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How to Challenge a Lincoln Financial Disability Denial

How to Challenge a Lincoln Financial Disability Denial

Presented by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Stephen Jessup is a Partner at Dell Disability Lawyers whose practice focuses solely on representing disabled claimants, with a large percentage of his work dedicated to ERISA-based administrative appeals and litigation. A former Assistant Public Defender in Broward County who handled thousands of cases, Stephen has been instrumental in helping thousands of claimants recover long-term disability benefits. He has handled disability claims against every major disability insurance company and is a member of the American Bar Association's Health and Disability Insurance Law Committee.

Published Mar 19, 2024. Last modified Aug 23, 2024.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options

Submit a Strong Lincoln Financial Appeal Package

We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Lincoln Financial appeal.

Submit a Strong Lincoln Financial Disability Appeal

Sue Lincoln Financial

We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Lincoln Financial.

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Get Your Lincoln Financial Disability Application Approved

We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Apply for Lincoln Financial Disability Benefits

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We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Monthly Handling of Your Lincoln Financial Disability Claim

Negotiate a Lincoln Financial Lump-Sum Settlement

Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.

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Lincoln Financial Reviews

(101)

Policy Holder Rating

1.6 out of 5

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2

53%

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45%

Timely Payments

2.0out of 5

Handling Claim

1.9out of 5

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1.8out of 5

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Showing 4 of 101 Reviews

Lincoln Financial

Not getting paid on time

Reviewed by Jim on January 7th 2026 Verified Policyholder | October 2025 date of disability

From the very start they have not tried to work with me at all. So I went out for a knee surgery and it took a month and a half to get my first check. When I had turned al...

Lincoln Financial

These people must not be human, they have no regard for people

Reviewed by Ann on December 16th 2025 Verified Policyholder | September 2025 date of disability

LF has no sense of urgency for people without money to buy food, pay rent, etc. They take their sweet time and it's almost like they enjoy it. I have an appeal pending for...

Lincoln Financial

FMLA denial after doctor who specializes in my syndromes submitted proper medical records and forms

Reviewed by SC on December 16th 2025 Verified Policyholder | August 2025 date of disability

FMLA denial after Dr. who specializes in my syndromes submitted proper medical records and forms. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome hEDS, hyperadrenergic POTS and a miriad of ...

Lincoln Financial

Did Not Receive Payment

Reviewed by Monique on September 29th 2025 Verified Policyholder | July 2025 date of disability

I went on disability in July, we are now in September. I have been through 2 case managers. They never call you back, they are constantly asking for documents and when I s...

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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(59)

Showing 4 of 59 Answered Questions

Q: What does it mean if my disability company called me for a verbal check in?

Answered on May 5th 2026 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: A verbal check in likely means they want to question you about your current medical treatment, if you are work...

Q: Will Lincoln Financial Really Pay My Disability Benefits Through 2033?

Answered on March 19th 2026 by Attorney Jay Symonds

A: At the 24-month mark the definition of total disability typically changes from inability to perform your “ow...

Q: Lincoln Financial "Any Occupation" Review at 65: Will I Lose My LTD Benefits?

Answered on February 2nd 2026 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Doug:Lincoln will reduce your monthly disability benefit by the amount of your SSDI benefit, but it seems...

Q: If reasonable accommodation was denied can this play apart in long term appeal letter?

Answered on August 4th 2025 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: When you refer to a reasonable accommodation I assume you mean a workplace accommodation request to your emplo...

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Helpful Videos

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Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 4 of 331 Benefit Tips

Has Lincoln Contacted You About Your Liberty Disability Claim?

Earlier this year Lincoln Financial and Liberty Mutual Insurance Group entered into an agreement in which Lincoln purchased Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston, the group disability and life insurance group benefits portion of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group. For insured with disability or life insurance benefits provided by their employer, Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston is most commonly known as...

Is Lincoln Relying on MDGuidelines to Review Disability Appeals?

I have recently reviewed first level appeal denial letters from Lincoln in which Lincoln appears to be relying on information through the website/software MDGuidelines as opposed to an internal medical review or a medical review performed by an outside peer reviewing physician. In both instances the initial denial of benefits was predicated upon the review of a doctor identified in the denial letter, to includ...

