Denied Voya Disability Benefits? Ortiz Law Firm Can Help

Voya Financial, formerly known as ING U.S. and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company, offers employee benefits and disability insurance products in the United States through its Voya Employee Benefits division.

Over the years, Voya has evolved from its roots as part of the international financial powerhouse ING, which acquired and merged with several well-known companies such as Security Life of Denver Insurance Company, Life of Georgia, Aetna Financial Services, ReliaStar, and CitiStreet. In 2014, the company underwent a significant transformation, rebranding its U.S. operations as Voya Financial, Inc., now headquartered in New York. Today, Voya stands as a major player in the insurance, investment, and retirement savings markets.

The company’s employee benefits coverage is provided through ReliaStar Life Insurance Company and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York, both integral parts of the Voya family. As a result, disability claim disputes may arise under either the Voya or ReliaStar names, but the underlying insurance processes and practices remain closely connected.

Types of Group Disability Insurance Benefits Offered by Voya

Voya provides a range of group disability insurance options designed to support employees when illness or injury prevents them from working. These benefits typically include:

• Disability income coverage to help replace lost wages during periods of disability
• Options for self-funded short-term disability programs, allowing employers to directly manage benefit payments
• Fully insured plans for both short-term and long-term disability, offering more comprehensive financial protection through the insurer
• Coverage tailored for professional associations and affinity groups, catering to the specific needs of certain industries or professions

These offerings are structured to give employers flexibility in designing a benefits package that supports the diverse needs of their workforce.

Voya’s Managed Disability program (formerly ING Disability Claims Management Services) evaluates eligibility for long-term disability (LTD) benefits under disability income plans by:

• Obtaining medical data from physicians to evaluate individual situations
• Processing substantiated disability claims
• Determining the appropriate length of absence based on functional capabilities and job requirements

Despite this process, legitimate long-term disability claims are frequently denied or terminated.

Top Reasons Why Voya Denies Claims

Sometimes, a legitimate denial happens—for example, when important information is missing. Sometimes a denial occurs because required information is missing. More often, however, claims are denied for reasons that feel overly technical or unfair.

Common reasons Voya gives for denying LTD claims include:

• Pre-Existing Condition Disputes: The insurer claims your disability is related to a condition you had before coverage began, even if the connection is weak.
• Insufficient Medical Evidence: If documentation does not clearly explain functional limitations, the insurer may argue the disability has not been adequately proven.
• Incomplete or Incorrect Paperwork: Missing forms, signatures, or deadlines are frequently used as grounds for denial.
• Disagreement Over Policy Definitions: Insurers may narrowly interpret policy language to argue your condition does not meet their definition of disability. Every long-term disability (LTD) policy comes with its own specific criteria for what qualifies as a disability, so it’s crucial to review your policy’s language carefully. This is especially important for individuals with mental health conditions or chronic pain—so-called “invisible” illnesses. These claims are more frequently denied, as insurers often look for objective evidence like X-rays or MRIs, which may not exist for these types of conditions. As a result, benefits are often withheld not because the condition isn’t real or disabling, but because it doesn’t fit the insurer’s narrow, sometimes outdated definition.

Understanding these common denial reasons can help you respond strategically if your claim is denied.

How Mental Illness and Chronic Pain Impact LTD Claims

If your disability stems from a mental health condition or chronic pain, you may find the claims process especially challenging. These types of conditions—depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, migraines, and similar diagnoses—are sometimes called “invisible illnesses” because they don’t always produce clear, objective findings on imaging like X-rays or MRIs.

Insurers, including Voya, tend to scrutinize these claims more closely. They may argue that your symptoms aren’t severe enough or that there isn’t enough “objective” medical evidence to support your diagnosis. This can mean more requests for documentation, greater reliance on paper reviews by insurer-selected doctors, and, too often, higher denial rates compared to claims based on physical injuries that show up clearly on medical tests.

If you’re facing these hurdles, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare providers to thoroughly document how your condition affects your ability to work. Detailed medical records, supporting statements from treating physicians, and consistent treatment history can all help strengthen your case.

How Voya Uses Surveillance to Investigate Disability Claimants

It’s not uncommon for insurance companies like Voya to take a closer look at claimants through surveillance. This means they may go beyond reviewing paperwork and sometimes hire private investigators or rely on their own employees to observe your day-to-day activities—often without your knowledge.

Surveillance methods can include:

• Video or Photo Monitoring: Investigators might discreetly record footage of your routine. For example, if your claim lists severe restrictions on lifting or mobility, they’ll look for contradictory evidence—like carrying groceries or performing yardwork.
• Social Media Scrutiny: The insurer may check your public social media accounts for posts, photos, or tags showing physical activity. Even older photos (posted before your disability began) could be flagged, prompting requests for explanations.
• Neighborhood Observation: Sometimes, investigators will conduct stakeouts, watching for activity that doesn’t seem to match your reported limitations.

