Our Disability Attorneys in New York Share Claims Successes


Parkinson’s Disables Television Director

Jennifer, a well know television director, came to Riemer Hess after struggling for several years with the effects of Parkinson’s disease.  Her job had already accommodated for her disabilities by allowing her to work from home, and reducing her hours and work demands.  Although Jennifer pushed herself as far as possible given the extent of her disease, she was unable to continue working.  At the time she contacted Riemer Hess, she was Sadnessreceiving short term disability benefits and realized that a she needed a more permanent plan.

Jennifer met with Mr. Riemer in consult, based on his experience in dealing  with this situation on numerous instances in the past, Mr. Riemer knew exactly what needed to be done.

Team Riemer quickly got to work and fully developed Jennifer’s medical file. A detailed and comprehensive long term disability application was submitted with supplemental documents to provide the most complete responses.  Given the completeness of the application and the extent of Jennifer’s medical records, Jennifer was awarded long term disability benefits less than 2 months from the date she retained Riemer Hess.

Riemer Hess continues to represent Jennifer with the monitoring of her claim to ensure continued benefits.

Work-Related Spinal Injury Devastates Young University Administrative Professional

A work-related team building exercise resulted in a serious spinal injury for our client, Jack.  When Jack first came to Riemer Hess, he had worked through his injury for nearly a year.  Despite continued treatment, his symptoms were progressing in severity and he found himself experiencing more and more difficulty performing his job Jack eventually went out on a medical leave of absence and was awarded salary continuation by his employer.  However, Jack needed guidance pursuing Long Term Disability benefits because he knew that his injuries would prevent him from working longer than his salary continuation would last.

Jack met with Mr. Riemer who patiently guided him through the process and instilled confidence that Riemer Hess would get the job done. Jack quickly retained the firm and Team Riemer got to work. Given Jack’s young age, Mr. Riemer knew that the insurance company would be reluctant to grant him continuous disability benefits. Mr. Riemer knew that is was imperative to avoid an in-person interview between Jack and the insurance carrier to avoidBack Pain any possible age prejudice.  The strategy was to obtain as much medical evidence as fast as possible and to have Jack undergo a comprehensive Functional Capacity Evaluation.

Team Riemer was successful.  Jack avoided an in person interview and was quickly awarded Long Term Disability benefits within three months of retaining the firm.

Team Riemer continues to assist Jack by monitoring his benefits. Team Riemer will also assist Jack when his policy’s definition of disability changes in the future.

Director Of Nursing Requires Immediate Assistance to Secure Disability Benefits

Mitch came to Riemer Hess requiring immediate assistance and the prowess of a skilled disability law team because his Short Term Disability (“STD”) had been termination for lack of proof. Termination of Mitch’s STD benefits meant that his 26-week salary continuation was immediately cut off and he had no source of income. Unfortunately, Mitch was facing the possibility of a lengthy and costly appeal. To make matters worse, he also had Long Term Disability (“LTD”) claim pending under an individual policy that was facing a denial due to lack of proof.  Mitch desperately needed the assistance of attorney Scott Riemer and immediately retained the firm after his initial consultation.

Team Riemer immediately got to work, knowing exactly what needed to be done.  It was evident that a lack of medical evidence and substantial clinical evidence was a hurdle that had to be overcome. Scott Riemer knew that, if the firm was able Attorneyto get Mitch’s group LTD benefits approved, it would serve as additional support that the STD termination of benefits should be overturned.  First thing first, Team Riemer made sure that Mitch underwent a Functional Capacity Evaluation, which would provide concrete objective evidence.  Additionally, Team Riemer worked closely with Mitch’s doctors to ensure that they documented the necessary facts to make clear to the insurance carriers exactly what was preventing Mitch from being able to perform his job.  Team Riemer also contacted the Worker’s Compensation Board’s Disability Bureau to have Mitch’s STD benefit termination reconsidered. Further, Team Riemer strategized to conduct an interview with the insurance carrier postponed until all medical evidence has been received since the interview was likely the last piece of evidence necessary to solidify a denial or approval of benefits.

Once the medical evidence had been received and sufficiently supported Mitch’s disability, Team Riemer bombarded both insurance carriers and the Worker’s Compensation Board with substantial medical evidence.  In the little over two months since Mitch retained Riemer Hess, his individual claim for Long Term Disability benefits was approved.  Within the next week, his Long Term Disability claim was approved and shortly thereafter, the decision to terminate the Short Term Disability benefits was overturned. Thus, not only would Mitch continue to receive Long Term Disability benefits from both his group and private insurance carriers, but he would also be paid the remainder of his salary continuation, which he rightfully deserved and desperately needed.

To date, Team Riemer continues to represent Mitch in the monitoring of both his claims to ensure that his benefits remain in effect.

