Navigating Disability Claims in Chronic Illness Understanding Symptoms, Evidence, and Appeals with Nancy Klimas, MD

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In this episode of the Hope and Help for Fatigue and Chronic Illness podcast, host Haylie Pomroy brings together Dr. Nancy Klimas, nurse practitioner Irina Rozenfeld, and disability attorney Edward Dabdoub for a candid, clinically grounded conversation on navigating disability claims for chronic illness, ME/CFS, and long COVID.

The panel addresses why delaying a disability claim can be medically and legally harmful, how detailed clinical documentation builds the foundation for a successful case, and why insurance companies systematically challenge chronic illness claims by attempting to reclassify them as mental health conditions.

The conversation also covers the federal ERISA law that governs most private disability insurance policies, the use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing as objective evidence, the importance of having both specialized clinical and legal representation, and how disability can serve as a tool for recovery rather than an endpoint.

Dr. Nancy Klimas, a clinical immunologist by training, is the director of the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, who has allotted her life to helping other people find cures for their complex illnesses that were once considered helpless. She works with her fellow medical experts in researching and analyzing the deeper causes of such diseases, particularly on the neuro-immunity side, to provide the best option suited for every single case or story they handle.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-klimas-49255178/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nancyklimas

Twitter: https://x.com/ngklimas?s=20

Edward Dabdoub is the CEO and Founding Attorney of Dabdoub Law Firm, where he focuses on representing individuals entitled to disability benefits from insurance companies. He has extensive experience handling disability insurance claims and ERISA-governed long-term disability cases. Edward is a frequent speaker on disability insurance and ERISA matters for organizations such as the American Association for Justice and the Florida Association for Justice, and he also advises other attorneys in these areas. He graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law, earned an MBA from Florida International University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Miami.

Website: https://www.longtermdisability.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwarddabdoub/

Irina Rozenfeld, DNP, MSHS, APRN, ANP-BC, is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner committed to the health of her patients. Irina emphasizes patient-practitioner relationships, critical thinking, and patient education to develop an optimal treatment plan and achieve sustainable results. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University and a Master's of Science in Nursing Studies from Florida International University. Additionally, she has obtained a Master's degree in Integrative Medicine from George Washington University School of Medicine and a Doctoral degree at the University of North Florida. Before joining the INIM, Irina worked for more than twenty years as a physician assistant in Russia. After relocating to Florida, she worked as a Clinical Research Nurse at Nova Southeastern University. Irina obtained an international certification as a Clinical Research Professional and has been involved in research in many roles. Irina teaches at Nova Southeastern University College of Nursing as an adjunct faculty.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-rozenfeld-413a4028/

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Haylie Pomroy, Founder and CEO of The Haylie Pomroy Group, is a leading health strategist specializing in metabolism, weight loss, and integrative wellness. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked with top medical institutions and high-profile clients, developing targeted programs and supplements rooted in the "Food is Medicine" philosophy. Inspired by her own autoimmune journey, she combines expertise in nutrition, biochemistry, and patient advocacy to help others reclaim their health. She is a New York Times bestselling author of The Fast Metabolism Diet.

Learn more about Haylie Pomroy's approach to wellness through her website: https://hayliepomroy.com

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