Social Security Questions and Answered.

Get answers to social security questions, plus learn the facts about disability income and ERISA claims, long term private disability claims, insurance companies, SSI disability requirements, Veterans disability, and bad faith insurance claim denials.

The articles below offer an explanation of disability benefits, how to get them, and the tasks and hurdles involved when your claim for benefits is denied. It’s a good idea to become familiar with these various types of disability benefits, and know when and why an experienced attorney is so important for success.

Article Categories:

Social Security Disability and SSI

Long Term Disability – ERISA and non-ERISA

Veteran’s Disability Benefits

Disability Claims Denial

Insurance Bad Faith

Disability Insurance Companies

Disabling Diseases and Conditions

For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830

Social Security Disability Advocates – Attorney or Non-Attorney?
Summary: The truth about Social Security Disability advocates. Is your SSDI representative an attorney? Does it make a difference? Here is what you need to know.
Social Security Disability Glossary
Summary: Common Social Security terms are defined to help you better understand the disability application and appeals process.
Social Security Disabilty FAQs
Summary: Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by our clients whose SSD benefits were denied.
The 5-Step Social Security Disability Evaluation Process
Summary: What does it take to prove to Social Security that you are disabled? As you may already know, being disabled and
proving it to the SSA is easier said than done.

Our infographic helps clear the confusion about the five step evaluation used by Social Security to determine disability. To see how it works, read this article and follow our visual aid to walk through the five sequential step of an SSD evaluation where you must prove that you are medically disabled, or that you are disabled through the combination of medical and vocational factors.

The Social Security Disability Appeals Process
Summary: Where does your SSD claim go, if you appeal a denial? Follow 1000 example applicants as they go through each stage of the Social Security Disability appeals process – from the initial review stage, to an appeal in Federal Court.Many claimants will be awarded disability benefits during different stages of the process. Regrettably, many others will give up, and drop their claim along the way.
Denied Social Security Disability Claims
Summary: Get expert help and appeal your denied SSD claim. See this powerful video presentation on how to get the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve.
Social Security Disability Medical Conditions
Summary: What medical conditions qualify for social security disability? Medical conditions and mental health issues are evaluated differently – here’s what Social Security looks for.
History of Social Security Changes
Summary: How did Social Security get its start? Will it still be around in 10-20 years? Were disability benefits in the original program? How have Social Security taxes increased over time?These and other Social Security questions are answered in this pictorial time line from its inception in 1935 to the present day. Know the facts about Social Security’s past, present and future.
Video: The Basics of Filing a Social Security Disability Claim
Summary: In this video presentation, disability Attorney Marc Whitehead discusses the basics of filing a Social Security disability claim. Get vital information about the 5-step evaluation process used by the Social Security Administration, how the appeals process works, and what steps you can take to increase your chances of winning your claim.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Requirements
Summary: Social Security Disability Insurance functions like an insurance plan, yet applying for and winning SSDI benefits is a complex, lengthy process. Who can qualify? How do you file a claim? If your claim is denied, what do you do? This article answers these important
social security questions.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Requirements
Summary: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a federal, needs-based program designed to supplement the income of people who are disabled and unable to work, and otherwise meet SSI disability requirements. We explain these requirements and the SSI appeals process.
Social Security Advocate – Attorney Representation
Summary: Make sure that you dig into the qualifications of those who advertise themselves to be Social Security Advocates. Many are not attorneys. A non-attorney Social Security advocate can only practice at the administrative level, meaning they cannot take the case to the final appeal in federal court.
Social Security Disability Appeal
Summary: Learn about the four levels of administrative Social Security Disability appeals. When a Social Security Disability claim is denied at any level of the appeals process, you must appeal to the next level. Otherwise, your claim will be kicked out of the system and you must restart from the beginning.
The Role of a Social Security Disability Attorney
Summary: If your initial claim has been denied, don’t be surprised. Many claims that are denied at the initial level are approved at higher levels of Social Security Disability appeal. The process is difficult and frustrating. That is why you have a Social Security Disability attorney help you through it.
Social Security Hearing Offices: Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR)
Summary: There are over 100 hearing offices and about 1,000 Social Security Administrative Law Judges (ALJ). Before your hearing, learn more about how to prepare before the hearing and what to expect at the hearing. Learn about the approval/denial rates of the ODAR hearing offices and the ALJs hearing appeals.