Bi-Polar Disorder Devastates Career of CPA

Adam worked as an accountant despite having a history of major depressive disorder throughout most of his adulthood. Adam’s condition worsened over time due to the constant pressure and demands of his occupation as an accountant. Despite continued treatment and medication management, Adam was unable to maintain his employment due his inability to concentrate for prolonged periods, rapidly shifting moods, and symptoms of depression and mania that come along with bi-polar disorder. Adam was asked to resign and/or terminated from employment over 10 times during his career. It all became overwhelming for Adam—he found himself so despondent that he became suicidal. Adam’s condition significantly regressed with his most recent termination—he realized that he needed to focus on getting better and could not return to work. Disability Attorneys in New York

Adam turned to Riemer Hess for assistance with his Long Term Disability benefits. Adam met with Scott Riemer who devised an application strategy which included obtaining detailed narrative reports from his physicians documenting the history of his disorder, how his disorder impacted his ability to work, and the correlation between the regression in his disorder and inability to maintain employment. Team Riemer got to immediate work on obtaining the necessary medical evidence. They were with Adam each step of the way, coordinating with the insurance company and his treating psychiatrist and therapist.

Adam was extremely pleased when he learned that his application for LTD benefits was approved! Adam can now focus on the necessary care and treatment that is required of his condition. Adam continues to be represented by Riemer Hess, which continues to handle his insurer’s requests for updated claimant progress reports and medical documentation.

Emphysema Ravages Corporate Attorney

Barry, a corporate attorney in suburban Connecticut with emphysema, suffered from disabling symptoms, including shortness of breath, chronic coughing, extreme fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness and neuropathy.  As his medical condition progressed, it became more and more difficult for Barry to communicate effectively with his clients and perform his job duties. His pulmonologist, seeing that his lung capacity was down to 37%, urged Barry to cease work.  It was at this point that Barry came to Riemer Hess.

Barry met with Scott Riemer who devised a realistic exit strategy which would enable Barry to leave his decades-long career without burning bridges.  Mr. Riemer recommended that Barry undergo a functional capacity evaluation to document his actual restrictions and limitations, and the challenges with his activities of daily living, such as being unable to breathe following even minimal exertion.

Without much energy to prepare paperwork, Barry relied on Team Riemer to file his applications for Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefits with both his employer’s group long term disability carrier and the carrier who maintained his individual disability policy.  Team Riemer assisted Barry in completing the necessary Proof of Claim forms, and liaised with his employer and health care providers to obtain the necessary documentation to support his claims.  After submitting Barry’s applications, his claims for STD and LTD benefits were approved seamlessly by both insurance carriers.  Riemer Hess proudly continues to represent Barry – assisting him and his doctors in preparing routine updates required by his insurance companies.  Instead of focusing on filling out long, confusing forms, Barry can devote his energy to managing his health.

Multiple Sclerosis Disables A Corporate Librarian

Karen, a Corporate Librarian in New York City, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2009.  She suffers from the disease’s debilitating symptoms including pain throughout her body, paresthesias with burning and numbness in her extremities, imbalance, debilitating fatigue, bradykinesia, cognitive dysfunction, and vision loss.  As her medical conditions progressed, it became more and more difficult for Karen to communicate effectively with her clients and perform her job functions.  She grew concerned that she might be terminated.

It was at this point that Karen came to Riemer Hess.  Although she loved her job and work colleagues, she knew it was time to leave.  Karen met with Scott Riemer, who devised an exit strategy for work and arranged for Karen to undergo various tests, including a Neuropsychological Evaluation, to document her current level of cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning.  A Functional Capacity Evaluation was also scheduled to document her actual restrictions and limitations with respect to her daily work challenges.  Supporting documents of this nature are a crucial component of any successful claim application.

After the meeting with Mr. Riemer, the team at Riemer Hess got to work.  They prepared her applications for Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefits with both the insurance she had through work and her own individual disability policy.  They made sure her claims were well supported by working with her employer and health care providers to obtain the necessary documentation.  The Neuropsychological Evaluation results confirmed that Karen had demonstrated a significant decline from a previously higher ability level and further indicated that she was unable to perform the full-time duties and responsibilities of her position.  The Functional Capacity Evaluation confirmed that Karen suffers from a variety of symptoms due to her diseases, causing profound and complex multifactorial restrictions and limitations making her unable to work at this time or at any time in the future.

After submitting Karen’s applications, her claims for STD and LTD benefits were approved without delay.  The team at Riemer Hess continues to represent Karen assisting her with preparation of periodic updates and submission of medical forms and records requested by the insurance companies.  We monitor deadlines and attend to all the cumbersome details allowing Karen to concentrate on finding ways to improve her quality of life.

