Although most mental illnesses are covered under long-term disability, it can be difficult to present them in a case because there are no visible physical signs. For those who have PTSD, everyday tasks and activities can be challenging, and for some, holding down a job can be a struggle.
When you need long-term disability benefits for PTSD, here’s what you should know to increase your chances of winning a long-term disability case.
The Common Reasons PTSD Claims are Denied
When it comes to receiving a favorable outcome, it’s essential to know why long-term disability claims get denied so you can be prepared. The following are the most common reasons:
Pre-Existing Conditions
One of the top reasons mental disorder claims get denied is due to pre-existing condition clauses in long-term disability policies. Insurance companies often stretch these exclusions as a way to deny claims, and in many cases, it’s not warranted.
Lack of Medical Documentation
Insurance companies will ask for authorization to get access to your medical records. However, it’s your burden to prove your disability. Being proactive in ensuring that the insurance company receives the medical documentation they need is paramount to avoiding a denied decision.
Subjective Condition
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to deny benefits over subjective evidence. Subjective evidence means that the symptoms cannot be proved by traditional medical practices such as an MRI or X-ray.
Lack of Doctor Support
One of the most critical components of a successful long-term disability claim is having the support of your doctors. If your doctors do not agree that you are unable to work due to PTSD, your claim has a higher chance of being denied.
Ways To Prove PTSD
When it comes to proving PTSD, your best course of action is to have as much medical documentation and other proof. Having an experienced disability attorney on your side can help you to gather the right documentation that you’ll need for your case. Without an experienced disability attorney representing you in your case, proving PTSD could be a tough task.
