Developing a disabling condition that keeps you from being able to work can be devastating. What can add to the stress is the realization that not all medical conditions will be taken seriously by your long-term disability insurance company.  If you want to qualify for LTD benefits under a disability policy, you need to know the kinds of medical conditions likely accepted.

How Can I Prove Disability?

One of the most difficult aspects of learning how to qualify for LTD benefits is knowing the kind of evidence you’ll need to submit to likely obtain an approval for your benefits. First of all, you can help yourself by reviewing the plan description in your LTD policy.

What you are looking for is the exact definition of disability. If you are unable to substantially perform the duties of your occupation because of an illness or injury, this will meet the basic requirements for an LTD policy approval according to Policy Genius.

What is Partial Disability?

When trying to qualify for LTD benefits and reviewing your specific plan, you might see something that covers partial disability. This means you can qualify for benefits if you’re capable of working part or full time at another job but you can no longer do your current job on a full-time basis.

If you remain on your employer’s payroll package, though, you are unlikely to receive any LTD benefits under your policy.

Which Medical Conditions Are Likely to Get Approval?

Each LTD carrier and case is unique, so you should always review your individual claim first. If you’ve already been denied, it can be helpful to sit down with a disability attorney and discuss the possible grounds for an appeal.

There are many different kinds of injuries and illnesses that could be covered by a policy, which can be physical, psychological, or medical in nature.

A small sampling of the kinds of conditions that could be approved under a disability policy include:

• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraines
• Epilepsy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Heart disease
• Bipolar disorder
• Back pain
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Hepatitis
• Stroke
• Depression
• Spinal stenosis

It is also important to note that a combination of a few medical conditions could also apply.

If My Condition is Pre-Existing, Will it Be Covered?

Most policies have clear exclusions for conditions you had prior to getting coverage under the disability policy. If you already had this medical issue prior to getting coverage, you will not receive any benefits for the condition likely for at least the first twelve months of the time you’re covered by long-term disability.

What is the Waiting Period for LTD Benefits?

Even if you have one of the conditions mentioned above or another one that is covered by the policy, this does not mean you will automatically start getting payments for your disability.

This is because practically all disability insurance policies, according to insure.com, have what is known as an “elimination period” between the time the disability happens and when you can start getting benefits. This can last up to six months and you might have to use all of your sick leave time first, too.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The bad faith insurance attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or Unum class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Unum bad faith lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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