What You Should Know:
- A young professional in Tampa, FL with a promising career was forced to stop working due to a severe flare-up of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
- Her long-term disability (LTD) benefits from Reliance Standard were wrongfully terminated despite a worsening condition and no evidence of improvement.
- Comprehensive medical documentation, independent evaluations, and personal statements confirmed she remained unable to perform even sedentary work.
- Dabdoub Law Firm helps clients nationwide fight back when their disability benefits are unfairly denied or terminated.
A Career Cut Short by Progressive Disease
Before her disability, the claimant was thriving in a high-paying analyst role at a major aerospace company, earning six figures by her late 20s. Diagnosed as a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, she had long managed her condition without it impacting her career until a severe and unexpected flare in early 2025 left her debilitated.
She received short-term disability benefits followed by an initial approval for LTD benefits. However, the insurer terminated her claim just months later, asserting she was no longer disabled, despite no evidence of medical improvement. In reality, her condition had worsened, making even daily tasks like eating or dressing nearly impossible.
Medical Evidence Clearly Supported Ongoing Disability
Multiple treating providers, including specialists in rheumatology and internal medicine, confirmed that she remained totally disabled. She experienced chronic joint pain, significant swelling, stiffness, fatigue, brain fog, and limited mobility, all of which prevented her from working in any capacity.
Objective medical evidence included:
- Elevated inflammation markers and positive autoimmune labs
- Imaging showing joint deformities and effusion
- Documented treatment failure and worsening symptoms
Both her primary care provider and specialist submitted detailed letters supporting her inability to work, citing unpredictable flare-ups, cognitive impairment, and physical limitations.
Functional Capacity Evaluation Confirms Work Inability
To provide further objective proof, the claimant completed a two-day Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). The results objectively proved:
- She could only sit for 3 hours total per day
- Could not complete a full-time work schedule
- Had limited use of hands and wrists, with poor grip strength and range of motion
- Decline in functional performance from day 1 to day 2, indicating an inability to sustain effort over time
An independent occupational therapist validated the results, affirming she could not meet the physical demands of any sedentary job. We always validate functional testing reports as an added layer of credibility that makes it even more difficult for a long term disability insurance company to ignore this proof of disability.
Independent Medical Examiner Agrees with Disability Status
A board-certified rheumatologist conducted an Independent Medical Examination and concluded the claimant could not perform a sedentary job due to the progressive and uncontrolled nature of her autoimmune disease.
Firsthand Accounts Add Additional Credibility
Our client and her sibling submitted personal statements detailing the day-to-day challenges she faces, including needing help with basic tasks and relying on others for mobility and care. These statements emphasized how drastically her life changed after the flare-up and how unreliable and inconsistent her functionality has become.
The Long Term Disability Insurance Company Breached Its Fiduciary Duty
Despite previously acknowledging her disability, Reliance Standard reversed course without justification. It relied on a flawed nurse consultant review rather than updated medical documentation. Such conduct runs counter to its ERISA fiduciary obligations, which require decisions to be made with care and in the best interest of claimants. Fortunately, with the long term disability appeal, reliance had an opportunity to correct course and accept liability for our client who was clearly disabled from working.
A Win for the Claimant and a Reminder for Others
Ultimately, the mountain of medical evidence, third-party evaluations, and strong advocacy forced Reliance Standard to reevaluate its position. The appeal demonstrated that the claimant remained disabled under the policy and needed the continued financial support her LTD benefits provided.
Disability insurance law is complex. Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because all disability lawyers at this law firm focus on disability insurance claims, we have expertise in disability insurance law.
That means we have:
- Experience with every major disability insurance company;
- A proven track record of success by winning major disability lawsuits;
- Recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients;
And, we never charge fees or costs unless our clients get paid.
The firm can help at any stage of your disability insurance claim, including:
- 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.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers are able to represent clients across the country. Call to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Consultations are free.