It’s important to remember that even a single image or brief video clip can be used to question your credibility—regardless of the context or timing. For this reason, be mindful of what you share online and consider reviewing privacy settings to limit who can view your posts.

What Qualifies as an Unfair or Wrongful Denial?

Not every denial is legitimate. A denial may be considered unfair or wrongful when the insurer:

• Disregards strong medical evidence from treating physicians
• Focuses on minor technical errors rather than functional ability
• Relies primarily on insurer-hired doctors who contradict treating providers
• Misrepresents your job duties or ignores occupational demands
• Delays decisions or repeatedly requests unnecessary documentation

For example, even if your own doctor clearly states that you cannot perform your job, the insurer might still claim otherwise. You may have submitted thorough medical records and a detailed statement from your physician—someone who has examined you in person and understands your diagnosis—yet the insurance company’s medical reviewers, who have never met you, may decide from paperwork alone that your condition does not prevent you from working. This often leads to a denial letter that seems to ignore both your physician’s expertise and the real-world impact of your health issues.

Unfair denials can have serious financial consequences, including lost income and mounting expenses.

Appealing a Voya Disability Claim Denial

If your claim was denied, you have the right to challenge the decision. In most cases, thi means filing an administrative appeal. Your appeal rights depend on the type of policy you have.

• Group disability policies are typically governed by ERISA and require strict administrative appeals before a lawsuit can be filed.
• Individual or government employee policies may allow you to enforce your rights without completing an administrative appeal.

Because ERISA imposes strict deadlines and limits what evidence can later be used in court, consulting an experienced disability attorney early is critical. After you receive a denial letter, time is of the essence—typically, you have only 180 days from the date of denial to submit your appeal. Acting promptly not only protects your rights but also gives you the best chance to gather and present additional evidence that may be essential for reversing the insurer’s decision. Early legal guidance ensures your appeal is thorough and timely, helping you avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your benefits.

What Steps Can You Take to Appeal a Denied LTD Claim?

If your long-term disability claim has been denied, you’re not out of options. While the process may seem daunting, understanding the right steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your rights and gaining access to the benefits you deserve.

Here’s what you can do:

• Request and review the denial letter and claim file: This reveals exactly what the insurer relied on to deny your claim.
• Gather additional supporting evidence: Updated medical records, physician statements, and functional assessments can address gaps cited in the denial.
• Meet all appeal deadlines: ERISA claims generally allow only 180 days to appeal.
• Consult a disability attorney: Appeals are technical, and mistakes can permanently limit your rights.

Carefully documenting each step and seeking legal guidance when needed can help maximize your chances of overturning a denial and securing the benefits you are owed.

Gathering the Right Documentation for Your Appeal

A strong appeal directly addresses the insurer’s stated reasons for denial. Supporting evidence may include:

• Detailed Medical Records: Collect updated documentation from your treating physicians, including progress notes, test results, and specialist evaluations that clearly outline your diagnosis and ongoing limitations.
• Physician Support Statements: Secure detailed statements from your doctors that specifically explain how your condition prevents you from working and address the criteria the insurer uses to judge disability.
• Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs): These assessments objectively measure your physical or cognitive abilities and can help connect your medical condition to your job duties.
• Vocational Expert Opinions: In some cases, a report from a vocational expert can demonstrate why your education, training, and experience don’t allow you to perform your occupation—or any occupation, depending on your policy’s language.
• Personal Statements and Symptom Diaries: A day-to-day log of your symptoms and their impact on your life can humanize your claim, especially when medical evidence alone doesn’t tell the full story.
• Statements from Family, Friends, or Coworkers: Testimonies from people who witness your difficulties can help provide a broader perspective of your disability’s effects in daily life.

Tailoring this evidence to your specific denial reasons significantly improves your chances of success.

What Should You Know About Social Media When Appealing a Long-Term Disability Denial?

In today’s digital world, social media is a routine part of daily life. However, if you’re appealing a long-term disability denial—or even just maintaining an active claim—it’s important to understand how your online presence can impact your case.

Insurance companies such as Voya and others frequently monitor claimants’ public profiles. This can include:

• Reviewing posts, photos, and comments on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)
• Watching for tagged images, location check-ins, or status updates
• Checking interactions that might suggest you’re more active or capable than claimed in your appeal

For example, photos from a vacation, participating in physical activities, or even simply carrying groceries (regardless of when the photo was taken) can be misinterpreted by an insurer looking for reasons to deny or question your eligibility.

