Question

Are there things that can be done proactively to ensure that LFG's 2 year evaluation does not disqualify an insured? 

Asked on March 15th 2017 by Chronic Patient
I have been getting disability benefits from Lincoln for about a year. My understanding is that after two years they make you get an evaluation and if they decide you can do any type of work, you lose your benefits. Are there things that can be done proactively to ensure this evaluation does not disqualify an insured? I have a chronic condition, but to a casual observer I seem fine. The medical treatments I have received are all well documented and my doctor finally seems to understand that there is no way I can work. My case manager always talks to me like I am some kind of malingerer, and that makes me very nervous. Compared to some of the horror stories on this site, I feel blessed by the treatment I have received thus far – and I want to keep it that way.

Answer

Answered on March 15th 2017 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

If your definition of disability changes from own occupation to any occupation than Lincoln will definitely take a very close look at your claim. You should watch our video on the Top Five Reasons That Disability Claims Are Denied. You need to make sure that your treating doctors are aware of the change of the definition. You need to continue treating with your doctors regularly and document that you cannot do any work as a reliable employee. If your definition changes at two years, then the disability company will usually begin their change of definition evaluation at 18 months. We regularly represent clients on a monthly basis in order to prepare for changes in definition and dealing with the carrier on a daily basis.

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Lincoln Financial Reviews
(93)

Policy Holder Rating

1.6 out of 5
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Showing 8 of 93 Reviews
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 >

Lincoln Financial

Lincoln doesn't think renal failute and 4 dyalisis treatments per day are enough to be. Disabled

Reviewed by Brenda G. on September 21st 2020   Verified Policyholder
I was approved for SSI disability but my short term has exhausted. I have long term plus disability but not approved I have renal failure and do 4 dyalisis treatments a da... read more >
Reply
Sent on September 21st 2020 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Brenda, was your long term disability denied or is it just pending at this point? Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim in greater detail.

Lincoln Financial

They promised me min 10% of my salary and max 60%. I got 6%

Reviewed by Alvaro D. on May 7th 2020   Verified Policyholder
Lincoln financial insurance payed me around $60 a week, wich is about 6% of my salary, for my short term disability. I asked for documents showing how they came out with t... read more >
Reply
Sent on May 7th 2020 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Alvaro, we can gladly look into this issue for you. Please gather the disability policy and contact us for a free consultation. We will request a copy of the policy and... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(47)
Showing 8 of 47 Answered Questions

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?

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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 >

Q: Do I have to tell Lincoln Financial that I was denied for SSDI?

Answered on June 8th 2020 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Thomas, you may have an obligation to inform them that you have been denied for SSDI. Please refer to your pol... Read More >

Q: What do I do if LF denied my claim because depression is "mild, not severe"?

Answered on May 7th 2020 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Anna, you will need to consult with your treating doctors and submit additional evidence of your medical condi... Read More >
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In Harlan Ten Pas v. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, (Lincoln) Plaintiff, a tax attorney with the firm of McGladrey&nbs... Read More >

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Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

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If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

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We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

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Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

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Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

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Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

We welcome you to contact any of our attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 700 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

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Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9159 or by email. Lawyers and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.