Hand Tremors Disable Dentist

Dr. Jones, a Dentist with a successful New York City practice, was suffering from cervical radiculopathy, upper extremity pain, and tremors of his hands.  As his medical conditions progressed, it became increasingly difficult for Dr. Jones to hide his daily pain and discomfort.  Dr. Jones worried that his patients would notice his tremors thus creating added anxiety to his/her overall treatment experience.  Dr. Jones struggled with the decision to end his successful 30+ year dental career.  Dr. Jones, however, came to Riemer Hess after acknowledging his conditions could pose a danger to his patient’s safety as he performed procedures with dental instruments.

Dr. Jones met with Scott Riemer, who devised an exit strategy from his dental practice.  Mr. Riemer recommended Dr. Jones undergo a Functional Capacity Evaluation, to assess his restrictions and limitations with respect to his occupational duties, such as handling dental instruments and being seated for prolonged periods.  The Functional Capacity Evaluation results confirmed that Dr. Jones was unable to work as a Dentist due to the high level of dysfunction caused by pain, stiffness, and weakness in multiple muscle groups and joints.  In addition, the FCE confirmed that Dr. Jones’ hand tremors precluded his ability to perform procedures using dental instruments.

The team at Riemer Hess got to work by preparing Dr. Jones’s application for Long Term Disability benefits under his individual disability policy.  Team Riemer worked with Dr. Jones’ healthcare providers to obtain the necessary medical documentation to support his claim and business documentation requested by the insurance company.

The insurance company approved Dr. Jones’ LTD benefits expeditiously.  Riemer Hess continues to assist Dr. Jones with the future updates requested by the insurance company.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Disables Business Executive

John suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and demineralization of both hands and both feet, which caused significant limitations in rotation of the hands and feet.  As a result of his symptoms, John was unable to continue working as an Operation Manager for a large New York City property management company.  He came to Riemer Hess seeking assistance with an exit strategy and his applications for disability benefits under his group disability policy through his employer and his Individual LTD Policy he purchased years before.

John met with Mr. Riemer, who helped him devise a plan to stop working and for obtaining the medical documentation necessary to support his claims for disability benefits.  After John retained the firm, the team immediately went to work and gathered all the medical information to substantiate the claim from the inception.  At Mr. Riemer’s recommendation, John obtained a Functional Capacity Evaluation to provide the objective evidence required for a claim where the capacity to ambulate is so important.  All records and reports were submitted and John’s group and New York State STD claims were approved immediately.

After the STD approval and receipt of the Functional Capacity Evaluation, the report was sent to the Group LTD representative along with John’s most recent office visit notes and the latest developments in his case.  The Group LTD carrier then requested an interview with John to better understand his claim.  John, however, who was scheduled for a right hip replacement surgery, fell and fractured his left hip.  Given John’s hip fracture, Riemer Hess convinced the insurance company to cancel the interview and approve John’s LTD claim.  Riemer Hess continues to monitor John’s LTD claim.

Multiple Myeloma Disables a Vice President of Finance

Michael, a Vice President of Finance at a large technology company in the New York area, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.  He was suffering from the adverse effects of chemotherapy treatment and the disease’s debilitating symptoms including, cognitive impairment, mental fatigue and confusion.  As his medical conditions progressed, it became more and more difficult for Michael to communicate effectively and perform his job functions.  He grew concerned that he might be terminated.

It was at this point that Michael came to Riemer Hess.  Although it was a formidable decision to walk away from a successful career spanning 30+ years, he knew it was time to leave his job.  Michael met with Scott Riemer, who devised an exit strategy for work and arranged for Michael to undergo various tests, including a Neuropsychological Evaluation, to document his current level of cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning.  Supporting documents of this nature are a crucial component of any claim application.

After the meeting with Mr. Riemer, the team at Riemer Hess got to work.  They prepared his applications for Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefits.  They made sure his claims were well supported by working with his employer and health care providers to obtain the necessary documentation.  The Neuropsychological Evaluation results confirmed that Michael had significant impairments and went on to state that these impairments negated his ability to carry out the full-time duties and responsibilities of his position.

After submitting Michael’s applications and medical support, his claims for STD and LTD benefits were approved expeditiously.  The team at Riemer Hess continues to represent Michael assisting him with preparation of periodic updates and submission of medical forms and records requested by the insurance company.  We monitor deadlines and attend to all the cumbersome details allowing Michael to concentrate on the fight of his life.

Bipolar II Disables a Chief Executive Officer

“Jim” was a 62 year old chief executive officer of a nationally known nonprofit organization. Jim quickly rose through the ranks of various nonprofit organizations, but once he reached the pinnacle of his profession, he became afflicted with Bipolar II disorder. Although Jim could work at a less demanding occupation, he could no longer handle the stress and long hours required of his job as a CEO. Jim applied for partial disability benefits and found employment elsewhere as a consultant.

