Disability insurance attorneys Gregory and Steven Dell discuss a recently resolved MetLife disability insurance claim involving a young entrepreneur diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The claimant’s symptoms—including dual personality manifestations, severe anxiety and depression, disorientation, and hallucinations—significantly impaired his ability to run multiple businesses. His father initially helped file the claim but soon realized the complexity and sought legal assistance.
Steven took over the case early, collecting extensive documentation such as psychiatric records, financial statements, and occupational details to prove disability under an individual (not employer-provided) disability policy. After he notified MetLife, they initially paid but soon terminated benefits, claiming the medical records were insufficient.
The main issue was that the treating psychiatrist’s notes were too brief and lacked detail about symptoms, limitations, and treatment. Steven arranged a paid consultation with the psychiatrist, explained what the insurer required, and requested a thorough summary and more detailed future documentation.
MetLife then required a third-party psychiatric review and an independent medical examination (IME). Although the IME report wasn’t fully supportive, it validated enough concerns for Steven to send it back to the treating psychiatrist, who produced a detailed rebuttal.
Ultimately, MetLife reversed its termination and approved ongoing monthly benefits.