Thrivent formerly Aid Association for Lutherans, My first claim experience, Part 1, Incompetence?, Delay & Deny tactics?, Long on attorneys and short on core Christian values

“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.”…Martin Luther

I was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran Church.

I was an acolyte for years and sometimes for both Sunday services.

I attended catechism class and studied Luther’s Small Catechism.

I was confirmed at age 12.

I sang in a choir for many years.

I was introduced to a AAL, Aid Association for Lutherans, representative in the early eighties.

Along with a life insurance policy and health insurance policy, I took out a disability insurance policy with AAL in 1985. I eventually paid on the disability policy for 25 years.

AAL canceled health insurance for the entire state of NC years ago.

I took out the life and disability policies believing I would never use them but to protect my family in case the unexpected happened.

In early 2001 my right knee gave out running. I had trouble getting back to my car.

I tried the usual time tested methods but nothing worked.

Soon after I visited an Orthopedic Surgeon and was diagnosed. The knee was in very bad shape and would require replacement. Surgery would take place in December.

I was much younger at the time and the surgery was a known factor. I did not anticipate major problems or much time away from my computer consulting business. That would prove to be a wrong assessment.

I did not even think about filing a claim with AAL. After the local agent kept insisting that I do so, I did.

Disability Insurance 101. The beginning of my education.

More in Part 2.