ERISA Disability Questions Answered: DOT, Sedentary Work, and Unemployment
Tue Feb 03 2026
Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.
Welcome to Season 6, Episode 3 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of ERISA Disability Questions Answered: DOT, Sedentary Work, and Unemployment.
ERISA disability claims often raise more questions than answers, and the way those questions are resolved can directly determine whether benefits are approved, delayed, or denied. Claimants are frequently left wondering how their past work is evaluated, what really changes when a claim moves from an “own occupation” standard to an “any occupation” standard, and how skills, limitations, or even outside benefits like unemployment factor into the carrier’s decision-making. While these issues may seem secondary, insurers rely on them heavily to assess whether you meet the policy’s definition of disability. In this episode, we unpack the most common questions that come up in ERISA disability claims. We explain how carriers analyze your work history, what they look for when assessing transferable skills, and how physical and mental restrictions are weighed against potential occupations. We also discuss how vocational evidence, functional assessments, and medical documentation are used together, and why gaps, inconsistencies, or vague information can undermine an otherwise valid claim. Additionally, we break down how other benefits and activities can intersect with your ERISA claim and influence how insurers interpret your ability to work. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how ERISA carriers evaluate employability, why certain questions are asked during the claims process, and what evidence matters most. More importantly, you’ll learn how understanding these issues can help you better position your claim, avoid common pitfalls, and protect your Long-Term Disability benefits.
In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:
One - The Dictionary of Occupational Titles and Your ERISA Claim
Two - Sedentary Work and Why It Matters
Three - Unemployment Compensation and ERISA Disability
Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.
Listen to Our Sister Podcast:
We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind
LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits
FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/
Need Help Today?:
Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.
Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.
Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.
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Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 6, Episode 3 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of ERISA Disability Questions Answered: DOT, Sedentary Work, and Unemployment. ERISA disability claims often raise more questions than answers, and the way those questions are resolved can directly determine whether benefits are approved, delayed, or denied. Claimants are frequently left wondering how their past work is evaluated, what really changes when a claim moves from an “own occupation” standard to an “any occupation” standard, and how skills, limitations, or even outside benefits like unemployment factor into the carrier’s decision-making. While these issues may seem secondary, insurers rely on them heavily to assess whether you meet the policy’s definition of disability. In this episode, we unpack the most common questions that come up in ERISA disability claims. We explain how carriers analyze your work history, what they look for when assessing transferable skills, and how physical and mental restrictions are weighed against potential occupations. We also discuss how vocational evidence, functional assessments, and medical documentation are used together, and why gaps, inconsistencies, or vague information can undermine an otherwise valid claim. Additionally, we break down how other benefits and activities can intersect with your ERISA claim and influence how insurers interpret your ability to work. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how ERISA carriers evaluate employability, why certain questions are asked during the claims process, and what evidence matters most. More importantly, you’ll learn how understanding these issues can help you better position your claim, avoid common pitfalls, and protect your Long-Term Disability benefits. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: One - The Dictionary of Occupational Titles and Your ERISA Claim Two - Sedentary Work and Why It Matters Three - Unemployment Compensation and ERISA Disability Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode: LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.