Denied Voya Disability Benefits? Ortiz Law Firm Can Help

Voya Long-Term Disability Denials

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.