Long-Term Disability Denial

Name: Hear from one of our trusted lawyers, Jim Sokolove of Sokolove law
Uploaded: 2025-02-03T00:00:00-05:00
Description: Insurance companies have a duty to treat policyholders fairly. When they fail to do so, a disability attorney can step in and appeal a wrongful denial.

Your long-term disability insurance benefits are meant to provide compensation if you can’t work because of an illness or injury. However, unfair denials are common, leaving many policyholders struggling to get by. An experienced lawyer can challenge a wrongful long-term disability denial and fight for the money you deserve. Get legal help now.

Get a Free Case Review

Why Take Legal Action?

By challenging a wrongful disability insurance denial, you can pursue the benefits and justice you deserve.

Results Secured

$1.36 million for a New York man whose Aetna long-term disability claim and appeal were denied
$1.21 million for a California worker denied disability benefits
$975,000 for a physician who lost his hearing and was denied long-term disability benefits by Unum

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Last updated: May 02, 2025

Understanding a Long-Term Disability Insurance Denial

A long-term disability (LTD) denial may stem from insufficient medical evidence, problems with your application, or not meeting the specific criteria outlined in your insurance policy.

In some cases, insurance companies may even deny valid claims to avoid paying benefits and boost their profits.

1 in 4 Americans will become disabled before age 65, yet the majority of long-term disability claims are denied.

Whatever the reasons, receiving a long-term disability denial can be frustrating, especially when an injury or illness prevents you from working and getting a paycheck. A long-term disability appeal is a way to seek the compensation you’re owed.

Approved LTD claims lead to monthly benefits until you recover from your disability or reach a specific age. You’ve paid for these benefits and deserve to use them.

If you’re facing a long-term disability denial, LawFirm.com may be able to help you fight back. Get started right now with a free case review.

How to Appeal Long-Term Disability Denial

The best way to appeal a long-term disability claim denial is to work with an experienced LTD lawyer.

These legal professionals have the skills, knowledge, and resources to take on powerful insurance companies and reach a favorable outcome.

A long-term disability appeal lawyer can:

Help you understand your disability insurance policy
Figure out why your LTD claim was denied
Collect evidence to prove you meet long-term disability qualifications
Communicate with your insurance company on your behalf
Work to secure compensation as quickly as possible

Your lawyer can handle all the paperwork involved in a long-term disability appeal, so you can focus on your health.

Watch our short video to find out more about how to appeal a long-term disability denial with the help of a lawyer.

Hear from one of our trusted lawyers, Jim Sokolove of Sokolove law Video Thumbnail

Insurance companies have a duty to treat policyholders fairly. When they fail to do so, a disability attorney can step in and appeal a wrongful denial.

Duration: 1 min 00 sec

Long-Term Disability Denial Settlements

Policyholders depend on LTD benefits to support themselves and their families. A long-term disability denial settlement can provide financial relief when it’s needed most.

LawFirm.com works with a network of long-term disability denial attorneys who’ve secured over $133 million for clients wrongfully denied LTD benefits.

Long-term disability denial settlements secured by our legal partners include:

$1.36 million to a New York client with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
$800,000 in California for a denied Unum long-term disability claim
$450,000 for an Alabama client who was denied disability benefits
$400,000 in Ohio for a long-term disability denial
$395,000 for a denied long-term disability claim in Georgia
$1.15 million to a California woman with a denied disability insurance claim

“Now, I have the support and financial security I need to focus on my health and well-being. I’m grateful for the law firm’s help and would recommend them to anyone facing a similar struggle.”

– An engineer with a cancer claim denial who worked with our partner firm

Settlement amounts may vary based on your job, duration of disability, earning capacity, and other factors. Regardless of the facts of your case, a long-term disability denial lawyer will fight to secure as much money as possible.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or chat with a case manager to see if one of our trusted legal partners may be able to pursue a long-term disability denial settlement for you.

The Long-Term Disability Appeal Process

LTD denial lawyers strive to make appealing a denial as easy and stress-free as possible. No matter where you are in the long-term disability appeal process, they can jump in and handle all communications and paperwork going forward.

Here’s how to appeal a long-term disability denial with the help of a lawyer:

Get a free case review to see if you may be able to work with an LTD denial attorney.
Your lawyer can gather evidence, like your medical records and letters from your treating physician, to prove you deserve benefits.
With this information, your attorney will file an appeal with your insurance company to convince them to reverse their decision, or file a second appeal if your first one was rejected.
If the insurer still won’t pay the benefits you’re owed, your attorney may file a complaint with your state’s Insurance Department, setting the groundwork for taking legal action.
Depending on your insurance plan and the facts of your case, you may be able to file a long-term disability lawsuit against the insurance company.

Your attorney will work to secure an out-of-court settlement, allowing you to access the financial support you deserve quickly. However, they will be prepared to argue your case in court and seek money through a trial verdict if necessary.

