What to Know:
- A former attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah developed severe physical and mental health conditions that made continuing in law practice impossible.
- Despite extensive medical documentation and multiple diagnoses, Reliance Standard (via Matrix Absence Management) denied her long-term disability (LTD) claim.
- The insurer relied on a brief nurse review, dismissing treating provider opinions and overwhelming medical evidence.
- Through a detailed appeal supported by physicians, therapists, and specialists, she sought reinstatement of the benefits she rightfully earned.
From Promising Legal Career to Life-Changing Disability
Before her illness, our client thrived as an attorney at a respected law firm in Salt Lake City. A graduate of a top law school, she built her career through discipline, intellect, and drive. She worked long hours, managed complex legal matters, and served on professional boards, embodying the traits of a successful lawyer on a steady rise.
But by 2024, everything changed. What began as mounting stress and physical exhaustion evolved into severe psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), she was forced to step away from her practice.
Despite multiple specialists confirming her inability to work, Reliance Standard denied her claim for long-term disability benefits.
Reliance Standard Ignored Overwhelming Medical Evidence
In its long-term disability denial letter, Reliance Standard relied solely on a nurse review, one that astonishingly concluded our client’s severe psychiatric symptoms should have been resolved within six weeks. This conclusion directly contradicted the findings of her treating physicians, mental health professionals, and medical records spanning years of care.
Our long term disability appeal included updated records and detailed letters from multiple providers confirming that her conditions remain disabling and treatment-resistant.
Treating Providers Confirm Severe and Ongoing Impairments
Her primary therapist has treated her for PTSD and OCD through modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Despite consistent participation, progress has been limited. The therapist reports that intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and overwhelming emotional responses prevent her from functioning effectively in a work environment, especially one as demanding as law.
She entered an intensive outpatient program (IOP) at a nationally recognized treatment center for OCD and trauma disorders. Upon admission, she was assessed as having “severe” OCD and PTSD symptoms that interfered with all aspects of functioning.
Her therapist there confirmed she could not sustain employment and emphasized that interrupting treatment would likely worsen her condition.
Her psychiatric care team documented persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Meanwhile, her primary care provider noted severe fatigue, chronic pain, and neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness and paresthesia, that exacerbate her psychiatric limitations.
In his medical opinion, her conditions create “substantial physical and cognitive impairments that prevent her from maintaining consistent work responsibilities.”
Physical Conditions Add to Her Disability
Beyond her psychiatric diagnoses, the claimant also suffers from radiculopathy and neuromuscular symptoms, confirmed through diagnostic testing. Her neurologist verified L5 nerve root damage, causing pain and weakness in her lower extremities.
These physical conditions, combined with mental health challenges, make it impossible for her to maintain the stamina and focus required for legal work.
A Personal Statement of Strength and Loss
In her personal declaration, the claimant describes a stark before-and-after. Once an energetic, accomplished attorney balancing a demanding career with physical fitness and community involvement, she now struggles to perform basic daily tasks. Her statement reveals the emotional toll of losing her identity, career, and independence to illness, while continuing to fight for fair treatment from her insurer.
Reliance Standard’s Fiduciary Failure Under ERISA
Under ERISA, insurers like Reliance Standard are legally bound to act in the best interests of claimants and conduct a “full and fair review” of all evidence. Instead, the insurer relied on a superficial analysis, disregarding:
- Opinions of treating specialists
- Results of neurological testing and IOP-level care
- The severity and chronicity of PTSD and OCD symptoms
This type of selective review violates both the letter and spirit of ERISA. The claimant’s appeal called on Reliance Standard to correct its error and approve the LTD benefits owed to her.
Dabdoub Law Firm: Nationwide Long Term Disability Insurance Advocates
This case illustrates a recurring problem in disability insurance: denials based on flawed reviews and disregard for complex mental health conditions. It also demonstrates why claimants need legal advocates experienced in ERISA law.
At Dabdoub Law Firm, disability insurance law is all we do. We:
- Represent clients nationwide, in all 50 states
- Have taken on every major insurance company — and won
- Have a proven record of success in federal court
- Focus exclusively on disability and life insurance claims
If your LTD benefits were wrongfully denied, our team can help you fight back and win.
Call (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.