Applying for Standard Disability Benefits? Top 5 Claim Denial Reasons
At Dell & Schaefer, we’ve helped hundreds of clients recover long term disability benefits from Standard Disability.
What should you know about getting your Standard Disability long term disability claim approved?
Understanding the Language in Your Standard Disability Policy Is Essential
Getting your long term disability claim approved on the front end is much easier (and quicker) than having to provide supplemental information to appeal a denial letter. Because of this, it’s important to do your homework (and get some legal advice) early in the process so that you understand the coverage language in your Standard disability policy and know what documents you’ll need to support your claim.
Strong and Consistent Doctor Support Must be Obtained For Disability Claim Approval
One thing we’ve consistently noticed when handling Standard long term disability insurance policies is that doctors and medical providers often don’t naturally use the terminology the disability insurance carrier is looking for. Your doctor is focused on treating you and improving your condition, not logging how your condition affects your work life – and as a result, Standard may not see what it feels it needs to see to approve your long term disability claim.
Instead, it’s important to carefully review the disability claim form before speaking with your doctor. Claimants also can benefit from consulting an experienced long term disability attorney (like a member of the team at Dell & Schaefer) to learn more about the claims process and how your doctor(s) will need to fill out your claim form. Often, the form itself doesn’t include enough space to fully explain a disabling condition, and preparing a doctor’s addendum can be a good way to work around that. Your doctor may have to change or tweak the way they draft your medical records so that these records are in line with what Standard is looking for.
Your Medical Records Must Document all of Your Symptoms, Complaints and Limitations
There aren’t many conditions that are automatically disabling in and of themselves. In many cases, a disability claim will be approved only if the claimant’s specific symptoms and limitations conflict with their job duties. For example, someone with rotator cuff issues who can’t lift anything more than 10 pounds may no longer be able to work as a mail carrier, but might still be able to perform a sedentary job.
To secure the approval of your long term disability claim, your medical records must truthfully and thoroughly document all the symptoms and limitations you’re experiencing, with an eye toward the general duties that are common in your position. This can help connect the dots for the insurance carrier and make it easier to have your claim approved.
The Definition of “Disability” in The Standard Policy is not Always “Own Occupation”
Another reason it’s so important to understand the specific terms of your disability insurance policy is when it comes to defining “disability.” Not all policies are written to define disability the same way, and your ability to continue receiving benefits under your policy will often depend on whether the policy provides coverage for an inability to perform your current job or an inability to perform any job. The disability insurance attorneys at Dell & Schaefer can help you make sense of your policy and give you the tools you need to have your claim approved. Give us a call today to set up your FREE consultation with a member of our team.
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
Submit a Strong Standard Appeal Package
We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Standard appeal.
Sue Standard
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Standard.
Get Your Standard Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Standard Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Standard Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.