Long-Term Disability Claims For Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, and in advanced cases, it can be life-threatening. Even after initial treatment, the long-term effects of melanoma or its recurrence can severely impact your ability to work.

If your long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim for melanoma has been denied, you’re not alone. Many people find that even with a cancer diagnosis, insurance companies look for reasons to delay or deny benefits.

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we represent clients nationwide who have been unfairly denied LTD benefits. Attorney Nick Ortiz has been handling disability insurance claims since 2005. Our firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that melanoma can take—and how to build a strong case for benefits.

When Melanoma Becomes Disabling

While some cases of melanoma are treatable with surgery alone, others require aggressive treatment such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy. These treatments often come with significant side effects that can make it difficult or impossible to work, especially for long periods of time.

Common complications and side effects that can affect your ability to work include:

• Fatigue and weakness that persists long after treatment has ended.
• Cognitive dysfunction (“chemo brain”), including memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
• Chronic pain or nerve damage.
• Lymphedema or swelling, especially after lymph node removal.
• Depression or anxiety related to the cancer diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
• Frequent doctor’s appointments and scans.
• Metastatic disease, where cancer has spread to other organs.

For individuals with advanced or recurrent melanoma, the demands of treatment and symptom management may be completely incompatible with maintaining a job.

Why LTD Claims for Melanoma Are Denied

Insurance companies often deny melanoma disability claims for the following reasons:

• Arguing that you’re in remission and therefore not disabled.
• Minimizing the side effects of treatment.
• Claiming that your fatigue or cognitive symptoms are subjective and not “measurable.”
• Using in-house medical reviewers who never examine you in person.
• Misinterpreting or ignoring supportive evidence from your oncologist.

Even if you’re currently between treatment cycles or your scans are stable, insurers may use this as a reason to cut off your benefits prematurely.

Building a Strong Melanoma Disability Claim

To increase your chances of approval or success on appeal, your claim should include:

• Comprehensive medical records, including biopsy results, pathology reports, and imaging studies.
• Treatment notes detailing the side effects and limitations caused by medications or procedures.
• A detailed statement from your oncologist regarding your prognosis and functional limitations.
• Documentation of symptoms like fatigue, cognitive problems, or pain that interferes with work.
• A personal statement about how melanoma has affected your daily life and job responsibilities.

Insurance carriers want to see “objective evidence” of impairment, so regular documentation from your medical providers is key.

Why Choose the Ortiz Law Firm to Handle Your Claim

If your LTD claim has been denied, our firm can help you appeal the decision or file a lawsuit if necessary. We take a detailed, evidence-based approach to each case, working closely with your treating physicians to document your limitations. Our team will:

• Analyze your policy and denial letter.
• Identify and address the insurer’s reasons for denial.
• Gather and submit additional medical and vocational evidence.
• Manage communication and negotiations with the insurance company.

As a small firm, we offer a level of personal attention you won’t find at larger firms. Nick Ortiz personally oversees every case to ensure that our clients receive the care and advocacy they deserve.

Nationwide Representation for Melanoma Disability Claims

You don’t have to live in Florida to work with us. We represent long-term disability claimants in every state. If melanoma has left you unable to work and your LTD claim has been denied, contact the Ortiz Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the benefits you deserve. Call (888) 321-8131 to get started.