Did you know?

You may be entitled to additional compensation if the insurance company acted in bad faith by deliberately or unreasonably denying your long-term disability claim.

Deadline for a Long-Term Disability Appeal

You only have a limited amount of time to appeal a long-term disability denial. Missing a deadline can be a critical mistake that may result in losing the right to appeal.

The deadline to appeal a long-term disability denial should be noted in the denial of claim letter sent by your insurer.

A federal law called ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) typically gives claimants 180 days from the date they received a written denial letter to file a long-term disability appeal.

While most individual policies follow ERISA law, others may not. To ensure that you don’t miss the cutoff in your long-term disability case, it’s important to contact an LTD lawyer as soon as possible.

An attorney can explain the timeframe that applies to you and act quickly to ensure your long-term disability appeal is filed in time.

Companies Known for Denied Disability Insurance

Many long-term disability insurance companies are known for denying valid claims and depriving policyholders of the benefits they’re entitled to.

The worst long-term disability insurance companies are those that require excessive documentation or look for any reason to deny a legitimate LTD claim.

Insurance companies with high LTD denial rates include:

Aetna
Allstate
Anthem
Cigna
Disability Management Services
Guardian Life
The Hartford
Liberty Mutual
Lincoln Financial
Lloyd’s of London
MetLife
Northwestern Mutual
Prudential
The Standard
State Farm
Sun Life
UnitedHealthcare
Unum

This is not a complete list — other long-term disability insurance companies have a history of wrongfully denying claims.

If you’re facing a long-term disability denial, an ERISA lawyer can fight for the benefits you’re owed, regardless of your insurance carrier.

Occupations Affected by Denied Long-Term Disability Coverage

Long-term disability denials impact workers across all industries, so anyone who pays premiums for an LTD insurance policy and has to file a claim may be affected.

Workers impacted by denied long-term disability coverage may include:

Cashiers and stockers
Construction workers
Doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, and other medical professionals
Government employees
Hairdressers, barbers, and cosmetologists
Immunocompromised workers unable to work due to illness or health issues
Mechanics
Office workers
Professional athletes or musicians
People who had COVID-19 and experienced long-haul symptoms
Restaurant workers and bartenders
School teachers and professors
Truck drivers

Did you know?

In March 2025, a California federal judge ruled that a policyholder was owed over $81,000 in LTD benefits and entitled to future benefits. The policyholder proved that she is disabled and can’t work due to the effects of chemotherapy treatment.

LawFirm.com works with lawyers who may be able to help anyone facing a long-term disability denial, no matter their occupation.

Get a free case review now to find out if one of our legal partners may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf.

8 Common Reasons for a Long-Term Disability Denial Appeal

Insurance companies deny LTD benefits claims for many reasons. The top 8 reasons for disability denial are listed below.

Adjuster mistakes: An insurance adjuster may be overwhelmed with claims or fail to review all of your documentation, leading to denied long-term disability insurance coverage.
Independent medical exam results: An insurer may require you to get an independent medical exam (IME) by a non-treating health care provider. IMEs are known to be biased since insurers often pick doctors who have supported their decisions in the past.
Insurance investigation findings: When an insurance company investigates your disability claim, they may use intrusive tactics, like performing video surveillance or analyzing your social media accounts, to justify a long-term disability denial.
Invisible health conditions: Insurance companies require concrete evidence about a disability and may deny claims when this information is lacking. Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and migraines are often difficult to prove.
Lack of documentation: An insurance carrier may deny your claim if you don’t provide enough evidence about your injury or illness. However, an insurer that demands an unreasonable amount of documentation may be acting in bad faith.
Non-covered health condition: Each insurer has its own definition of a qualifying health condition. You may receive a long-term disability denial if your condition doesn’t meet the policy’s definition of disability.
Not filing your claim on time: Injuries and illnesses can make it harder to meet deadlines, especially if you’re hospitalized or bedridden. However, if you don’t file your claim on time, your insurance provider will likely reject it.
Pre-existing health conditions: If you had a health condition, received treatment for it, or consulted a doctor before your long-term disability policy took effect, you may be facing a denial for a pre-existing condition.

Insurance companies have policies and procedures that are designed to minimize valid long-term disability claims and protect their profits.

An experienced disability lawyer can review the reason for your claim denial and take action to secure the results you deserve.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or chat with a case manager to get started.

Why Hire a Long-Term Disability Insurance Denial Attorney?

Working with a reputable long-term disability law firm can significantly improve your chances of success, especially when you’re ill or injured and need to focus on your health.

Reasons to hire a long-term disability law firm include:

Avoid mistakes: Insurance documents are written to be confusing. A long-term disability denial lawyer can help you understand your policy, take action to protect your legal rights, and ensure that all requirements and deadlines are met.
Even the playing field: Long-term disability law firms have access to vocational experts and other resources they can use to go head-to-head with powerful insurance companies.
Free up your time: Filing a long-term disability appeal can be overwhelming and time-consuming. However, with a top law firm handling all aspects of an appeal on your behalf, you’ll have time to dedicate to your health.

