A woman in Boston with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, chronic migraines, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) was inexplicably denied long-term disability (LTD) benefits by Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Company. Ample medical evidence outlined the severity of her disabling conditions, but the insurer still found grounds to block her benefits. Dabdoub Law Firm, with Attorney Kevin Probst taking the lead, challenged the decision with the inclusion of the results of an independent, 7-hour functional capacity evaluation (FCE). Faced with such evidence and the intimidating presence of nationally-renowned counsel, Hartford backed down and approved the LTD benefits.
Details of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Hartford Case
In June 2025, Hartford told our client that she would “not meet the policy definition of disabled” and tried to shut down her hopes of getting long-term disability benefits. For a few years before filing, she was suffering from worsening complications caused by Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, migraines, and other comorbid conditions. During that time, Hartford itself acknowledged that she would be unreasonably challenged to complete even sedentary work on a reliable basis. She understandably thought that she would therefore be approved for LTD benefits, but was surprised to find that her claim was rejected.
Coming to Dabdoub Law Firm for help when she needed it the most, our client happily put Attorney Probst in charge of her appellate case. He immediately placed his focus on the medical evidence and documentation of her case, which seemed to clearly show that she would need disability benefits. However, the evidence that already existed had somehow not convinced Hartford, so an independent functional capacity evaluation was completed. During this 7-hour, in-person evaluation, her medical history and records were reviewed, and she completed a series of different tests. The outcome of this evaluation was clear and summed up well in one sentence provided by the examining Doctor of Physical Therapy: “The patient is therefore unemployable in any work setting.”
Upon submitting the appeal for her LTD benefits, Attorney Probst reminded Hartford of past court findings that would indicate that a trial would not go in the insurer’s favor. He also reminded the insurance company of its obligations under ERISA law, which could lead to serious consequences if the case proceeded to trial.
Knowing the experience and resources behind Attorney Probst as a member of Dabdoub Law Firm, Hartford agreed to approve our client’s LTD benefits.
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.