When the insurance company began questioning Jim in detail about the number of hours and the type of work he could do, Jim sought legal advice and retained a Long Term Disability NY Lawyer at Riemer Hess. We helped Jim answer the insurance company’s questions and helped him create a detailed comparison between the duties of his job as a CEO and the duties of his job as a consultant. The Firm was able to convince the insurance company that Jim was disabled from the demanding job of CEO even though he was able to perform substantial duties as a consultant. The insurance company awarded Jim partial disability benefits. When Jim’s condition worsened, he was then awarded total disability benefits.

Heart Disease Crushes An Attorney

“Jeff” was a 60 year old lawyer suffering from a heart condition. He was a partner in a prestigious law firm. When Jeff contacted Riemer Hess, he was still working but was becoming less and less effective. It had come to the point where he could no longer push himself. In fact, Jeff’s doctor urged him to leave work months earlier.

The Firm met with Jeff and one of his partners and worked out an exit strategy for him to leave work. We helped Jeff and his doctors complete the insurance company’s application forms. Jeff was granted benefits by the insurance company. He continues to receive them without interruption.

Multiple Sclerosis ravages a Corporate Comptroller

“George” was a 42 year old comptroller at an investment bank. He completed and filed his own application for benefits with the insurance company. When the insurance company requested that George attend an interview with one of its field representatives, George sought legal help and was referred to Riemer Hess by another attorney.

The Firm met with George prior to the interview to help him prepare. We discussed questions that were likely to be asked and conducted a mock interview. George attended the interview with confidence. George was granted benefits by the insurance company. Our Long Term Disability NY Lawyer continues to work with George to ensure that his benefits continue.

Cardiomyopathy Overwhelms a Senior Corporate Executive

“Jerry,” a 53 year old self-proclaimed workaholic, was a senior executive at a Fortune 500 corporation. As a result of his constant fatigue and shortness of breath, he no longer had the stamina for the twelve hour days and international travel required of his job. Jerry and his employment attorney contacted our Long Term Disability NY Lawyer for help with Jerry’s disability application.

Riemer Hess worked with Jerry and his attorney to complete the employee portion of the benefit application. A meeting was held with Jerry’s cardiologist to work through the details of a comprehensive report and opinion making it clear that Jerry could no longer work at his job. When the insurance company requested that Jerry attend an examination by another cardiologist, Riemer Hess researched the qualifications of the cardiologist, met with Jerry to prepare for the examination and arranged for a nurse to attend the examination. The nurse monitored the examination and later created a detailed report which was submitted to the insurance company. Jerry was granted benefits by the insurance company. Riemer Hess continues to work with Jerry to ensure that his benefits are not interrupted.

Multiple System Atrophy ravages a Corporate Vice President

“Mary,” a 57 year old vice president of computer applications at a major company, was stricken with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) at the height of her career. MSA is a devastating neurodegenerative disease marked by a combination of symptoms affecting movement, blood pressure and other bodily functions.

Troubled by rapidly deteriorating eye sight and cognitive problems, she came to Riemer Hess for help with completing the complicated forms required by her insurer. We worked with Mary and her doctor to draft detailed statements describing the nature and extent of her disability. These statements helped prove to the insurance company that “Mary” was no longer able to perform her job duties. Mary was granted benefits. Riemer Hess continues to work with Mary to ensure that her benefits are not interrupted.

Interstitial Cystitis and Crohn’s Disease disable a Retail Sales Manager

“Lynn,” a lively 43 year old sales manager at an upscale clothing boutique, struggled with the combined disabling effects of both Crohn’s Disease and Interstitial Cystitis. Eventually, she had to stop working. On the recommendation of a satisfied former Riemer Hess’s client, Lynn contacted us to help her file for disability benefits under her employer’s disability insurance plan.

One of Lynn’s greatest concerns was that she had begun seeing a psychiatrist for depression resulting from the effects of her medical condition on her career. Since her disability policy limited benefits for depression to two years, she wanted to be sure that her physical disability was recognized to be the reason she was disabled. Riemer Hess worked closely with Lynn’s doctors to make sure that her insurance company was fully apprised of the myriad of disabling physical symptoms from which Lynn was suffering. It was made very clear that any depression was secondary to her illness and a result of the significant life changes that were forced upon her. Lynn was granted benefits by the insurance company and has received benefits well beyond two years. Riemer Hess continues to work with Lynn to ensure that her benefits are not interrupted.

Consult Our Disability Attorneys in New York

If you have any further questions regarding appeals parameters, we can help. Our knowledgeable disability attorneys in New York will dedicate the time and energy you deserve. Call Riemer Hess today at 212 297 0700.