Lincoln Financial to Buy Liberty Life - Does This Affect My Disability Claim?

On January 19, 2018, Lincoln Financial Group announced that they are buying Liberty Life / Liberty Mutual’s Group Benefits business for $3.3 billion. Lincoln claims that the combined company would be the number one seller of Disability sales with a 14 percent market share.As disability insurance attorneys that have handled hundreds of claims with both Liberty and Lincoln we think that this merger is a go...

What Can A Claimant Expect With A Lincoln Financial Group Disability Claim?

Lincoln Financial group is one of the larger disability insurance companies. In this video disability insurance attorneys Gregory Dell and Stephen Jessup provide a lawyer's perspective on handling a Lincoln Financial disability insurance claim.We discuss common trends that we see when helping claimants to recover disability benefits from Lincoln Financial. W...

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Our Resolved Cases

(387)

Showing 4 of 387 Our Resolved Cases

Lincoln Financial Disability Denial Reversed For Project Manager With Cardiac Condition

Lincoln Financial terminated long-term disability benefits for a North Carolina Hitachi Energy project manager after more than three years of payments — cutting him off precisely when the policy definition shifted from own occupation to any occupation. Our client had suffered a heart attack, required coronary stent placement and a pericardial window procedure,...

Lincoln Reverses Disability Benefit Denial For Patient Care Coordinator

Our client, a former Coordinator of Rehabilitation Services suffering from a multitude of chronic pain conditions, was denied long term disability benefits by Lincoln during her transition from short term to long term disability. Despite having determined our client to be disabled during the short-term disability period, in denying long term disability benefits ...

Nurse Denied Long-term Disability Benefits by Lincoln After the Definition of Disability Changed

Our client, a registered nurse for Dignity Health, found herself in a difficult situation after being diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis and left knee arthritis. She continued to work, however, struggled while attempting to work through chronic lower back pain and left lower extremity radicular symptoms on a daily basis. Sadly, her condition failed to improve and...

Lincoln Reverses Decision to Terminate LTD Benefits of Corporate Attorney after Dell Disability Lawyers Appeals the Decision

The claimant is an 64 year old former Corporate Attorney and at a prominent Florida business law firm who was forced to cease working in his highly successful and rewarding profession, job, and career on January 27, 2021, and to seek disability compensation under his policies with Lincoln due to severe symptomatology stemming from or following a viral COVID-19 i...

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Disability Lawsuit Stories

(766)

Showing 4 of 766 Lawsuit Stories

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 LLP (McGladrey), suffered a heart attack on Sunday, August 31, 2014. He had worked a full day at the office on Friday, August 29, 2014.Plaintiff worked at home part of each day, Sunday August 30 and Saturday August 31, before going to his summer camp in Wisconsin f...

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. Diversicare provided its employees with long-term disability (LTD) benefits under a policy issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln).The stroke rendered Plaintiff unable to work. She was initially awarded benefits under the plan from November 6, 2016 ...

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 condition warranting surgery does not necessarily equal a condition qualifying an insured for Total Disability." In this claim Lincoln's own IME doctor was surprised that the claimant did not have neck surgery. Regardless of the fact that the IME doctor felt the claiman...

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 appeal prior to initiating a lawsuit in federal court. Some insurers allow a voluntary appeal after the first appeal is denied, but do not require a second appeal prior to filing suit. However, Lincoln National Life Insurance Company requires TWO MANDATORY appeals before a su...

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Reviews from Our Clients

Keith G.

They were very professional with their responds and on time with keeping you inform about everything with your case. I would recommend My lawyer Stephen Jessup, he was on point with everything, thank you. You guys are awesome people to work with. God bless you guys.

Keith L.

I was not able to work as a physician for about 14 months due to neck/back issues. Even though I had 3 medical doctors explicitly state that I was not to work AT ALL as a physician at that time, New York Life (NYL) Disability Insurance denied my long term disability claim (which apparently they deny a high percentage of people similar to me- only they know why they do this to so many- I have my own suspicions). I was in pain from my medical issues and so frustrated with NYL considering I had many bills coming due. I then decided to call Dell Disability Lawyers. One of their attorneys, Alex Palamara, spoke to me on the phone right then to hear and understand my story and then offer ways he could help. Long story short, within a few months of me returning back to work, he was able to persuade NYL to pay me my long term disability claim. He (and his kind assistant, Tabitha) were always very helpful, informative, and available to me. I feel quite certain that NYL would NEVER have paid me what was appropriate based on my insurance agreement/ contract with them without the help of Alex. I highly recommend him/Dell Disability Lawyers. If you find yourself in a similar situation of disability insurance denial of your own personal/group policy, especially if you are a medical provider/physician like me, then consider contacting them for advice/direction PRIOR to appealing your claim on your own.

