Autoimmune Disease and Disability Insurance: A Claimant’s Guide
Dealing with autoimmune disease can feel like you’re fighting a battle no one can see. Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and others can silently cause life-changing symptoms that go unnoticed by the people around you. At Bryant Legal Group, we help clients get short-term and long-term disability benefits for these misunderstood conditions.To learn more …
Degenerative Disc Disease and Disability Insurance: A Claimant’s Guide
Chronic back pain can make it difficult to do everyday things like walking, lifting, or even focusing on a task. If you’re unable to work because of degenerative disc disease and your doctor supports your decision, you may be eligible for short-term or long-term disability insurance benefits. Unfortunately, back-related disability claims are often disputed by the insurance company. Confusion about …
Depression, Anxiety, and Disability Insurance: A Claimant’s Guide
Globally, depression is the number one cause of disability. While mental health conditions are finally getting the attention they deserve, long-term disability (LTD) insurance companies are still reluctant to approve and pay claims related to depression and anxiety. If you’re considering an LTD claim for depression or anxiety, you need to review your plan documents …
Seventh Circuit: ALJ Impermissibly “Played Doctor” In Denying Fibromyalgia Disability Claim
David A. Bryant & Jennifer Danish On April 4, 2018, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion vacating the denial of a Supplemental Security Income disability claim brought by 47-year-old Rebecca Ann Akin, who suffered from fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, and headaches. Akin v. Berryhill, 887 F.3d 314 (7th Cir. 2018). On appeal, …
Dismissal of Medline Industries False Claims Act Case Upheld
The Seventh Circuit upheld the dismissal of a suit filed in 2011 under the False Claims Act on January 4, 2016, finding the Relator was merely adding details to a prior kickback suit remarkably similar to his own. Bogina v. Medline Industries, Inc., No. 15-1867 (7th Cir. 2016). Thus, Relator Bogina failed the “original source” …
7th Circuit Court of Appeals Critical of Vocational Evidence in Social Security Disability Case
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals takes yet another opportunity to criticize the Social Security Administration’s disability claim adjudication process in Alaura v. Colvin, decided August 18, 2015 (decision written by Judge Richard Posner). The plaintiff, a 22-year old man was struck in the back of his head by an assailant wielding a bar stool as a weapon. The …