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Veterans Disability Benefits

Veterans Disability Glossary
Summary: A list of veterans disability terms and definitions, as they relate to your VA disability benefits and the VA appeals process for denied claims.
Veterans Disability FAQs
Summary: Answers to frequently asked questions about Veterans’ disability benefits. If your VA claim is denied, don’t give up. There are a number of things you can still do.
Denials of Disability Benefits for Veterans
Summary: It should be a simple task to file a claim for disability benefits. Yet for veterans who are in dire need of disability compensation, the process is distorted by unforgivable delays and denials.Discover the reality of the process for filing and securing VA disability benefits, common reasons for claim denial, and actions you can take to help yourself as much as possible. See the total picture in our VA disability benefits infographic.
10 Most Common Reasons for Veteran’s Disability Claim Denial (And What You Can do about it!)
Summary: When trying to file for disability benefits, the odds might seem to be stacked against you. Here are the 10 most common reasons for Veteran’s disability claim denial.
VA Disability Claims and Appeals
Summary: Veterans who apply for disability benefits are challenged by having their claims severely delayed, or worse, denied. Read about the VA disability claims and appeals process, and get the facts about significant legal help for securing disability benefits and proper veterans disability ratings.

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Long Term Disability

ERISA Lawyer Explains What to Do When Disability Is Denied
Summary: Know these vital reasons why you need a complete copy of your employer’s disability insurance plan when a disability claim is denied.
How ERISA Rules Can Stymie Your Disability Appeal
ERISA rules are strict and favor the insurance company. Here are six things you must know when fighting this rather unfair system for disability benefits.
Lincoln National Life Insurance Disability Denial
Summary: Lincoln’s cursory reviews of a claimant’s medical records, and what they often insist is a “lack of medical evidence” of disability,are some of the various reasons Lincoln denies disability claims.
Lincoln National Disability Claims Attorney
Summary: If Lincoln National has denied your disability claim, here are important strategies that must be followed for a successful appeal.
Cigna Disability Appeal – Top 5 Tips to Winning a Cigna / LINA Appeal
Summary: A must-read! Essential tips to follow when dealing with a Cigna claim denial. Be successful in your Cigna appeal and get the disability benefits you deserve!
Cigna Disability Complaints – Denial of Valid LTD Claims
Summary: Are you struggling with Cigna / LINA Insurance complaints and denials due to unfair claims handling? Read important background information about Cigna and get powerful help with your claim.
How a Cigna Disability Claim Attorney Can Help
Summary: If your disability claim with Cigna Insurance was wrongly denied, we can help you win this fight.
Disability Insurance Lawyers – Your Advocates for ERISA Claim Denials
Summary: Insurers have become masters at denying valid claims for disability benefits. These powerful companies are supposed to deal fairly with their policyholders and it is our job as disability insurance lawyers to ensure that they do.
Choosing the Right Lawyers for Disability Claim Denial
Summary: The right disability lawyer – one with the experience, skills and resources to fight powerful and well-funded insurance companies – can have a tremendous impact on your case.
Denied Prudential Disability Claims: Abuse of Discretion
Summary: Did Prudential suppress, ignore, overlook or otherwise dispute the medical evidence that supports your disability claim? Here is a case that underlines how important it is not to give up.
Long Term Disability Glossary
Summary: Your guide to long term disability insurance terms and definitions.
Long Term Disability FAQS
Summary: Straight answers to frequently asked questions about LTD insurance claim denials and appeals.
Why Hire a Long Term Disability Lawyer?
Summary: Most people never thought they’d need a lawyer to help them get their rightful disability benefits. Here are some facts the insurance companies don’t want you to know.
Why Was My Long Term Disability Claim Denied?
Summary: Insurance companies use many strategies to deny claims. Attorney Marc Whitehead explains their tactics, and what it takes to win the fight.
What is a Long Term Disability Appeal?
Summary: An appeal is a formal request for a re-consideration of your denied claim. Find out what it takes to properly file a successful appeal and prove your claim.
Professional Disability Insurance Claim Denials
Summary: Professional disability insurance claims are costly for insurance companies to honor. There is a great deal of incentive for insurance companies to deny high-profile claims.
Executive Disability Insurance Lawyers
Summary: With the high costs of executive disability insurance, dealing With Disability Insurance Companies is Not “Business As Usual.”
Private Disability Insurance Claims: Breach of Contract and Bad Faith
Summary: When private disability claims are denied, policyholders typically file a lawsuit for one of two reasons: breach of contract or
bad faith.
Disability Insurance for Attorneys: When Lawyers Become Claimants
Summary: A resource for disabled attorneys whose insurance providers have wrongly denied their long term disability insurance claims.
Doctors Are Battling Disability Insurance Claims
Summary: Marketing disability insurance to doctors is big business. While issuing disability insurance plans is profitable, paying out on these policies is not
Disability Insurance Denied to Physicians
