Disability Law for Railroad Workers

By railroadworkerslaw

Railroad work is tough, and when health challenges make it impossible to continue, disability benefits are there to provide support. In this episode, Roger Driskill explains the process for securin

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FAQs about Disability Law for Railroad Workers:

How many episodes does Disability Law for Railroad Workers have?

The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.

Disability Law for Railroad Workers episodes:

January 09, 2026 Inside The ERISA Appeals Process: What Happens After a Disability Denial
Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Disability Law for Railroad Workers*, Derrick A. Pearce delves into the complexities of the ERISA appeal process after a disability claim denial. He emphasizes the crucial aspects of understanding appeal deadlines, exhausting administrative remedies, including strong evidence in appeals, and the risks of waiting till the federal court stage.

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Understanding Appeal Deadlines
02:10 – Importance of Exhausting Administrative Remedies
03:30 – Inclusion of Strong Medical Opinions in Appeals
05:15 – Risks of Waiting for Federal Court for New Evidence
06:45 – Common Mistakes in Self-Handling Appeals
08:20 – Simplified Process in Federal Court
09:45 – Judges’ Evaluation Criteria in ERISA Cases
11:20 – Winning Strategies for ERISA Cases
13:00 – Best Advice for Individuals Facing ERISA Denials

About the Show:
*Disability Law for Railroad Workers* provides expert insights into navigating the legal complexities of ERISA claims and disability benefits. Join us to understand your rights and options under ERISA law.
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11min
December 26, 2025 Disability Claims Brought Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
Episode Summary: In this episode of *Disability Law for Railroad Workers*, litigation attorney Derrick A. Pearce joins as a guest to delve into the complexities of the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Listeners gain insights into the significance of ERISA, the differences between ERISA and government-run programs like SSDI, and common mistakes claimants make when preparing or appealing disability claims under ERISA.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – What is ERISA and its application to disability coverage
04:15 – Contrasting ERISA disability claims with SSDI
06:50 – Coverage under ERISA and types of benefit plans
09:10 – Denial of disability claims and the appeals process
11:45 – Importance of the administrative record in claims
14:20 – Common mistakes in ERISA disability claims
16:40 – Eligibility criteria and misconceptions
19:05 – ERISA lawsuits and the court process
21:30 – Patterns in how insurers evaluate or deny claims
24:10 – Protecting rights under ERISA: seeking legal advice
About the Show: *Disability Law for Railroad Workers* is a podcast dedicated to providing valuable insights into navigating the complex landscape of disability claims under ERISA. Join us as we explore key aspects of ERISA, share expert advice, and offer actionable strategies to protect your rights in cases of denied disability benefits.
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17min
December 12, 2025 Real Disability Case Stories: How Persistence Turned Denials Into Benefits
Episode Summary:
In this episode, disability attorney Roger M. Driskill shares real case stories illustrating how persistence can transform repeated denials into disability benefits. Through compelling narratives and strategic legal approaches, Roger sheds light on the importance of storytelling in disability applications, emphasizing the impact of associating personal experiences with medical evidence to secure entitlement to benefits.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – The significance of real-life case examples in disability claims
03:45 – SKH's journey: From multiple denials to approval after four years
06:12 – Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles: A success story after 11 years
09:00 – Unpacking the pivotal role of medical opinions in benefit approvals
11:45 – GMT's case: Challenges, legal missteps, and eventual success
14:20 – Encouraging resilience and hope in the face of denials
16:30 – Addressing mindset shifts and the importance of ongoing communication
18:45 – Navigating delays, challenges, and the persistence required in disability claims
About the Show:
*Disability Law for Railroad Workers* is a podcast dedicated to providing insights and guidance on securing disability benefits for individuals facing denials or appeals. Led by disability attorney Roger M. Driskill, the show aims to empower listeners with knowledge and strategies to navigate the complex landscape of disability claims effectively.
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17min
November 28, 2025 Common Mistakes Railroad Workers Make in Disability Claims And How to Avoid Them
Episode Summary: In this episode, disability attorney Roger Driskill discusses the most common mistakes made by railroad workers when filing for disability benefits. From incomplete forms to timing issues, Roger provides valuable insights to help applicants avoid pitfalls and secure the benefits they deserve.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Incomplete forms and lack of clarity
03:45 – Importance of following up with the railroad board
05:20 – Signing authorizations for medical records
07:10 – Impact of timing on benefit approval
09:05 – The reluctance to admit the need for disability benefits
11:20 – Misinterpretation of form language
13:00 – Relying on company doctors vs. personal physicians
15:30 – Handling conflicting medical reports
17:40 – When to seek legal assistance in the process
19:15 – The reality of tackling disability claims alone
21:00 – Overview of the disability benefit application process
23:30 – Understanding income thresholds during the application
About the Show: *Disability Law for Railroad Workers* is a podcast dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance for railroad workers seeking disability benefits. Roger Driskill, a seasoned disability attorney, shares expertise in navigating the complexities of disability claims, offering actionable solutions for individuals facing challenges in securing their entitled benefits.
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17min
October 17, 2025Why a Doctor’s Report Can Make or Break a Railroad Disability Claim
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Roger Driskill breaks down why accurate and detailed medical documentation is crucial for securing railroad disability benefits. He explains how treating physicians’ opinions impact the Railroad Retirement Board’s decisions and offers practical advice for workers to strengthen their claims, even when facing uncooperative doctors.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
The importance of a treating doctor’s opinion in disability claims

