What to Know:
- A long-term disability claim was submitted to Standard Insurance for a former consultant suffering from a co-morbidity of chronic health conditions.
- The claimant’s diagnoses include hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Lyme disease.
- Despite undergoing extensive treatment across multiple specialties, her symptoms have rendered her unable to work.
- Dabdoub Law Firm represents professionals nationwide in disability insurance matters — it’s the only area of law we practice.
Disability Claim Filed for Debilitating Chronic Illnesses
A woman who previously worked as a contract consultant submitted a long-term disability (LTD) claim to Standard Insurance after being forced to stop working due to the cumulative effects of multiple disabling conditions. The claim is backed by extensive medical documentation, including a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), physician questionnaires, and statements from both the claimant and friends and family.
Disability Due to hEDS, POTS, and Lyme Disease
After reducing her work hours in March 2024 and fully ceasing work by August 2024, the claimant experienced a significant decline in her physical and cognitive health. Her complex medical profile includes:
- Suspected hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction
- Neurological symptoms and cognitive decline
- Confirmed diagnosis of Lyme disease
- Post-surgical complications from fistula repair
Despite attempting numerous treatments—from physical therapy and medication to EMDR and vision therapy—her symptoms have persisted or worsened. She continues to experience chronic pain, dizziness, nausea, constipation, excessive sweating, and cognitive fatigue, which make sustained employment impossible.
Treating Providers Confirm Disability
The disability claim submitted to Standard Insurance included the following supporting evidence:
- Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) and independent validation report
- Completed physician questionnaire
- Updated medical records from multiple specialists
- A personal statement detailing the impact of her condition
- A letter of support from a personal contact
Her treating medical team spans several specialties including physiatry, gastroenterology, ENT, mental health, and naturopathic care. All providers acknowledge that her condition is complex, persistent, and incompatible with full-time work.
Fiduciary Obligations Under ERISA
Standard Insurance has a fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to conduct a full and fair review of all submitted evidence. This includes medical documentation and functional assessments demonstrating the claimant’s inability to perform her own or any occupation.
Insurers are required to evaluate such claims with care, skill, prudence, and diligence, and must act solely in the interest of claimants — not their own bottom line.
Disability Insurance Law Is All We Do
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we’ve built our practice around one thing: helping people win long-term disability claims. We represent clients nationwide and have taken on every major insurance company. We can help by:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim
- Appealing a long-term disability denial
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company
We do not charge fees unless we win. Call to speak with an attorney today.