of his role, including long hours, travel, and high-level meetings, became impossible to manage. He stopped working in August 2024 after realizing he could no longer fulfill his job duties reliably.

Medical and Legal Evidence Presented in Support

In his appeal, the claimant submitted a broad range of supporting documentation, including:

An independent Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
An independent medical examination by a board-certified infectious disease specialist
A peer review from a board-certified pulmonologist
Letters of support from his neurologist and occupational therapist

All of these sources concluded he was unable to work in any capacity, even in sedentary or modified roles.

Functional Capacity Evaluation: Full-Time Work Not Possible

The two-day FCE, administered by a licensed physical therapist and validated by an occupational therapist, found the claimant:

Could not perform full-time sedentary work
Was limited to occasional sitting and standing
Was unemployable in any work setting

These findings were deemed valid and consistent with his medical history and symptoms.

Infectious Disease Specialist Confirms Disability

An independent medical exam was performed by a board-certified infectious disease doctor with expertise in post-viral illnesses. The specialist confirmed diagnoses of:

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Dysautonomia and orthostatic hypotension

The physician concluded these conditions prevent the claimant from sustaining full-time work and are supported by objective medical evidence.

Harvard Pulmonologist Validates Exertional Limitations

A peer review by a Harvard-affiliated pulmonologist confirmed that the claimant’s physical and cognitive exertion intolerance made it impossible for him to function in a professional setting. He emphasized that:

The claimant’s job required above-average cognitive effort
Both mental and physical exertion triggered severe fatigue
He could not reliably perform work-related tasks in any setting

Treating Providers Agree: Disability is Legitimate

The claimant’s treating neurologist and occupational therapist submitted detailed letters explaining his medical course and confirming that he remains unable to perform any full-time occupation. Both providers reviewed the FCE and agreed it was in line with their clinical findings.

A Strong Case for Long-Term Disability Benefits

This appeal clearly demonstrates that the claimant's long COVID symptoms prevent him from performing the essential duties of any occupation. Supported by multiple experts and objective testing, the evidence overwhelmingly shows that Hartford's denial of benefits was wrong.

How We Can Help

If your disability insurance company has denied your long term disability claim for long COVID or another chronic illness, you do not have to fight alone. We can help with:

Call for a free consultation with a disability attorney. No fees or costs unless you get paid.

Long COVID Disability Insurance Appeal: Former Los Angeles Director Challenges Hartford LTD Denial