An Amazon fulfillment associate with a back condition had the long-term disability claim approved by Hartford, but was later denied after almost two years of payments, with Hartford stating he could work in other occupations such as a maintenance clerk or service clerk. The denial was based on a medical review by an in-house physician consultant and a vocational assessment, which found that the claimant’s records did not support any restrictions or limitations.
To appeal the denial, it was necessary to gather strong supportive evidence, including a hands-on examination to quantify the claimant’s physical functional limitations, as Hartford had not done this and the appeal was the only opportunity to present this evidence. A functional capacity exam was used to provide objective evidence of disability, and additional evidence was obtained from the treating doctors to reverse the denial of benefits. A vocational expert was hired to dispute and challenge the jobs assigned to the client by Hartford, as the client’s experience, education, and training were not considered.
Hartford’s denial of benefits and subsequent suggestion that the client could do other jobs was seen as unreasonable, and the client’s doctors had already found physical restrictions and limitations, making it unlikely that Hartford’s doctor would sign off on the client’s return to work.