Appealing Long-Term Disability Denials
Despite paying premiums for years, your insurance company may unfairly deny your long-term disability (LTD) claim, leaving you without a steady income. However, you have the right to appeal their decision.
At Sokolove Law, our experienced long-term disability denial lawyers can help you understand the appeals process and increase your chances of securing benefits.
Learn how Sokolove Law stands out from other firms:
Long-term disability claim denial is, sadly, a common occurrence. Over 60% of disability claims are initially denied, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).
Our long-term disability insurance lawyers understand the financial strain and emotional toll that a denial can have on your life. Let us appeal your long-term disability denial and help you pursue the compensation.
What to Do If You’re Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits
If your insurance company denies your long-term disability benefits, there are steps you can take to fight back and protect your legal rights.
Contacting an experienced long-term disability denial attorney as soon as possible may improve your chances of a successful appeal and help you avoid missteps that insurers often use against claimants.
After a long-term disability denial, your attorney can:
- Carefully review your denial letter to understand why your claim was denied
- Gather all supporting medical records and documentation showing how your condition prevents you from working
- Help obtain updated notes, test results, or letters from health providers that explain your disability
- Submit your LTD appeal before any deadlines set by your policy
- Handle all communications with the insurance company and maintain a detailed record of your case
Our LTD attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the process of appealing a long-term disability denial and fight for the benefits you deserve.
“Thanks to Sokolove Law, we won the battle against the insurance company. Now, I have the support and financial security I need to focus on my health and well-being. I’m grateful for their help and would recommend Sokolove Law to anyone facing a similar struggle.”
– Sokolove Law Client & Engineer with an Unfair Cancer Claim Denial
7 Common Reasons for a Long-Term Disability Insurance Denial
Insurance companies may deny long-term disability claims if they don’t believe your condition prevents you from working, there are paperwork errors, or there isn’t enough evidence to back up your claims.
As a result, many disability claims are routinely denied at first, even when there’s a strong case for awarding LTD benefits.
Learn more about some of the reasons why your insurance company may have delayed or denied your long-term disability claim.
1. Application Errors
Small mistakes in the application, like missing signatures, incomplete answers, or an incorrect date, can cause a claim to be denied outright — even when you have legitimate health issues that prevent you from working.
Some policies also require specific forms or timelines to be provided with your long-term disability application. If a form isn’t filled out exactly right, insurers may treat the application as invalid.
2. Claims That Downplay or Mischaracterize Your Condition
If a claim describes your condition in vague terms or fails to clearly explain how your illness or injury limits your ability to work, insurers may deny the claim by arguing that the evidence doesn’t show a disabling condition.
Insurers may also misinterpret or minimize key parts of your claim. For example, they might focus on occasional good days instead of your overall limitations, or highlight activities you can perform without acknowledging the pain or recovery time they cause.
When the evidence doesn’t paint a complete picture of how your condition affects your daily functioning, insurers may deny the claim for “insufficient support” — even when your disability is very real.
3. Failure to Disclose a Pre‑Existing Condition
Many long-term disability policies include pre‑existing condition clauses. This means that if your disability stems from a condition you had before coverage began, your claim may be denied.
Some policies also exclude coverage for disabilities stemming from certain circumstances, like substance use or self-inflicted injuries. Fully understanding your policy’s exclusions and disclosing pre-existing conditions can help avoid a denial.
4. Insufficient Medical Evidence
A lack of medical evidence to prove your condition is one of the most common reasons for an LTD denial.
Insurers may look for:
- Diagnostic test results, like labs or imaging
- Physician notes
- Treatment records
If records are spotty, outdated, contradictory, or rely only on self‑reported symptoms, insurers may reject the claim as unproven.
This is especially common with conditions that involve subjective symptoms, like chronic pain, fatigue, or mental health disorders.
5. Missed Deadlines
Long-term disability claims often have strict deadlines for submitting paperwork and supporting documentation. For example, you typically need to submit your claim forms within a certain period after becoming disabled.
Missing these deadlines, even by a few days, can lead to a denial. Working with an experienced LTD attorney can help ensure all forms are submitted correctly and on time, reducing the risk of an avoidable denial.
6. Not Meeting an Insurance Policy’s Definition of Disability
“Disability” under an LTD plan isn’t a medical term — it’s a contractual definition that can vary widely from plan to plan.
Some policies use an “own occupation” standard (you’re disabled if you can’t do your usual job), while others use “any occupation” (you must be unable to do any job for which you are reasonably qualified).
If your condition doesn’t meet the definition of disability outlined in your policy at the time of review, even if you’re unable to work, the insurer can deny your claim.
7. Video Surveillance that Counters a Claim of Disability
Insurers sometimes conduct private investigations or monitor social media accounts to verify whether your day-to-day activities match your claimed limitations.
If surveillance footage or a social media post shows you doing activities that contradict your alleged disability, the insurer may deny or terminate your claim.
What Does Long-Term Disability Cover?
Long-term disability insurance covers a variety of injuries or illnesses that prevent you from working for an extended period of time.
Common medical conditions covered by LTD insurance include:
- Chronic illnesses like autoimmune disorders or heart disease
- Injuries that prevent you from performing your job
- Long-term effects of infectious diseases, including COVID-19
- Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
- Neurological disorders like stroke or multiple sclerosis
Your injury or illness doesn’t have to occur at work to qualify for long-term disability benefits. Around 95% of long-term disability claims are unrelated to work, according to estimates.
Because coverage can vary by policy, it’s important to carefully review your plan and consult an experienced attorney if your claim is denied.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if our long-term disability denial lawyers can help you seek justice. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Providers
Long-term disability insurance is offered by many providers, but some insurers have a history of wrongfully denying claims.
