Why Your Long-Term Disability Claim May Have Been Denied

Having your long-term disability (LTD) claim denied can be frustrating and confusing, particularly when your medical condition is preventing you from working. A denial, however, does not necessarily mean that you are not entitled to benefits.

As an experienced long-term disability lawyer, I regularly see legitimate claims denied for a variety of reasons.

Insufficient “Objective” Medical Evidence

One common issue is the insurer’s position that there is insufficient “objective” medical evidence supporting the disability. This can be particularly problematic for conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, mental health conditions and other illnesses where symptoms may not always be fully demonstrated through imaging or laboratory testing. The proper question is not simply whether a particular test is abnormal, but whether your medical condition prevents you from performing the duties of your occupation or any occupation as required by the specific policy in question.