What to Know About This Case:
- Our client was a licensed physical therapist whose career was cut short by Long COVID and related chronic illnesses.
- Despite objective medical proof of disability, Lincoln Financial terminated benefits after nearly two years of paid disability benefits.
- Independent testing confirmed both physical and cognitive impairments, including post-exertional malaise and neurocognitive dysfunction.
- With extensive medical and legal support, the claimant successfully appealed the decision and had long-term disability benefits reinstated.
A Promising Career Cut Short by Long COVID
Before becoming disabled, our client enjoyed a thriving career as a licensed physical therapist. Dedicated to her profession and patients, she worked for a well-known rehabilitation services provider. But after contracting COVID-19 in 2022, everything changed.
Although she recovered from the initial infection, she continued to experience debilitating symptoms often seen in those suffering from long COVID:
- crushing fatigue,
- brain fog,
- muscle and joint pain, and
- orthostatic intolerance.
She was eventually diagnosed with Long COVID, ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), and CVID (common variable immunodeficiency)—a trio of chronic conditions that created a perfect storm of physical and cognitive dysfunction.
Despite attempting to work through her symptoms, our client was forced to stop working entirely in early 2023 and submit a claim for long term disability benefits.
Lincoln Financial Paid for Nearly Two Years Then Reversed Course
After receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits for almost two years, Lincoln Financial abruptly terminated her claim. This decision came despite overwhelming evidence showing no medical improvement—only deterioration.
Fortunately, our client had documented her condition extensively with the help of top specialists and objective diagnostic testing. The decision to terminate benefits was inconsistent not only with her medical records but also with Lincoln’s own prior finding that she was disabled under the policy.
Objective Testing Confirmed Her Disability
In support of her appeal, the claimant underwent multiple independent evaluations:
Two-Day CPET Testing
A gold-standard cardiopulmonary exercise test revealed a sharp decline in physical function and energy production capacity. Results confirmed that even minimal exertion could trigger symptom relapses. The expert conducting the test concluded that she was incapable of sustaining full- or part-time work, even in a sedentary setting.
Neuropsychological Testing
A board-certified neuropsychologist conducted an extensive cognitive evaluation. The findings showed impairments in attention, processing speed, and mental flexibility, symptoms that aligned with long COVID. The clinician confirmed the claimant could not maintain high-level cognitive tasks on a reliable basis.
Treating and Independent Physicians Confirm Disability
Several treating and independent physicians, specialists in infectious disease, cardiology, and neuropsychology, all supported the diagnosis of total disability. Each affirmed that the claimant met the definition of total disability and could not safely or consistently return to the workforce.
Lincoln Reinstates Disability Benefits After Appeal
Faced with a well-supported appeal that included objective testing, clinical findings, and extensive documentation, Lincoln Financial reversed its decision. Long-term disability benefits were reinstated retroactively and are now being paid on an ongoing basis.
This result not only secured crucial financial support for our client but it also validated her experience after years of battling a misunderstood and life-altering illness.
How Dabdoub Law Firm Can Help
Our client’s case is one of many that show how difficult it can be to get—and keep—disability benefits for complex conditions like Long COVID and ME/CFS. These conditions often don’t show up on standard lab tests or imaging, but with the right strategy, testing, and legal advocacy, they can be proven.
Because we specialize in long term disability, our clients get the benefit of:
- Having an attorney who is an expert in long term disability claims;
- Having an attorney who has experience with every major disability insurance company;
- Being backed by a law firm that has a proven track record of winning tough disability lawsuits.
Call Dabdoub Law Firm to get experienced disability lawyers on your side.
We can help with:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim;
- Appealing a long-term disability denial;
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
The firm represents clients nationwide with disability claims governed by federal law, even if we are not located in your state.
Call for a free consultation with a disability attorney. No fees or costs until you get paid.