How to ensure your medical records fully reflect your limitations

Common mistakes healthcare providers make and how to prevent them

Steps to take if a doctor is uncooperative

Differences between company doctors and primary care physicians in disability claims

Tips for maximizing approval chances through honesty and consistent treatment

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to why doctor documentation matters
01:20 – How the Railroad Retirement Board evaluates medical proof
05:00 – What a well-supported medical opinion should include
07:40 – Common mistakes doctors make and how workers can prevent them
10:00 – Turning a denial into an approval through strong documentation
13:20 – Alternatives when doctors are unsupportive
15:00 – Differences between company doctors and primary care physicians
16:00 – Best advice for workers submitting disability claims

About The Show
Railroad Disability Insights with Roger Driskill is a podcast dedicated to helping railroad workers understand and secure the disability benefits they’ve earned. Hosted by attorney Roger Driskill, each episode breaks down complex Railroad Retirement Board rules into clear, actionable steps—covering everything from medical documentation and appeals to timelines and legal rights. Whether you’re preparing to file, facing a denial, or supporting a loved one through the process, this show gives you the knowledge and confidence to navigate the system successfully.
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17min
October 03, 2025How Railroad Workers Qualify for Occupational Disability Benefits
Episode Summary
In this episode, Roger Driskill explains how railroad workers can qualify for occupational disability benefits under the Railroad Retirement Board system. He breaks down the key difference between occupational and total disability, what evidence the Board looks for, and the crucial steps workers must take to strengthen their claims. Roger also shares practical advice on appeals, timelines, and why gathering complete medical and work records is essential for success.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
The difference between occupational disability and total disability

The strict service month requirement (240 months/20 years) and why it matters

What type of medical evidence the Railroad Retirement Board looks for

Why a doctor’s note alone isn’t enough to win a claim

How long it typically takes for the Board to make a decision

Options available if a claim is denied and how the appeals process works

The first step railroad workers should take before filing for benefits

Key Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Roger Driskill and his work with railroad disability claims
02:15 – Occupational disability vs. total disability explained
05:10 – Medical conditions and evidence the Railroad Retirement Board requires
07:45 – The importance of gathering complete healthcare records
10:20 – How long decisions take and common reasons for delays
12:40 – What happens if your claim is denied and how reconsideration works
15:30 – First steps railroad workers should take before applying for benefits
17:30 – Roger’s final advice for railroad workers considering disability claims

Show Description
Railroad work is tough, and when health challenges make it impossible to continue, disability benefits are there to provide support. In this episode, Roger Driskill explains the process for securing occupational disability benefits with the Railroad Retirement Board. He outlines the requirements, evidence needed, and steps to take if your claim is denied. Whether you’re preparing to apply or already in the system, this episode will give you the knowledge to protect your rights and secure the benefits you’ve earned.
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19min

FAQs about Disability Law for Railroad Workers:

How many episodes does Disability Law for Railroad Workers have?

The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.