Tips for Protecting Your Claim on Social Media:

• Limit what you share. Avoid posting or commenting about physical activities, travel, or work—no matter how innocent the context may seem.
• Tighten your privacy settings. Make your profiles visible only to trusted friends and family. Regularly review who can see your content and tags.
• Ask friends to avoid tagging you. Even a well-meaning tag in an old photo could raise unnecessary questions from the insurer.
• Be mindful of context. Insurers are unlikely to consider whether a post is old, staged, or taken out of context—they simply look for inconsistencies with your claim.

If there’s any risk that a post, tag, or comment could be misunderstood, it’s often best to err on the side of caution. Being proactive on social media can help safeguard your appeal and prevent unnecessary complications with your disability claim.

How Long Does the Appeals Process Take?

After submitting your appeal, it’s natural to wonder how long the review will take. The timeframe largely depends on the terms of your policy, but most ERISA-governed group disability appeals must be resolved within 45 days. In some cases, the insurer can request an extension, bringing the total possible review period to 90 days.

Keep in mind, you might not receive regular status updates from the insurance company. It’s often a good idea to check in periodically to confirm your appeal was received and to track its progress. Patience is key during this waiting period, but staying proactive can help ensure your appeal moves forward as efficiently as possible.

RELATED POST: How Long Do LTD Appeals Take?

Filing a Lawsuit After Exhausting Your Disability Claim Appeals

If your long-term disability claim with Voya Financial, ING, or ReliaStar has been denied and you’ve exhausted all required administrative appeals, you may be able to take the next step by filing a lawsuit. The process typically looks like this:

• Confirm all appeals are completed: Most policies—especially those governed by ERISA—require that you complete at least one mandatory internal appeal before you can file suit. Some policies offer the option for a voluntary second appeal, but it is not always required.
• Gather all relevant documentation: Before initiating a lawsuit, collect all communications from the insurance company, copies of your policy, appeal submissions, medical records, and any denial letters. This documentation forms the backbone of your case and should be as thorough as possible.
• Consult an experienced attorney: Filing an ERISA disability lawsuit or an individual policy action involves strict procedural and evidentiary rules. An attorney can evaluate the strength of your case, explain the next steps, and ensure all deadlines are met.
• File your lawsuit in the appropriate court: For claims governed by ERISA, lawsuits are typically filed in federal court. For private (non-ERISA) policies, state and federal courts may both be options depending on the details of your case.

A skilled attorney can guide you through each phase of litigation—submitting your complaint, responding to motions from the insurer, and, if necessary, representing your interests at trial. In many instances, claims are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching the courtroom.

If you believe your disability claim was wrongfully denied or terminated—even after exhausting your appeals—a knowledgeable disability attorney can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.

Work with a Voya Long-Term Disability Attorney

Disability attorneys who regularly handle Voya and ReliaStar claims understand the tactics insurers use to delay or deny benefits. At the Ortiz Law Firm, we represent claimants nationwide and handle both ERISA-governed group policies and individual disability plans. Our experience includes preparing thorough administrative records, managing complex appeals, and litigating denied claims in federal court when necessary.

What to Expect When Working with a Disability Attorney

When you work with the Ortiz Law Firm, you can expect:

• A thorough review of your policy and denial letter
• A strategic appeal tailored to your policy language
• Direct communication with the insurer on your behalf
• Guidance on additional remedies if an appeal is denied
• No upfront fees—cases are handled on a contingency basis

Most importantly, you’ll have a knowledgeable advocate who can explain your options at every stage, keep you informed about developments in your case, and fight for the benefits you are entitled to under your policy.

What Clients Say About Working with Ortiz Law Firm

Choosing the right attorney to help with your disability claim is an important decision—and hearing from others who have walked the same path can provide much-needed reassurance. Our clients frequently share stories about how our legal team made a difference in their cases, from handling difficult appeals to offering steadfast support through long processes.

Here’s what actual claimants have reported after working with attorneys on their disability claims:

• Clear and Constant Communication: Clients appreciate that our attorneys and case managers keep them informed every step of the way, patiently answering questions and explaining confusing aspects of the process. This regular contact often eases much of the anxiety that comes with a claim or appeal.
• Personal Attention: Our individualized approach—reviewing medical records, advising on documentation, and tailoring strategy to specific policies—helps clients feel supported and confident. Many mention particular team members by name, highlighting the trust and rapport built during their case.
• Persistence Through Complex Cases: Whether a claim lasted several months or stretched over years, clients were grateful for steadfast assistance. Several have noted the encouragement they received when facing setbacks or lengthy delays.

These real-life testimonials underscore why having knowledgeable legal advocacy—like that offered by experienced firms handling Voya, ING, or ReliaStar claims—can make all the difference in a challenging process.

Call a Voya Financial / ING / ReliaStar Disability Attorney

If your long-term disability claim has been denied or terminated, help is available. An experienced disability attorney can evaluate your case and explain your options.

Call the Ortiz Law Firm at (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation.