Let’s say you go to your doctor with a problem and she tells you that you can’t work because you’ve got a serious, long term disability. Most people would probably take their doctor’s advice as clear medical evidence that they are disabled and should be able to receive LTD benefits.
Unfortunately, insurers don’t see it that way. If all your doctor does is examine you and the writes up a statement saying you’re not able to return to work due to your disability, insurance companies are liable to refuse, suspend, or terminate LTD benefits. This is true even if they’ve been covering you for short term benefits, acknowledging that there is definitely a problem.
Why do they do that? And how can you keep this from happening to you?
You Have to Provide Medical Evidence That is Objective and Comprehensive
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Insurance companies can’t just take a doctor’s word for it that your disability is preventing you from returning to work because they need you to meet specific requirements that they’ve laid down. Most doctors understand this and know how to write up their reports to make sure they pass insurance company muster, but don’t assume your doctor is one of them. Find out what your insurer needs to know – specifically – and ask your physician to provide that information. The best way is to get a copy of the residual functional capacity form and bring it to your appointment.
It will ask about things like:
- The length of time you can sit, stand, or walk
- If you can stoop, bend, or reach, and how far
- The amount of weight you’re able to pull, push, or lift
- If you’re able to type or otherwise handle small objects with your fingers
- How often you have to take breaks
- How often you need to take sick days or go to the hospital
Using this kind of objective information, the insurance company is able to define your “functional limitations” and determine whether you are eligible for benefits or not. You can find out even more about the long term disability process by reading our free eBook Disability Insurance Policies.
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Worried about finding a good disability doctor? Work with experienced doctor disability claim attorneys to find someone who will handle your treatment and examination correctly the first time. See how a good lawyer can help your long term disability claim by reading our free long term disability eBook.
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