Health Conditions That Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits
Long-term disability benefits are intended to provide a partial income replacement for people living with a qualifying disability or illness that makes them unable to work. Examples of qualifying disabilities include musculoskeletal disorders, nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and some mental health conditions that might prevent a person from being able to work for a year or more.
Personal injuries that result in disability can also qualify for long-term benefits if it can be shown that the injury has had a significant impact on the person’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks.
To qualify, the condition must be formally diagnosed. Providing adequate medical documentation is one of the main challenges people face when making disability claims.
Reasons Why Your Long-Term Disability Claim Might Be Denied
Your long-term disability claim may be declined if there is incomplete or inconsistent medical documentation or if there are errors in your claim. Even small errors or missed deadlines can prevent a long-term disability claim from being processed, so it’s vital that you complete claim forms accurately and on time.
Another common reason for long-term disability claims to be denied is if the insurance company or Social Security department does not agree that the medical condition you’re using as the basis for your claim constitutes a long-term disability.
Some policies have a clause that talks about occupational duties and may reserve the right to deny a claim if you are unable to perform the duties of your current occupation but can still work in other jobs. It’s important to read the terms and conditions of your policy before making a claim.
How a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Can Help
A long-term disability attorney can assist with several aspects of your claims, including completing the forms, providing evidence that you have a qualifying disability, and assisting with appeals if necessary. If you’re unwell and unable to work, completing the disability forms could be difficult for you, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. By working with an attorney who has experience with the application process, you can increase the chances of your claim being successful.
Disability claims can be complex, and insurance companies investigate claims thoroughly before agreeing to payouts. If they have any reason to believe that a claim is fraudulent or inaccurate, it’s likely to be denied. An experienced attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls and help ensure your claim goes as smoothly as possible.
Contact Us Today
We work with clients in Cape Girardeau, MO, and throughout the Mid-South. We can assist with long-term disability claims, short-term disability, and Social Security Disability cases. We can assist with any stage of the application process, whether you’re making an initial application or an appeal. Our experienced attorneys can help you.
Contact us today to book a free 20-minute consultation.