What You Should Know:
- A longtime technician in Michigan was forced to stop working after developing debilitating symptoms associated with Long COVID syndrome.
- Despite initially approving both short-term and long-term disability benefits, Prudential terminated his LTD benefits after nearly two years without medical improvement.
- Evidence from a Cognitive Functional Assessment (CFA), Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), and a fully favorable Social Security Disability ruling confirmed the claimant’s inability to work.
- Dabdoub Law Firm focuses exclusively on disability insurance law and helped present overwhelming proof that the client remains disabled under the terms of the plan.
Prudential Reverses Course After Paying 21 Months of Disability Benefits
After 21 months of paying long-term disability (LTD) benefits, Prudential abruptly denied our Michigan client’s claim who had developed Long COVID and associated complex health issues. Our client, a former mechanical technician, who had worked in a physically and cognitively demanding role modifying and repairing military vehicles, had no choice but to appeal the termination.
The insurance company claimed that he could return to work, a determination contradicted by every piece of updated medical evidence.
Severe and Ongoing Symptoms That Interfere with Any Gainful Employment
The claimant developed multiple serious conditions following a COVID-19 infection. These included:
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) with heart palpitations and shortness of breath
- Chronic gastrointestinal issues, including eosinophilic esophagitis and dysbiosis
- Neurological and cognitive impairments, including brain fog, confusion, and memory loss
- Severe fatigue and unintentional weight loss
- Sensitivity to light and sound, migraines, and blurred vision
Combined, these symptoms made it impossible for him to continue working in any occupation, let alone a medium-demand job requiring precision, problem-solving, and physical stamina.
Objective Testing Confirms Disability
As part of his appeal, the claimant underwent a Cognitive Functional Assessment (CFA) conducted by a licensed psychologist. The CFA confirmed:
“Documented cognitive deficits would interfere with and inhibit his ability to perform as a Mechanical Technician III. Based on this evaluation, [he] does not possess the required cognitive capacity for work at this time.”
In addition, a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) performed by a licensed physical therapist further established that he was physically incapable of even sedentary work.
These results were reinforced by his treating physicians and specialists across multiple specialties, who provided detailed medical records showing consistent impairment and lack of functional improvement.
Social Security Administration Also Confirms Disability
In 2025, the Social Security Administration issued a fully favorable decision after a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The judge concluded that the claimant:
- Could not sustain even simple tasks
- Would be off-task at least 15% of the workday
- Would be absent two or more days each month due to impairments
These findings aligned with and supported the evidence submitted during the long term disability appeal.
Prudential’s Legal and Fiduciary Duties Under ERISA
As an ERISA plan administrator, Prudential is legally obligated to act in the best interest of its beneficiaries and conduct a full and fair review of each claim. However, Prudential:
- Ignored the cognitive demands of the claimant’s job
- Relied on incomplete information
- Claimed lack of “objective evidence” despite the plan not requiring it
This failure to uphold fiduciary duties violated ERISA statutes. Fortunately, on appeal, the insurer was provided with irrefutable, objective evidence of continued disability, placing the responsibility back on Prudential to correct its error.
A Firm Focused Exclusively on Long Term Disability Denials
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we represent clients nationwide in long-term disability appeals, ERISA lawsuits, and claims against major insurance companies like Prudential. We know how to build compelling medical records, challenge unreasonable terminations, and win in Court.
Our legal team helped present this claimant’s appeal in a clear, organized, and forceful way, resulting in the reinstatement of long term disability benefits that were wrongfully denied.
Lawyers with Expertise in Disability Insurance Claims
This law firm has always focused only on disability insurance law. 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; and
- Being backed by a law firm that has a proven track record of winning tough disability lawsuits.
Call the 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 (800) 969-0488 or contact us online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.