Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 3 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of ERISA Disability Questions Answered: DOT, Sedentary Work, and Unemployment.

ERISA disability claims often raise more questions than answers, and the way those questions are resolved can directly determine whether benefits are approved, delayed, or denied. Claimants are frequently left wondering how their past work is evaluated, what really changes when a claim moves from an “own occupation” standard to an “any occupation” standard, and how skills, limitations, or even outside benefits like unemployment factor into the carrier’s decision-making. While these issues may seem secondary, insurers rely on them heavily to assess whether you meet the policy’s definition of disability. In this episode, we unpack the most common questions that come up in ERISA disability claims. We explain how carriers analyze your work history, what they look for when assessing transferable skills, and how physical and mental restrictions are weighed against potential occupations. We also discuss how vocational evidence, functional assessments, and medical documentation are used together, and why gaps, inconsistencies, or vague information can undermine an otherwise valid claim. Additionally, we break down how other benefits and activities can intersect with your ERISA claim and influence how insurers interpret your ability to work. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how ERISA carriers evaluate employability, why certain questions are asked during the claims process, and what evidence matters most. More importantly, you’ll learn how understanding these issues can help you better position your claim, avoid common pitfalls, and protect your Long-Term Disability benefits.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - The Dictionary of Occupational Titles and Your ERISA Claim

Two - Sedentary Work and Why It Matters

Three - Unemployment Compensation and ERISA Disability

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 2 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of Why Most Social Security Claims Matter to Your ERISA Disability Case.

Most people don’t realize how much their Social Security disability claim can shape the outcome of an ERISA Long-Term Disability case. While these are technically separate systems, ERISA carriers rely heavily on what’s contained in your Social Security file to decide whether to pay benefits, reduce them, or deny them outright. Insurers aren’t just looking at a diagnosis - they scrutinize medical records, treatment history, work background, daily activities, and the statements you made throughout the Social Security process, all with an eye toward consistency. In this episode, we break down why Social Security evidence plays such a critical role in ERISA disability claims. We explain what carriers look for in your initial application and reconsideration filings, identify the key documents within your Social Security file that insurers focus on most, and show how consultative exams, vocational opinions, or missing information can be used against you. We also discuss why timing matters - from when a claim is filed to how denials, approvals, and appeals can impact an ERISA review. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand that securing your Long-Term Disability benefits isn’t just about proving you’re disabled - it’s about documentation, alignment, and knowing exactly how insurers evaluate your Social Security record.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - What ERISA Carriers Look for in Your Initial or Reconsideration Social Security Claim

Two - Congratulations, You Won Your Social Security Case! Now What?

Three - How ERISA Carriers Use a Favorable Social Security Decision to Deny or Terminate Benefits

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 1 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of The Gold in Your Social Security File: How Disability Carriers Use It Against You.

Most people assume Social Security Disability and ERISA Long-Term Disability benefits operate independently. While they are separate systems, what happens in one can significantly affect the other. Insurers don’t focus solely on diagnosis - they closely examine medical records, treatment history, daily activities, and statements made to Social Security to decide whether a claim meets the policy’s definition of disability. In this episode, we examine how Social Security intersects with ERISA disability claims. We explain why carriers seek access to your Social Security file, what key evidence it contains, and how inconsistencies, consultative exams, or vocational opinions can be used to reduce, deny, or terminate benefits. We also discuss why timing matters, from SSDI approval to ongoing reviews and appeals. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand that protecting your disability benefits isn’t just about your medical condition - it’s about strategy, documentation, and timing.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Setting the Stage: Why Your Disability Carrier Wants Your Social Security File

Two - Inside the File: What Medical Material Can Lead to an ERISA Denial

Three - Timing Is Everything: The Four Times Your Carrier Wants Your Social Security File

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 43 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Living Well With POTS: A Conversation With Nutritionist and Advocate Jill Brook."

Most people hear POTS or dysautonomia and assume they’re rare, poorly understood conditions with few treatment options. For patients living with them, however, the reality is far more complex - and deeply shaped by lived experience, nutrition, and daily management. In this episode, we examine POTS and dysautonomia through the lens of nutrition. Our guest is Jill Brook, MA, a nutritionist, researcher, and long-time advocate in the dysautonomia community. After a 17-year delay in receiving her own diagnosis, Jill transformed that experience into a mission to improve awareness and care. She is co-founder of PatientsCount.org, a former nutrition consultant to Dysautonomia Clinic, and host of The POTScast. We begin with Jill’s personal journey into the POTS community and the lessons learned from years of missed diagnosis. We then explore how nutrition (often overlooked) can play a meaningful role in managing symptoms. Finally, we discuss practical strategies for living well with POTS, from navigating healthcare systems to adapting daily routines. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of POTS and dysautonomia - and why experience, nutrition, and thoughtful management are essential to better care.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Understanding POTS and Jill’s Journey

Two - Nutrition and Managing POTS

Three - Strategies for Living Well with POTS

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 42 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Winning Disability Claims: Lessons From Denials, Appeals, and Carrier Games."

