54-Year Old Oil Field Worker With Osteoporosis Awarded Long-Term Disability Benefits After Appeal

My 54-year-old client worked for a major oil company as an oil well service operator in the harsh conditions of the Alaskan North Slope.  He had been employed by the company for over 20 years.  Over time, he developed severe osteoporosis in addition to a few other conditions.  The osteoporosis caused the client to suffer broken bones easily and resulted in ongoing pain at various sites in his body where he previously suffered broken bones.  His own medical doctor and the company physician placed limitations on the client that would not allow him to work in his prior position or location.My client applied for long-term disability benefits through his company’s long-term disability insurer, CIGNA (Life Insurance Company of North America).  The claim was denied initially, and we appealed the decision.After obtaining and reviewing the client’s entire claim file and insurance policy, we appealed on two basis: (1) CIGNA’s failure to have any actual medical evidence or opinion supporting its decision the client could return to his own occupation, and (2) CIGNA’s failure to identify any other jobs suitable for the client that would provide 80% of his pre-disability income as required in the policy.After receiving our appeal and supporting documentation, CIGNA instituted benefits for this deserving client.  The potential lifetime value of the client’s benefits exceed $750,000.