Medical Eligibility for Long-Term Disability Claims

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is meant to replace income when illness or injury prevents you from working. Many policyholders expect that, if approved, benefits will last until retirement age. Unfortunately, insurers are increasingly rewriting policy language to limit benefits to just 24 months for a wide range of conditions. What began as …

If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been denied, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. One of the most important steps you can take right now is to continue your medical treatment. Consistent medical care plays a major role in building a successful appeal. In fact, it’s often one of the most important factors …

When facing a long-term disability (LTD) denial, it is important to understand the concept of the “burden of proof.” Simply put, this means the responsibility is on you, the claimant, to prove that you are disabled under the terms of your insurance policy. Here’s what you need to know. It’s not the insurance company that …

When you’re fighting for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, one of the most important people on your team is your disability lawyer. But it’s not enough for them to know the law. They also need to understand your disabling conditions. That insight makes all the difference in your case. Here are a few key reasons why …

Medical evidence is the foundation of any successful long-term disability claim. Whether you’re filing for benefits or appealing a denial, your medical records must tell a clear story about your condition, your treatment, and your ability (or inability) to work. In this post, we’ll walk through the types of medical evidence that matter most and …

Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, like many other disability insurers, frequently denies or terminates long-term disability (LTD) claims based upon “independent” physician reviews. These reviews play a significant role in the claims process and are often used to justify claim denials. Understanding how Reliance Standard conducts these …

For many professionals, a disabling chronic illness brings more than just physical symptoms. It upends your career, your routines, and your sense of identity. You’ve spent years building your professional life, only to be sidelined by a medical condition that makes full-time work impossible. When you file a claim for long-term disability (LTD) …

Long-term disability claims for neuromuscular disorders can be complex and overwhelming. Navigating the process requires a clear understanding of the intricacies involved. From the initial application to potential appeals, each step demands attention to detail. This blog post will provide valuable insights to help you understand and navigate …

Long-term disability claims often involve soft tissue disorders, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this blog post, we will delve into long-term disability claims for soft tissue disorders and the specific challenges and policy limitations associated with these claims. With this knowledge, claimants can navigate …

Chronic fatigue conditions are increasingly recognized for impacting a person’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. In many cases, sufferers of these conditions may need to resort to long-term disability (LTD) insurance. Unfortunately, the path to accessing these benefits is not always straightforward, with claimants often facing …

Chemical and environmental sensitivities (CES) can lead to a wide array of disabling symptoms. In severe cases, these sensitivities can profoundly impact a person’s ability to work and complete regular life activities. When symptoms impact a person’s ability to perform their occupation, pursuing disability benefits is essential, …

Disability insurance can be a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot work due to severe health conditions. One of the common health issues that lead to long-term disability claims is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The impairments caused by these conditions are real and can significantly impact the ability to work. However, individuals …

One of the most commonly requested documents by disability insurance carriers is an Attending Physician Statement (APS). Attending Physician Statement forms are provided by your insurance company to be completed by your doctor(s). The medical information your doctor provides on the Attending Physician Statement could make or break your claim. If …

When it comes to long-term disability insurance, it’s important to understand the difference between total and residual disability. These two concepts can significantly impact your insurance benefits and coverage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each term means and how they affect your insurance policy. What Is Total …

If you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. However, obtaining these benefits is often a complex and challenging process. One of the key factors that can affect your chances of getting approved for long-term disability benefits is the medical evidence that you submit with …

Your functional limitations are the most critical evidence for your long-term disability claim. Your insurance company is interested in how your disability affects your ability to work. The insurance claim examiner (and a judge if your claim goes to court) will look for you to provide detailed doctor’s notes on activity limitations. This …

When applying for long-term disability benefits, your credibility can be the linchpin of your case. Insurers scrutinize every detail, from medical records to personal statements, to ensure that claims are legitimate. Establishing and maintaining your credibility throughout the application process is crucial for securing the benefits you deserve. In …

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 an ongoing relationship with you. There must be a history of treatment between the medical provider and the patient for the medical provider to be considered a treating …

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 will deny your long-term disability claim for that. However, you should not be denied for failure to comply …

Having your long-term disability insurance claim approved is a significant first step towards receiving benefits. The next stage is waiting to receive payment. In a disability insurance policy, this is called the elimination period. What Is the Elimination Period? The elimination period is the period of time that you must wait to receive your first …

When applying for benefits, you must provide evidence to prove that you qualify for long-term disability benefits. You must 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 is irrelevant and could hurt your claim. The …

If you have a long-term disability policy, either provided by your employer or through a policy you’ve acquired independently, you may qualify to receive disability benefits if you cannot work. The first step in determining your eligibility for benefits is to read your long-term disability (LTD) policy thoroughly. You can obtain a …