AP Top NewsGeneral NewsHealth care costsInjuriesSportsTrauma NFL disability program leaves retired Saints tight end hurting and angry by Ryan Lee November 25, 2023 written by Ryan Lee November 25, 2023 1 comment Bookmark 30 The NFL disability program has left retired Saints tight end Boo Williams in a state of pain and frustration. Each morning, he faces uncertainty about how pain will affect him, ranging from debilitating headaches to neck pain. Despite being awarded $5,000 a month by the NFL’s disability benefit plan, Williams believes he should have received much more over the past 14 years. Boo Williams, who played for the Saints from 2001-2005, resides in Picayune, Mississippi, and requires surgery, medication, and medical care for his injuries. He highlights the challenges of affording these treatments, and the ongoing battle to receive what he believes he deserves has taken a toll on his well-being. This situation isn’t unique to Williams; many retired players find themselves entangled in a complex web of legal procedures and bureaucracy while struggling to obtain benefits from the NFL’s Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan. The program has faced criticism for high rates of claim denials and suspicions that doctors, who evaluate players, may be influenced by their association with the NFL plan. In recent developments, a lawsuit involving ten players, including retired Pro Bowl running back Willis McGahee, accuses the program of unfairly denying benefits to injured retirees. Their attorneys argue that doctors’ compensation appears to correlate with the number of benefit denials, suggesting a potential conflict of interest. Williams’ own journey through the claims system began in 2009 when he sought benefits for football-related injuries. Initially, it seemed he would receive monthly payments, but an unexpected downgrade in the severity of one of his injuries by an orthopedic doctor assigned by the NFL Disability Plan Director led to years of frustration and depression. Despite the NFL’s assertion that its disability program is administered fairly, stories like Williams’ continue to raise concerns about the program’s effectiveness and fairness. Williams’ approval for disability payments came after a neuropsychologist deemed him totally and permanently disabled based on psychiatric impairments. However, he received a lower benefit level than if he had been approved earlier in his retirement. Williams appealed this decision, arguing that the medical information used for his approval was identical to a 2019 application that had been rejected. In addition to the challenges of navigating the NFL’s disability program, Williams has faced personal struggles, including depression and difficulty affording medical care for his injuries. His story sheds light on the ongoing issues facing retired NFL players and the need for improvements in the system. It is essential to note that this story contains discussions of sensitive topics, including suicide, and provides contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for those who may need assistance. As a journalist specializing in various fields, including sports, you may find it valuable to explore this issue further and investigate the broader implications of the NFL’s disability program on retired players’ lives and well-being. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NFL Disability ProgramWhat is the main issue Boo Williams is facing with the NFL’s disability program?What challenges do many retired NFL players face with the disability program?What recent legal action has been taken in response to the NFL’s disability program?How did Boo Williams’ journey through the disability claims system begin?What personal challenges has Boo Williams faced besides his NFL career and disability benefits?Is there any sensitive content in this text, and is there assistance available for those who may need it?More about NFL Disability Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NFL Disability Program What is the main issue Boo Williams is facing with the NFL’s disability program? Boo Williams, a retired NFL player, is grappling with the NFL’s disability program’s failure to provide him with what he believes are fair benefits for his football-related injuries. Despite being awarded $5,000 a month, he contends that he should have received significantly more financial support over the past 14 years. What challenges do many retired NFL players face with the disability program? Many retired NFL players, including Boo Williams, encounter difficulties when dealing with the NFL’s Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan. These challenges include high rates of claim denials and concerns about potential conflicts of interest among doctors who evaluate players for benefits. What recent legal action has been taken in response to the NFL’s disability program? A lawsuit involving ten players, including retired Pro Bowl running back Willis McGahee, has been filed, alleging that the NFL’s disability program unfairly denies benefits to injured retirees. The lawsuit highlights concerns about an unjust and biased system for obtaining rightful benefits. How did Boo Williams’ journey through the disability claims system begin? Boo Williams initiated his claim in 2009 under the NFL’s “line of duty” disability policy for active and recently retired players suffering football-related injuries. Initially, it seemed he would receive monthly benefits, but his case took a downturn when an orthopedic doctor’s evaluation was downgraded, leading to years of frustration and depression. What personal challenges has Boo Williams faced besides his NFL career and disability benefits? In addition to the struggles with the NFL’s disability program, Boo Williams has faced personal challenges, including depression and difficulty affording medical care for his injuries. His experiences shed light on the broader issues affecting retired NFL players and their well-being. Is there any sensitive content in this text, and is there assistance available for those who may need it? Yes, this text contains discussions of sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. More about NFL Disability Program NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan National Suicide Prevention Lifeline You Might Be Interested In Florida’s ‘Dr. Deep’ resurfaces after a record 100 days living underwater Trevor Bauer, Former MLB Pitcher, and Accuser Resolve 2021 Legal Battle Stirring Demand for an End to Violence Against Women in Italy Court Allows Implementation of Most Provisions in North Carolina’s Revised 12-Week Abortion Law Tragic Train Derailment in India Claims 50 Lives and Traps Numerous Passengers Energy Department among federal agencies breached by Russian ransomware gang AP Top NewsBenefit DenialsBoo WilliamsDisability BenefitsFootballGeneral NewsHealth care costsinjurieslawsuitmedical careNFLPlayer WelfareRetired PlayersSportstrauma Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Ryan Lee Follow Author Ryan Lee is a technology journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the world of tech. He is passionate about new gadgets and software, and he enjoys testing and reviewing the latest products to hit the market. previous post Emerald Fennell on ‘Saltburn,’ class and Barry Keoghan: Fall Movie Preview next post Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat running for president, says he won’t run for re-election to Congress You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 1 comment EmpathyRising November 25, 2023 - 11:12 pm Don’t forget the sensitive content, folks. Reach out if ya need help. 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