All That Glitters in the World of Disability Benefits Is not Gold

By Kelly Mulcahy   On September 11, 2012 the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected Gene Atkins’ claim for expansive disability benefits yet again. On September 11, 2012 in a published opinion, the court effectively ended extensive litigation that included an arbitration, a lawsuit against the NFL retirement plan, and several appeals. Atkins, a former player for the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins from 1987-1996, sought “Football Degenerative” disability b