Most workers assume an ERISA disability claim is straightforward - that if a medical condition keeps you from working, your insurer will pay. But under ERISA, benefits hinge on far more than a diagnosis. Carriers scrutinize the timing of your disability, gaps in treatment, the clarity of your medical records, and even your daily activities. A missing form, vague progress note, or inconsistent timeline can trigger a denial or termination, even when the disability is obvious. ERISA also hides procedural traps. Many policies require continuous proof of disability, and insurers police deadlines and documentation aggressively. Some even reshape the narrative - manipulating the onset date, treating routine activities as evidence of work capacity, or using minor lapses in care to cut off benefits. In this episode, we break down how these claims really unfold. We start with a case where Short-Term Disability was denied right before Long-Term Disability was set to begin - and the key steps to take before filing suit. Then we examine a physical therapy assistant with serious spinal injuries whose disability benefits were terminated, and how she reversed the decision by strengthening her medical evidence. Finally, we look at how carriers like MetLife play games with disability dates, and what you can do to stay ahead. By the end, you’ll see that winning an ERISA disability claim requires more than medical proof - it takes timing, documentation, and strategy to protect the benefits you rely on.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Short-Term Disability Benefits Denied One Week Before the Benefits Switched to Long-Term Disability – Ten Things to Do Before Filing a Lawsuit

Two - Physical Therapy Assistant Wins Reliance Standard Disability Claim After Termination of Benefits

Three - Moving the Goal Line and the Games That Disability Carriers Like MetLife Play With the Date of Disability

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 41 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "When Policy Limits Collide - Navigating Mental Nervous and Musculoskeletal Conditions in Long-Term Disability Claims."

Most people think a Long-Term Disability claim is decided by the diagnosis alone - that if you’re struggling with a mental health condition, chronic pain, or cognitive impairment, your insurer should simply recognize it. But LTD claims hinge on far more than the condition itself. Carriers scrutinize how your symptoms affect daily functioning, the consistency of your treatment, and how your providers document limitations. Even then, many claims get funneled into restrictive policy clauses that quietly cap benefits at two years. In this episode, we break down the medical side of LTD claims involving mental nervous and musculoskeletal limitations - an area full of misconceptions and insurer tactics that can derail legitimate claims. We start with caregiving responsibilities and daily activities, and how routine tasks can be used to undermine a mental nervous claim. Then we explore the blurry divide between physical and psychological impairments, using post-concussive syndrome to show how insurers reclassify conditions to fit benefit caps. Finally, we examine musculoskeletal limitations and how vague policy language lets carriers argue that chronic pain, spine conditions, or soft-tissue injuries don’t qualify for ongoing benefits. By the end, you’ll see why navigating these claims requires more than treatment - it demands precise documentation, strategic communication, and a clear understanding of how insurers evaluate evidence. This episode gives you the tools to protect your benefits and anticipate the carrier’s playbook.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - How Taking Care of Your Spouse Can Destroy Your Mental Nervous Disability Claim

Two - When Physical Injuries Get Reclassified as Mental Disorders

Three - The Hidden Risk of the Musculoskeletal Disorder Limitation

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 40 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Navigating ERISA Disability Claims While Incarcerated."

Most people assume ERISA disability benefits work the way they should: if you’re disabled and can’t work, your insurer will keep paying. But incarceration complicates everything. Insurers don’t just review your diagnosis - they scrutinize your medical records, treatment history, and whether you’re meeting every requirement for ongoing proof of disability. Missed documentation can lead to suspended or terminated benefits. In this episode, we break down the realities of managing ERISA disability benefits while incarcerated - a process full of misconceptions, unique hurdles, and insurer tactics many policyholders never expect. We start with a Minnesota farm worker whose benefits were cut off in prison, then examine a wheelchair-bound policyholder whose claim was wrongfully denied by MetLife after incarceration. These cases show how insurers interpret policy language, evaluate evidence, and where claims often derail. Finally, we turn to practical strategies: how to maintain medical documentation from inside a facility, communicate with insurers, and work with attorneys to protect your benefits before, during, and after incarceration. You’ll learn that preserving ERISA disability benefits isn’t just about your condition - it’s about documentation, communication, and strategy. Let’s dive in.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Imprisoned Minnesota Farm Worker’s Symetra Benefits Terminated

Two - Wheelchair-Bound Policyholder Wrongfully Denied by MetLife

Three - Protecting Your ERISA Disability Benefits While Incarcerated

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 39 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Inside Disability Law: Insights and Lessons with Attorney Kate MacKinnon."

Most disability applicants think the claims process should be simple: you’re sick, you can’t work, and benefits should follow. But ERISA disability claims are full of misconceptions, hidden pitfalls, and insurance company tactics that can turn a legitimate claim into a long fight. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, we’re joined by attorney Kate MacKinnon, a recently retired ERISA and individual disability lawyer who spent her career guiding policyholders through denials, appeals, and settlements. Drawing on decades of experience, Kate breaks down the realities every applicant needs to understand. We explore what led Kate to disability law and use her journey to reveal the misunderstandings that often hurt applicants - like the biggest myths about filing a claim, the confusion around appeals, and why many people unintentionally weaken their case by going at it alone. You’ll also learn practical strategies: how cases are valued, why and how they settle, what to look for in a disability attorney, and the most common mistakes people make managing claims or appeals themselves. Kate shares guidance on working effectively with attorneys to strengthen a case from the start. As she reflects on her career, she offers clear wisdom for applicants facing uncertainty. You’ll walk away with an honest roadmap to the claims and appeals process - and the insight to avoid costly missteps. Winning isn’t easy, but understanding what’s ahead can make all the difference.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Kate’s Path to Disability Law and Common Disability Misconceptions

Two - Disability Strategies and the Value of Working With Attorneys

Three - Other Wisdom and Kate’s Reflections on Her Career

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.