Kyle D.

Jay Symonds and his assistant, Sonia helped me tremendously. The insurance company that worked for my former employer did everything they could to make my life literally miserable. That all changed when I hired Jay. He and Sonia fought for my rights and forced the insurance company to pay what they should have.

If you have a disability claim hire Jay as if you go it alone the insurance company will screw you. Jay and Sonia will fight for everything you are entitled for. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Frank R.

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Dell Disability Lawyers. Attorney Stephen Jessup and Amanda offered an opportunity to provide clarity on a complex issue regarding my disability claim. Mr. Jessup offered advice on an offset to my claim after my insurance company asked for additional information from Social Security. With counsel from Mr. Jessup, I was able to address the outstanding issue with the Social Security office and provide my insurance company with the required documentation to address their concerns. Mr. Jessup always responded in a timely manner with expert advice and offered the opportunity for follow up. I strongly recommend Dell Disability Lawyers to those seeking legal counsel for disability matters.

Wesley D.

I have been able to help others as a soldier, a police officer, and a pharmacist. I needed help forcing the insurance company to keep their commitment to take care of me and my family. I called Dell. Alex, Tabitha, and their entire team were very compassionate, extremely patient, and extraordinarily knowledgeable. Many thanks Dell!

Samar A.

My husband had applied for Long Term Disability and was denied. We sought out Rachel Alters at Dell Disability Lawyers to help us with our appeal. Rachel and her team were so diligent and meticulous in every aspect of the process. The process was seamless, and we never had any doubts that she would get it done and that she did! We are forever grateful to Rachel and Catherine for all of their determination and tenacity to get us the outcome we needed and deserved.

We could not recommend better representation and are indebted to them for making us whole again. Thank you so much Rachel and team!

Jam

Alex Palamara is one of The Best lawyers in the world and Dell Disability Lawyers are the Best by Far. Alex and his Assistant Tabitha helped me get the compensation I needed for a Horrific Disabling heath condition I’ve been dealing with for over a year. Alex and his team were so professional and caring. They treated me like I was there own family. Alex Knowledge, Expertise and skills as a Lawyer is among the Best of the Best in his field and I would HIGHLY recommend that if you ever have any issues with any Insurance Company over your Disability issues, please don’t hesitate to seek out Dell Disability and Alex Palamara. They truly are Amazing and caring. Thank God for them. Outstanding Job Alex and Tabitha

G.T.

9 years ago when I had to apply for disability benefits from my private disability policy the insurance company ignored my inquiries until Dell and Schaefer represented me and I have received the benefits without interruption til my policy expired at age 65. I have appreciated not having to deal directly with the insurance company and having attorney Greg Dell and assistant Danielle Lauria handle all communications which included monthly progress reports. I thank them for their efforts on my behalf and highly recommend them to all those in need of disability benefits.

Misty A.

I’m so thankful I chose to reach out to the attorneys at Dell. They have always been quick to respond to any and all questions I have had. The anxiety I had while dealing with Lincoln Financial on my own has decreased immensely since Alex and Danielle took my case. They were able to get my LTD denial reversed and I am so very grateful!

View All Reviews (503)

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Five Ways We Help Get Your Disability Benefit Paid

5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability insurance benefits approved. Applying for disability insurance 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 disability insurance 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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Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our disability insurance 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 long-term disability attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

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Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability insurance attorneys have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the little guy against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

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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Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

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 disability insurance 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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Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

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 disability insurance 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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Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance attorneys 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.

Our attorneys have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement in more than 98% of our cases. Our disability insurance 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 offer disability insurance attorney representation nationwide and we welcome you to contact any of our LTD lawyers 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 900 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our disability insurance attorneys 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.

Do you work in my state?

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 insurance 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, or video conferencing sessions. 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 insurance attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9164 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.

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