Sunday, August 21, 2022

Long Covid Approval

According to the CDC, 20% of the people who contract COVID end up with long COVID, and the distribution is notably high for those in the 50-59 age category.  Long COVID is no different from any other medical condition when it comes to eligibility for disability benefits.

We represent a 60 year old medical site manager from Riverhead who became unable to work due to long COVID.  Her symptoms were so severe that she was promptly approved for Social Security Disability after it was determined that she was incapable of resuming her job or any other occupation.  However, the claimant had a more difficult time maintaining long term disability (“LTD”) benefits from Unum.

Despite having many doctors who explained why the claimant’s numerous medical signs, tests and symptoms prevented her from working, Unum terminated the claimant’s LTD benefits shortly after approving them.  After we sued Unum, it immediately urged the court to mediate to avoid further litigation.  The claimant accepted Unum’s offer during mediation, and the case will settle.

 

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