Lincoln Admits It Was Wrong To Deny Disability Insurance Claim

Our client was the director of Volunteer Services for a large healthcare system for many years who had received numerous accolades and awards during her tenure. She had every intention to continue down her chosen career path until her life was tragically turned upside down when she suffered a blow to her head that resulted in permanent Epileptic seizure activity, cognitive impairment, difficult speaking and extreme fatigue. Unable to perform the duties of her job she filed for disability benefits under her employer’s group disability insurance policy with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Initially, Lincoln had approved her claim for benefits based on the medical information it received that it determined was sufficient proof of disability. However, within a year of the initial award of benefits, Lincoln had a change of heart and determined that the medical evidence it had once deemed proof of disability was no longer supportive of our client’s inability to return to her former occupation. After receiving her denial letter, she contacted attorneys Dell Disability Lawyers and spoke with Attorney Stephen Jessup.

In the denial letter Lincoln argued that the basis of our client’s disability and the source of all of her symptoms were nothing more than a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Lincoln went on to note that due to the fact her medical records indicated that the B-12 deficiency was resolved she no longer met the definition of disability. It was clear that Lincoln was cherry picking information from her medical records while disregarding information that supported her ongoing disability.

Attorney Jessup quickly obtained a copy of the claim file along with a copy of her complete medical records. Review of the information only made Attorney Jessup realize how ridiculous Lincoln’s denial of our client’s claim for benefits was as there was a plethora of information supporting disability from a physical and emotional standpoint. Attorney Jessup coordinated with her treatment providers to address Lincoln’s contention and to mount a comprehensive front to ensure our client’s claim had the best chance of being reinstated. Following the submission of the appeal, our client’s claim for benefits was reinstated well in advance of the 45 days allotted under the law to Lincoln to render a decision.

Has your insurance company ignored your medical history?

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to cherry pick information from medical records that is favorable to their position, all while ignoring the information that supports disability. If your disability insurance carrier has denied your claim or you feel that they are not properly reviewing and considering your medical conditions, please feel free to contact Dell Disability Lawyers to discuss how we may be able to assist you.


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Lincoln Financial Reviews
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Showing 8 of 95 Reviews
Lincoln Financial

Never received benefits my entire leave - or help with them

Reviewed by Anna on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I used my short term disability insurance for maternity leave and started the process beforehand knowing when I would be out (scheduled induction.) It took a little over a... read more >
Lincoln Financial

Well Documented correspondence

Reviewed by Joshua on November 23rd 2023   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
I read other situations and it’s all very similar to my case. I have received STD from May 2023 and when my FMLA run out LF would not respond or answer my calls. My last... read more >
Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial made my life a living hell

Reviewed by Salyna D on June 1st 2022   Verified Policyholder
Lincoln Financial made my life a living hell. I went on medical leave from my job just to work for them basically. My mental health is worse than it was and I still do not... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 2nd 2022 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Salyna, I am sorry to hear about your experience. I wish I could say it is an anomaly, but it is an all too common occurrence. Depending on if the claim was ever approv... read more >

Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financials wants to claw back my money

Reviewed by Paul F. on June 30th 2021   Verified Policyholder
Lincoln financial wants to claw back money from ssi and we had two employers so I got disability from both employers one used Lincoln one used Cal EDD for short term so we... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 30th 2021 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Paul, unfortunately, under employer provided policies there are provisions related to offsets for sources of Other Income. Both the California disability and Social Sec... read more >

Lincoln Financial

This is the second time I've been shorted in my check

Reviewed by Wendy J. on June 16th 2021   Verified Policyholder
I have been out of work since 3/25/21. I had to jump thru hoops to get an extension from 4/28/21 to 6/13/21. I have had MRI, x rays which showed anuerysmal tumor on my fib... read more >
Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial denied my STD claim because one doctor didn't send them my medical information.

Reviewed by Eric J. on April 6th 2021   Verified Policyholder
In late January 2021 I was referred to a Doctor I meet her for 15 minutes she ordered some X-rays and blood work. In mid Feb I called to change my next appointment due to ... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 6th 2021 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Eric, it sounds like there is more to the story than what Lincoln is telling you. Have you received the formal denial letter? If so, we can review the letter with you t... read more >

Lincoln Financial

Lincoln cancelled my benefits because my doctor's notes were handwritten

Reviewed by Maci P. on February 7th 2021   Verified Policyholder
I have been on a short term disability since June of 2020. I was paid additional benefits through Lincoln Financial after SDI paid me. In august of 2020, Lincoln Financial... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 7th 2021 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Maci, unfortunately this is common behavior for Lincoln. Please contact our office at 888-729-3355 and ask to speak to an attorney who can assist you with your STD appe... read more >

Lincoln Financial

Lincoln denied my disability claim even though Dr said I couldn't work

Reviewed by Richard F. on December 25th 2020   Verified Policyholder
My Doctor took me out of work starting October 12, 2020 due to GI illness. I am unable to work. Lincoln denied my disability claim.
Reply
Sent on December 25th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Richard, have you filed an administrative appeal of the denial? Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim and denial in detail to determine how we ma... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(49)
Showing 8 of 49 Answered Questions

Q: Should I accept the buyout from Lincoln Financial? I have 7 days to decide.