Summary: Legal help for doctors, physicians and medical professionals whose disability claims have been unfairly denied by their insurer.
Advocates for Disabled Doctors
Summary: Insurance companies make a great deal of money selling disability insurance policies to doctors. Unfortunately, many newly disabled medical professionals blindly accept their insurance company’s decisions to deny or limit benefits.
Reasons Why Physicians’ Claims for Disability are Derailed
Summary: We handle physician disability claim denials against the nation’s largest and most litigious insurance companies. The stakes in physicians’ disability claims are high, giving the insurance company incentive to contest the claim.
Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) Denials
Summary: Was your individual disability insurance claim rejected? You’ve gotten where you are now by conducting yourself equitably and professionally in business, and you expect your insurance company to do the same.
10 Inspirational People with Disabilities
Summary: While the challenges of living with a disability can be immense, there are many who have overcome the odds. Here are 10 truly inspiring examples of people who lived and achieved tremendous success, despite life altering disabilities.
Top 10 Things to Consider When Choosing Disability Insurance
Summary: Choosing disability insurance can be downright confusing. There are so many policy options, it can be hard to tell what is necessary and what isn’t. We’ve summed up 10 things to look for in disability insurance that should be at the top of your list.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Deceptive Practices Aired in Senate Hearings
Summary: If you’ve been denied disability benefits or are in the process of battling for your rights to a claim, you’ll probably agree with a recent senate hearing debate that centered on the effectiveness of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The act, which regulates minimum standards for employee benefits, reached the ears of the United States Senate Committee on Finance last September.
Press Release: Disability Denial Lawyer Airs Insurance Company Deceptive Practices
Summary: Houston disability attorney Marc Whitehead points to a recent Senate hearing that addresses deceptive practices by insurance companies and laws that make it easy for them to reject disability claims. Whitehead says that anyone who’s had a claim rejected will agree with what was discussed, and is available for consultation on these issues.
Your Legal Rights to Private Disability
Summary: When a claim is denied, there are differences affecting your legal rights to private disability policies governed by ERISA law versus private disability governed by state laws. We explain what these differences are, and how to legally protect your rights.
Appealing Private Disability Claims
Summary: Many LTD insurance carriers are known for wrongly denying valid claims and delaying payments. When appealing private disability claims, correct preparation is essential to success. The appeal process begins with an administrative appeal and may continue to litigation in Federal Court.
Disability Income and ERISA
Summary: As you file for disability income and ERISA laws take over, you are subjected to complex federal laws. This article explains how disability income and ERISA laws affect you when a claim has been denied, and what you can do about it.
Appealing ERISA Disability Claims
Summary: In ERISA disability claims, the administrative appeal is gravely important to your success. This appeal is, as a general rule, the only opportunity you have to submit key evidence of your disability into the records.

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Unum Group – Disability Claim Information

Are Unum Disability Complaints Grounds for Legal Action? Summary: We see a steady flow of complaints against Unum from policyholders in desperate need of long term disability benefits. What is Unum doing to cause such dissatisfaction?
Unum Disability Denial Tactics – What to Watch Out For Summary: In the legal arena of disability insurance, Unum’s history of delaying and denying claims is well known. Here are some key “denial tactics” to remain aware of when you have a claim.
Legal Help for Unum Claims Denial Summary: Unum, a billion dollar insurance company, is one of the major providers of group long-term disability benefits, life insurance, and supplemental health insurance. Unum is also one of the Top Deniers of these benefits. Get firsthand information on legal help for Unum claims denial.
Lawsuits Against Unum Summary: Winning lawsuits against Unum requires legal counsel from a skilled insurance attorney. We handle Unum disability lawsuits nationwide.
Unum Claim Denials – A History of Bad Faith Summary: When your Unum claim for disability benefits is valid and payable, how can Unum deny it? Learn about your legal rights in Unum claim disputes here.
Unum Class Action – A History of Denying and Delaying Claims Summary: Investigation leads to Unum class action – No stranger to lawsuits and class action, Unum is found to be in violation of ERISA laws.
Unum Class Action Lawsuit for Improper Claims Handling Summary: Unum faces federal class action lawsuit for inflating stock share prices and bad faith disability claims handing, and whistle-blower lawsuit in Social Security disability fraud.
Prevail Against Unum Denied Claim Practices Summary: If Unum denied your claim, don’t give up. Unum uses tactics to deny valid claims. We use the law to get to the truth.
Unum Disability Attorney Marc Whitehead Summary: Unum Disability Attorney Marc Whitehead will fight for your rightful benefits in Unum disability claims. No matter where you live, we can help.
How a Unum Disability Case Can Turn On a Question of Interpretation Summary: Did Unum choose to ignore the reasonable meaning of the language in your policy by supplying its own interpretation?