A successful appeal can be a lifeline for you and your family, ensuring you receive the financial support you need. You don’t have to face the appeals process alone.

Get Help Appealing a Long-Term Disability Denial

LawFirm.com understands the stress and uncertainty related to long-term disability denials. Having someone on your side who can fight powerful insurance companies to get you the money you’re owed is crucial.

We’ve partnered with experienced disability lawyers who:

Can help clients in all 50 states
Handle all of the paperwork related to a long-term disability appeal
Have secured over $133 million for clients
Never charge any upfront or hourly fees

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or get a free case review to see if a top long-term disability attorney can fight hard for everything you deserve.

Long-Term Disability Denied FAQs

What are the requirements for long-term disability?

To qualify for long-term disability benefits, you must meet several requirements like proof of coverage and a qualifying disability.

LTD requirements typically include:

Having a long-term disability plan, either through your employer or a private insurer
Meeting the definition of disability due to injury or illness
Satisfying the elimination period (waiting period after becoming disabled)
Providing proof of disability through medical records, doctor’s statements, and other evidence
Complying with medical treatment requirements

Each LTD policy is different, so it’s important to review the specific terms and conditions of your plan.

If you’re facing an unjust long-term disability denial, a lawyer can help prove that you meet the requirements for LTD benefits. Get started with a free case review.

Why would a long-term disability claim be denied?

A long-term disability claim may be denied due to reasons related to the policy, your health condition, or the insurance carrier. In some cases, insurers deny valid LTD claims to boost their bottom line.

Reasons for a long-term disability denial include:

A claim filed after the deadline
An error by the insurance adjuster
Disputed findings during an independent medical exam
Lack of documentation
Pre-existing disability exclusions

Appealing a long-term disability denial is possible, and an experienced attorney can help strengthen your case.

What happens if long-term disability is denied?

If your long-term disability claim is denied, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision.

In the event of a wrongful claim denial, a disability denial lawyer may be able to file an appeal on your behalf or take legal action to secure the benefits you’re owed.

Call (888) 726-9160 now to see if we can connect you with a top LTD lawyer near you.

What percentage of long-term disability claims are denied?

Over 60% of long-term disability insurance claims are denied for various reasons, including errors by insurance adjusters, missed deadlines, and insufficient documentation.

An experienced long-term disability lawyer can evaluate your case and improve your chances of a successful long-term disability appeal.

Is it hard to get approved for long-term disability?

Insurance companies purposefully make it difficult to get long-term disability benefits in order to maximize their profits. They do this by making policy documents hard to read, rejecting valid claims, and using other tactics.

What should you not do in a long-term disability interview?

During a long-term disability interview, you should avoid falsifying information or minimizing the impact of your disability. Instead, be honest and explain how the condition affects your life.

The insurance company investigator may try to trip you up, so it’s always best to attend a long-term disability interview with an experienced lawyer by your side. An attorney can help you prepare, redirect the interviewer, and advocate for your legal rights.

Get a free case review now to see if you may be able to work with one of our trusted legal partners.

How do I write an appeal letter for a long-term disability denial?

To write an appeal letter for a long-term denial, you must include the following:

Contact information for you, your treating physician, and others who can validate your disability
The insurer’s reason for denial
New evidence supporting your medical condition
Policy language that supports your disability claim
Why you believe your disability claim is covered

A lawyer can help you write a strong appeal letter for your long-term disability denial claim, improving your chances of a successful outcome.

How do I win a long-term disability claim?

To win a long-term disability claim, you must build a strong case that clearly shows your condition prevents you from working.

Key steps include:

Understand your policy, how it defines “disability,” and what evidence it requires
Provide strong medical evidence, like doctor’s notes and diagnostic test results that support your claim
Follow your doctor’s orders
Be mindful of what you post on social media and how you appear in public, as insurers may conduct surveillance
Get legal support, especially if your claim is complex or you’re facing a long-term disability denial

Taking a thorough and proactive approach greatly increases your chances of a successful LTD claim.

How do you appeal a long-term disability denial?

If your long-term disability claim is denied, you have the right to appeal — and it’s important to act quickly.

Here’s how to appeal a long-term disability denial:

Review the denial letter to find out why your claim was denied and how to appeal
Gather strong evidence that supports your disability and inability to work
Write a detailed appeal letter that directly addresses the insurer’s reasons for denial
Follow the policy’s procedures for appealing a long-term disability claim denial
Consider legal help to strengthen your appeal and improve your chances of success

Appealing a denial is often the best way to get the benefits you deserve. Don’t give up if your initial claim was rejected.

Call (888) 726-9160 now or chat with a case manager to see if a top LTD lawyer may be able to appeal a long-term disability denial on your behalf.