Answered on January 16th 2024 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Kendra, it was a pleasure speaking with you today. Thank you for reaching out for the free consultation. We ar... Read More >

Q: Change in Occupation

Answered on November 22nd 2023 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: The date is usually the date in which your LTD payments began. Read More >

Q: If I return to work only part time and decide I can't continue, will Lincoln Financial base my income on when I worked part time or full time?

Answered on October 29th 2022 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Kara, it would depend on the language in the policy. There is even a chance you could transition into long ter... Read More >

Q: Does Lincoln Financial apply offsets to all claimants equitably?

Answered on September 20th 2022 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Jerry, yes, Lincoln Financial may seek to recover an overpayment of benefits pursuant to the contractual langu... Read More >

Q: Does payback to Lincoln Financial, once approved for SSDI, include the first year?

Answered on August 25th 2022 by Attorney Jay Symonds
A: Bruce: Most group policies require payback for any month in which you received a full LTD benefit and then, su... Read More >

Q: Is LF's doctor, who never spoke with me or evaluated me, allowed to clear me for work?

Answered on August 14th 2022 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Barb, I am sorry to hear of the stress that LFG is putting you through. Thankfully, it sounds like the 3rd par... Read More >

Q: Can LF discontinue my mental health benefits after 24 months?

Answered on September 7th 2020 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Cindy, unfortunately most group polices only cover mental nervous conditions for 24 months. Read More >

Q: Can Lincoln Financial deny a total disability claim approved by a federal judge? Can I get a lump sum payout instead of fighting with them for the next 9 years?

Answered on July 9th 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Sandra, I am sorry to hear of the issues that Lincoln is giving you. Unfortunately, while Lincoln has to take ... Read More >
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Our client came to us after he was denied continued Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Previ... Read More >

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On December 8th of 2020, a new employee at ServerCentral, now known as Deft, a well-known IT ... Read More >

Lincoln overturned its previous denial of LTD benefits for Escalation Engineer

Our client, Mr. E, formerly worked as an Escalation Engineer for a national data services and data management company. For many years Mr. E ... Read More >
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Does Policy Language of Actively at Work Include Saturday, Sunday and Holidays?

In Harlan Ten Pas v. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, (Lincoln) Plaintiff, a tax attorney with the firm of McGladrey&nbs... Read More >

Court Holds Plaintiff's State Claims Preempted by ERISA and Dismissed Complaint

In Lowe v. Lincoln Nat'l Life Ins. Co., Plaintiff suffered a stroke in May 2016 while working for Diversicare Healthcare Services, Inc. Divers... Read More >

Lincoln Financial Beats to Their Own Drum With Long Term Disability Claims

In a recent claim denial our disability law firm is handling for a physician suffering with cervical myeolopathy, Lincoln Financial stated, "A... Read More >

WARNING: Lincoln Financial Disability Denial Requires Two ERISA Appeals before Filing Suit

You MUST file TWO appeals with Lincoln prior to filing suit!Most long term disability insurance companies only require one mandatory appea... Read More >

Lincoln National denies accidental death benefits after jet ski accident and Court agrees

Purchasing an insurance policy that pays benefits for an accidental death and dismemberment would seem like a wise decision since people suffe... Read More >

Kirk & Blum/CECO Environmental Employee Files Lawsuit Against Lincoln Financial Group For Wrongful Termination Of Long-Term Disability Benefits

An attorney has filed a Federal disability lawsuit in Ohio Federal Court against Lincoln Financial Group (Lincoln). The Plaintiff, George P., ... Read More >

Lincoln Financial Disability Denial: Determining a Date of Disability is Critical

Applying for disability insurance benefits is a complex process that requires a claimant to be familiar with all of the requirements in a ... Read More >

New Jersey BankUnited employee files suit against Lincoln National

Robert B. and his New Jersey disability lawyer go to battle against The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company to retrieve Robert B.'s entitl... Read More >

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