Obviously, not all medical disorders are diagnosed with “objective” test results, which can make establishing disability with such conditions challenging. Take fibromyalgia, for example. You cannot take an x-ray of fibromyalgia and prove it with objective medical testing. Yes, the “pressure point test” is a traditional method of testing for fibromyalgia, but this test is primarily subjective (not …
Medical Eligibility for Long Term Disability Claims
The Treating Physician Rule In Long Term Disability Claims
What – or who – is a treating physician? A treating physician is a medical doctor who provides medical treatment for you and has, or has had in the past, an ongoing relationship with you. There needs to be a history of treatment between the medical provider and the patient for the medical provider to be considered …
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Ten Traps That May Disable Your LTD Insurance Claim
The long term disability process can be long and frustrating. Having to speak to doctors, lawyers, and insurance representatives can be tiresome, especially if you are dealing with the daily frustrations of your disability. Developing and building a complete administrative file will help you build your long term disability case. We have some tips for …
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Residual Functional Capacity Forms: Download an RFC Form
In order to know whether you can do your job (or any other work in the economy), the long term disability (LTD) insurance company needs to know what you are still able to do (your “functional capacity”), after considering the effects of your disability (“residual”). For example, if you can still sit and type for …
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Mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): Download Assessment Form
In order to know whether you can do your job (or any other work in the economy), the Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance company needs to know what you are still able to do (your “functional capacity”), after considering the effects of your disability (“residual”). What Is Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)? To learn what …
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If I Refuse Surgery, Can I Be Denied Long Term Disability Insurance Payments?
If you avoid following your doctor’s treatment plan as prescribed (like refusing to have surgery), the insurance company may claim that you are refusing to do what you need to do to get better so you can work and deny your claim for that. However, you should not be denied for failure to comply for …
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How Long Term Disability Insurance Companies Evaluate Chronic Pain in Disability Claims
The insurance company must take your pain into account as long as you’ve been diagnosed with a physical or mental impairment, including fibromyalgia. Proving Disability Due to a Diagnosis of a Pain Disorder Proving total disability and being approved for long term disability benefits because of a diagnosis of a pain disorder can be difficult because there are no specific criteria …
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How Long Do You Have to Be Disabled Before You Can Qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits?
Everything You Need to Know While Waiting for Long Term Disability Benefits You don’t have to be disabled for any specific length of time before you apply for long term disability benefits, but there is typically a 90 to 180 day waiting period to receive LTD payments. Becoming disabled before retirement can be a scary thing. Most of us …
How Failing to Seek Medical Treatment or Comply With Your Doctor’s Recommendations Affects Your Disability Case
When the insurance company is reviewing your long term disability claim, they will be evaluating your credibility. They will be looking to see if the evidence you provided proves that you have been truthful about your symptoms, pain levels, and inability to work. The most common way the insurance company checks this is to see whether you …
How Do You Qualify Medically for Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits?
When applying for long term disability benefits, you will need to gather many documents from your doctors. But what information do you need to provide? You will need to provide your insurance company with medical records from only the doctors treating you for your disability. Providing medical records that are not related to your disability …
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