Disability Claim Denials

- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue
- Chronic Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  - Free Disability Claims Evaluation Summary: When your claim for disability benefits is denied, the most important question you have is, Do you have a Case? We can help you with a free case evaluation of your claim. Here’s what you can expect.
  - Stand Up To Disability Claim Denial Summary: What can you do if your Social Security Disability, Veteran’s Disability, or private LTD claim has been denied? No matter what type of disability claim you have, there is a good chance it will be denied. A denial does not mean that your claim is unjustified. You can appeal your claim and win, with the right help.
  - Qualifying For Disability Benefits Summary: When qualifying for disability benefits, the odds can be stacked against you. Valid disability claims are repeatedly denied. Here’s how you can level the playing field against big insurance.
  - Improper Denial of Health Insurance Claims Summary: Health insurance providers have become masters in finding ways to deny claims. If you are faced with a denied health insurance claim, don’t assume that the first “No” you receive is final.
  - Short Term Disability (STD) Benefits Summary: We take a look at the differences between long term and short term disability benefits, and what to do if your claim is denied. STD claims are often the first step in the long term disability insurance claims process, and is another reason why precise documentation is a must.
  Insurance Bad Faith
  - Insurance Company Bad Faith Summary: Insurance company bad faith happens when an insurance provider practices unreasonable or unfair conduct towards a claim in order to wrongfully deny, delay or underpay benefits. When your insurance company doesn’t play fair, you have definite legal options in your favor.
  - Bad Faith Denial of Life Insurance Benefits Summary: Life insurance claims take place during a time of mourning for a loved one who passed away. Beneficiaries of the deceased may lack the strength to investigate why their claim was denied. Many insurance companies know this and take full advantage of it.
  Disability Insurance Companies
  
  Marc Whitehead & Associates assist clients nationwide with their long-term disability claims against every major disability insurance company. Follow the links below to learn more about providers of disability benefits.
  - Assurant
  - Assurity Life Insurance Company
  - AXA Equitable
  - Berkshire Life
  - Cigna
  - CNA Insurance
  - Colonial Life Insurance
  - Dearborn National
  - Guardian Insurance
  - John Hancock
  - Liberty Mutual
  - Linoln National
  - MetLife
  - Mutual of Omaha
  - New York Life
  - Penn Mutual
  - Provident Life and Accident
  - Prudential
  - The Hartford
  - The Standard
  - Unum
  Disabling Diseases and Conditions
  - Identifying the Leading Causes of Disability What are the leading causes of disability? What is your risk of disability? How will it affect you? If you become disabled, will you be able to receive disability payments? Will you qualify for workers’ compensation if you become disabled?These and other disability questions are answered in this highly informational graphic. Get the facts about disability, Social Security disability claims, and how to minimize your risk of disability.
  Common Disabling Diseases and Conditions Musculoskeletal System:
  Mental Disorders:
  - Anxiety Disorders
  - Bipolar Disorders
  - Depression
  - Dementia
  - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  - Schizophrenia Disorder
  Respiratory System
  Cardiovascular System
  - Congestive Heart Failure
  - Heart Attack
  Digestive System
  - Hepatitis
  - Hepatitis C
  Genitourinary Impairments
  - Kidney Disease
  Hematological Disorders
  - Sickle Cell Disease
  Endocrine Disorders
  - Diabetes
  Neurological
  Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
  Immune System Disorders
  - AIDS/HIV
  - Lupus
  Other Disorders