TOP 5 Reasons Why Long Term Disability Benefits are Denied

It’s not unusual for Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits to be denied, and there are various reasons why this may happen. Below are the top five reasons why Long Term Disability benefits are denied to those who are either mentally or physically unable to work.

1. Insufficient medical evidence

LTD denials by the insurance company can happen at the beginning of the application process because the applicant or the applicant’s doctor filled out the required forms incorrectly or inadequately. Despite the fact that you and your doctor have filled out the required forms and provided access to your medical file, the insurance company may deny your LTD benefit because the medical documents do not support your claim. Unfortunately, the insurance company is unlikely to explain why or where the documents are lacking. 

From our experience, doctors often fail to explain in enough detail why the patient’s symptoms are a barrier to performing the duties of their existing job or some alternative employment. It is advised that both you, as the applicant, and your physician clearly outline why you cannot work and explain how your medical condition prevents you from working. This will include such information as the frequency and intensity of the medical symptoms. 

If you are denied because the medical documents do not support your claim, you will have the opportunity to provide more information to the insurer. With the support of your family doctor or other treating physician, you can provide additional evidence to support your claim. The insurance company will typically give more weight to the opinion of a specialist than a family physician. You can also get the assistance of an LTD lawyer to complete the required forms. 

If you are turned down a second time, you will likely have to initiate an appeal process and sue the insurer.

2. You do not meet the policy’s definition of total disability

Each LTD insurance policy defines what it means to be “totally disabled.” At first glance, it might seem like an insurmountable threshold to attain but usually, in the first two years, it means that a person is unable to perform the usual duties and responsibilities of their own occupation. 

If you are unable to do your job, make sure to indicate total disability on the form. If you answer on the form that you do not meet the definition of total disability, the insurance company will interpret your response as an agreement you are able to work. 

If you have filled out the form incorrectly, but your treating physician’s opinion is that you cannot work, you can contest the denial of benefits.

3. You can work in another occupation

After two years, the definition of “total disability” often changes, and the insurance company takes the position that an individual is disabled only if they cannot work in any occupation. It is at this time that many individuals who are in receipt of LTD benefits are cut off If your physician continues to advise that you cannot work in any occupation, you can use that as evidence that you should continue to receive benefits. If the insurance company rejects that medical opinion, you can contest the decision to deny your LTD benefits. 

4. You have an excluded or pre-existing medical condition

Some insurance policies may exclude certain conditions, deny coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, or have a waiting period for claims due to a pre-existing medical condition. It is important to review the policy to see if and when you are covered for pre-existing medical conditions. If you are denied coverage due to a non-disclosed pre-existing condition,  depending on the context it may be worthwhile to initiate an appeal.

5. Lack of objective medical evidence

Individuals with invisible disabilities such as mental health conditions, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome are often denied due to a lack of so-called objective medical evidence. These diagnoses are often based on self-reported symptoms and their effect on daily living. Insurance companies often deny these claims because there is no official test or diagnostic image to confirm the existence of the illness or disease. Despite the lack of an official test or diagnostic, a denial of LTD benefits in these circumstances can be contested.

If any of the above reasons are cited in the decision to deny or stop paying your LTD benefits, we strongly recommend you contact a lawyer in order to discuss the next steps.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, which requires an assessment of your individual circumstances.]