Long Term Disability Law Blog
Long term disability attorneys Greg Dell and Cesar Gavidia discuss a successful appeal they handled against Unum, a major disability insurance company known for frequent denials. The case involved a high-level legal recruiter who developed severe, near-daily migraines after receiving a COVID-19 booster. Although she had mild, occasional migraines in the past, the new symptoms included photophobia, visual disturbances, and episodes severe enough to send her to the ER.
Unum initially approved and paid her long-term disability benefits for about 18 months, but later terminated the claim based on paper reviews suggesting improvement, superficial vocational analysis, and brief doctor responses to Unum’s questionnaires. Cesar emphasized that Unum appeals are difficult and require eliminating all doubt through a comprehensive record.
To reverse the denial, the attorneys secured detailed support from her neurologist, neuro-ophthalmologist, and internist, clarified the true demands of her high-level job and addressed Unum’s flawed medical and vocational reports. They also relied on migraine logs, personal statements, and consistent treatment records to establish credibility, especially because migraines are subjective and lack objective diagnostic proof. Surveillance performed by Unum did not show any contradictory activity, which strengthened her case.
The appeal succeeded, her benefits were reinstated, and the firm continues to monitor her claim to prevent future wrongful denials. The attorneys note that migraine logs, detailed medical documentation, and proactive claim management are essential for anyone with a migraine-related disability insurance claim.