Hey Nanc,

Do you know what diagnosis codes your doctor is using? Did you keep a copy of all of your work release letters from your treating physicians from the time you initially went out on STD? When you left your job was it because a new injury caused spread/increase in pain or was it possibly work related repetition that made things suddenly unbearable? ... bare with me on my gazillion questions... just reaching here. Did they give you any reason for the approval and then denial after the initial week? Are you saying that your STD/LTD claims manager is your employer or do you have an actual claims manager outside of your employer?

When I initially applied for STD/LTD I was assigned a claims manager and it was that person alone with whom I had direct contact with. I made sure to gather copies of all of my records and constantly flooded the claims manager with emails and faxes with chart notes, work release letters & additional diagnosis. They also requested formal records about every 12 weeks and before extending benefits again (usually in 3-4 month intervals). When we were approaching the 2 year mark the LTD rules have different guidelines in that you must be unable to do "any" job, not just the job you were currently doing. I believe that is fairly standard language in most LTD contracts but, you would have to read your through to be certain. I was then required to fill out many more forms asking about my limitations etc., as well as provide information on current medications, physicians list etc., It was right about that time that I had undergone a complex hip surgery and this resulted in nerve damage that caused the CRPS II and I immediately phoned my rep and then followed up with a copy of Dr. Hooshmands article on The spread of CRPS. One week later - I received a letter extending my LTD until the age of 65 instead of the normal 3-4 month intervals, I was shocked and relieved. I'm not sharing this with you to make you feel bad because of the way my case was handled but, wondering if your claims manager doesn't understand CRPS? I wonder if your diagnosis codes are accurate? Did you get a return to work request from your employer for your physician to fill out? If so did they properly list your limitations or excuse you from duties?
In your shoes, I would certainly appeal.. something is just not right. I know it is exhausting and stressful but, it seems from what you have shared that something is missing. I would fight!

Hang in there,
Tessa