If your Lincoln Insurance long-term disability claim was denied, you’re not alone. This article explains why denials happen and how to fight back, including options for appeals and legal action.
Quick Facts
- Lincoln Financial denies claims due to lack of medical evidence, misinterpretation of policy language and administrative errors.
- If denied, it’s time to appeal, so get your evidence together and call your attorney to help your case.
- Being prepared for Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) is key; accurate representation of your condition can make all the difference in your claim.
Lincoln Financial Long-Term Disability Denials
Lincoln Financial Group denies claims for many reasons which seem arbitrary and unfair to the applicant. By understanding the common reasons for denials including those related to Lincoln financial disability, claimants can build their case and avoid common mistakes.
Lack of Medical Evidence
One of the main reasons a disability claim is denied is lack of sufficient medical evidence. Lincoln Financial requires numerous supporting documents including explicit medical records that explain your condition and how it impacts your ability to work. Small omissions or discrepancies in these records can be used as grounds for denial.
To avoid denials, you must keep detailed and organized medical records. Lincoln Financial may ignore any records that don’t fit their narrative. Submit all relevant information.
Be aware that surveillance may be used to challenge your claim. Make sure there is no discrepancy between what you report and what’s in your medical records.
Policy Exclusions and Definitions
Understanding the fine print and specific exclusions in your policy is key to navigating a disability claim with Lincoln Financial. These policies have specific definitions of what constitutes a disability which can vary from short term to long term insurance. For example, some disabilities caused by conditions that pre-date the coverage may be excluded in the first year.
Before you file a claim make sure to read through all exclusions and restrictions in your policy. Do this proactively to avoid confusion and ensure all required evidence is submitted according to the policy criteria. When your submission matches what’s included and excluded in your policy’s definition you increase your chances of approval.
At BenGlassLaw, we offer consultations with our experienced long-term disability lawyers where you can get advice BEFORE you file your claim so that your setup for success. Contact us today to learn more.
Administrative Errors
Another reason for claims denial is administrative errors. Rejections can happen fast if there are errors such as incomplete forms or no medical records with no further exam. To avoid this, double check all documentation and make sure all necessary documents are attached to your submission.
Be thorough in submitting paperwork to avoid unnecessary delays and denials.
Lincoln Financial Disability Claim Appeal
If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope. This is not the end. Your next move is to appeal. Understanding the process can greatly increase the chances of reversing that denial. Although this process can be tricky, with detailed records and a plan you can navigate through it.
Administrative Appeal
Challenging a denial through an administrative appeal is a process that must be done quickly. You have 180 days from the date of denial to submit your initial appeal. Make sure to request your file from Lincoln Financial as soon as you’re denied, as this file has all the information used in their decision making.
In your appeal, it should be a formal petition with additional documentation or evidence to support your case. To strengthen your argument, Get updated medical or vocational assessment. Remember you can only do two administrative appeals before you can pursue legal avenues.
Add Evidence to Your Appeal
Make sure to add recent medical records and get statements from your doctors. If you had an Independent Medical Examination (IME) and the report doesn’t support your case, get a counter statement from your primary doctor.
Get the IME report from Lincoln Financial as soon as possible so you can prepare a response. Gather all relevant documents, recent medical records and comprehensive report of your health status to build your case.
Having a detailed package of documents for your appeal can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim.
Multiple Appeals
Before you can file a lawsuit, Lincoln Financial requires claimants to do two administrative appeals. If your first appeal is denied, you can still submit a second one which is your last chance to settle internally. This process can be slow and may require information. Make sure to exhaust all internal appeal options so you can build your case if you need to go to court.
Long-Term Disability Lawyer for your Denied Lincoln Claim
Getting a short-term or long-term disability insurance lawyer can be key in handling a denied Lincoln Financial disability claim. An experienced disability lawyer, like our team at BenGlassLaw, can help by navigating the process and making sure all necessary documents are gathered and submitted during your appeal against the insurance company.
How We Can Help
Disability insurance attorneys help during the appeal process. They can gather necessary documents, write your appeal letter and manage all the submission process. Their expertise is most valuable when a disability insurance claim is denied due to pre-existing condition or complex disability insurance issues.
Working with an ERISA lawyer can increase your chances of winning. They focus on detailed evidence gathering and dealing with Lincoln Financial to get your initial denial reversed.
Who to Choose
Choosing the right lawyer is key to a good outcome in your case. Make sure to pick someone who has experience in disability insurance claims and has a track record of success.
Lincoln Financial’s Denial Tactics
Lincoln Financial uses several ways to deny long-term disability claims. Knowing these tactics can help you build your case and respond to denials.
Common tactics include reviewing medical records without patient interaction, monitoring activities and changing the definition of disability.
Paper-Only Medical Reviews
Lincoln Financial uses medical reviewers from third parties to review disability claims through paper-only reviews. The decision is made solely based on the medical records submitted, without any patient interaction. This process can be biased and error-prone since those reviewing don’t get the full picture of the claimant’s health.
Dependence on documentation-only reviews can be detrimental to claimants as important details of their health condition might be missed. To minimize this risk, make sure to keep your medical records up-to-date and comprehensive when submitting them for review.
Monitoring and Investigations
Lincoln Financial uses surveillance to validate claims. This may involve monitoring your daily activities to find evidence against your reported disabilities. The definition of disability can also change after 24 months and surveillance increases.
Changing Definitions of Disability
After 24 months, Lincoln Financial often changes the definition of long-term disability benefits from ‘own occupation’ to ‘any occupation’. This means claimants have to prove they can’t do any job, not just their previous one, making it harder to keep benefits.
Knowing these changes and preparing for it can help you get through this.
Have You Received A Long-Term Disability Denial Letter from Lincoln Financial?
If you’ve already recieved your short-term or long-term disability denial letter from Lincoln Financial, we urge you to take advantage of our free and confidential Free Denial Letter Review Service.
Our highly experienced team will review your denial letter for free and provide you with custom feedback for your next steps, whether we think that means that hiring us would be good for your case or not.
Conclusion
Filing a denial of Lincoln Financial long-term disability can be a long and grueling process. Knowing the common reasons for denials, understanding the appeals process and getting legal help can make a big difference. Whether it’s an administrative appeal or preparing for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) or court proceedings – every step requires attention to detail in gathering and organizing the necessary information.
Don’t forget you’re not alone. Stay on top of your case. Make sure all records are detailed and don’t be afraid to get legal help. With perseverance and the right strategy on your side, you can win your long term disability denial so you can get what’s yours.
BenGlassLaw Can Help You Today
Filing a Lincoln Financial Group disability denial is scary but knowing the process and your rights can help you fight back. From reviewing the denial letter and gathering medical evidence to filing an appeal and getting legal help, every step matters to get the benefits you’re entitled to.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Our team at BenGlassLaw can help you navigate the appeals process and get you the best possible outcome — no matter where you live in the US. Stay on top of it, informed and persistent.
Contact our team today for a free, zero obligation consultation to learn how we can help you.