Insurance companies known for long-term disability denial include:
- Aetna
- AIG
- Allstate
- Anthem
- Assurant
- Assurity
- Berkshire
- Cigna
- Disability Management Services
- Guardian Life
- The Hartford
- Liberty Mutual
- Lincoln Financial
- Lloyd’s of London
- MetLife
- Mutual of Omaha
- New York Life
- Northwestern Mutual
- Principal
- Provident
- Prudential
- Reliance
- Sedgwick
- State Farm
- Sun Life
- The Standard
- UnitedHealthcare
- Unum
- Voya Financial
Unum is one of the largest disability insurance carriers and has been fined millions of dollars for wrongfully denying claims. The Unum family includes both Unum and Colonial Life.
This list isn’t exhaustive. If your long-term disability insurance claim was denied but your insurer isn't listed above, contact Sokolove Law. We can help you determine your eligibility to appeal for free.
How to Appeal Long-Term Disability Denials
If you’ve applied for long-term disability benefits and haven’t heard from your insurance provider for an extended period, it may be time to follow up.
Some insurers intentionally delay issuing a decision to stall payments or discourage claimants from pursuing benefits — but without an official denial, you’re unable to appeal.
Once your LTD claim has been denied, our long-term disability denial lawyers can handle every step of the appeal process on your behalf. Learn more about the steps we take to help clients challenge denials.
1. Review Your Disability Denial Letter
Too often, legitimate claims are denied because insurance companies look for every possible legal and technical angle that will allow them to avoid paying benefits.
Our team will carefully review your denial letter to determine the insurer’s reasoning, identify any legal or procedural errors, and map out the strongest strategy for your appeal.
“From the very beginning, Sokolove Law treated me with respect and compassion, recognizing the gravity of my circumstances and the impact it had on my family's well-being. Their unwavering dedication paid off, and they secured a favorable resolution in my case.”
– New York Office Worker with a Denied LTD Claim
2. Gather Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim
Long-term disability claims often get denied if they lack sufficient information to justify an approval.
We can help you collect the documentation needed to support your claim, including:
- Updated medical records
- Statements from your doctor
- Test results
- Vocational evidence that demonstrates how your condition prevents you from working
By building a thorough, evidence-based appeal, we may be able to increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
3. File Your Long-Term Disability Denial Appeal
Once your long-term disability denial appeal is complete, our attorneys can file it directly with the insurance company before any deadlines.
Some policies allow you to appeal long-term disability denials a second time if the first appeal is denied, which our LTD attorneys can also assist with.
4. Pursue a Long-Term Disability Lawsuit
While your second appeal is under review, we can file a complaint with your state’s Insurance Department. This lays the groundwork for us to file a lawsuit on your behalf if your LTD claim is denied again.
Although your insurer may not reverse your denial, you may be required to exhaust all administrative remedies before you can file a denied long-term disability lawsuit. Otherwise, your case could be dismissed.
The process of securing benefits after a denied long-term disability claim can be complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our LTD attorneys are here to support you every step of the way.
Deadlines for Appealing Long-Term Disability Insurance Denial
When appealing a long-term disability denial, it’s important to act quickly. Missing a deadline can lead to frustrating delays or even the loss of your right to appeal.
Your insurer’s denial letter should include the specific deadline for filing your appeal, so be sure to review it carefully.
For many employee-sponsored LTD plans, the deadline for appealing a denied LTD claim is governed by federal law under ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), which sets strict timelines.
Under ERISA, you typically only have 180 days to appeal the denial after you’ve been made aware of your insurer’s decision.
Our Past Long-Term Disability Settlements
At Sokolove Law, we’ve recovered over $143 Million for clients wrongfully denied long-term disability benefits by their insurance providers.
LTD settlements can help individuals and families pay for medical bills, daily living expenses, and more.
Some of our past long-term disability settlements include:
- $1.36 Million to a New York client with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- $800,000 for a denied Unum long-term disability claim
- $450,000 to an Alabama client who was denied disability benefits
- $540,000 for a pharmacist whose Prudential LTD claim was denied in Florida
- $400,000 to an Ohio man with a long-term disability insurance denial case
- $316,000 for a client with lupus and fibromyalgia in Illinois whose Unum long-term disability claim was denied
- $600,000 to a Texas woman facing a denied LTD claim
- $395,000 for a denied long-term disability claim in Georgia
- $1.15 Million to a woman in California with a denied disability claim
Long-term disability denial settlements are typically paid out as either a one-time lump sum payment or divided into regular, scheduled payments known as structured payments.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may not offer fair settlements to their policyholders. However, your legal team can engage in negotiations with providers on your behalf.
While there’s never a guarantee of success, we’ll fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Don’t Give Up on Your Benefits
For over 45 years, we've helped clients challenge long-term disability denials and secure the benefits they deserve. Let us fight for you.
Why Hire a Long-Term Disability Denial Attorney?
Insurance companies have expensive resources and legal teams working to protect their profits — but an experienced long-term disability denial attorney can help level the playing field and improve your chances of securing compensation.
At Sokolove Law, we can help ensure your appeal is complete, thorough, and as strong as possible before you file.
Our long-term disability denial lawyers may be able to:
- Strengthen your case by gathering evidence to support your claim
- Handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf
- Identify and address errors or unfair tactics used by the insurer
- File your appeal before any deadlines
- Fight to have your claim overturned in court if your case goes to trial
With decades of experience standing up to powerful insurance companies, we understand what it takes to help you secure benefits.
Let our skilled long-term disability denial attorneys handle every step of the process for you, so you can focus on your health during this difficult time.
“We can help navigate the complex appeal process and work to minimize any disruptions to your life while maximizing the amount of potential disability pay in your case.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
Latest Denied LTD Claim Updates 2025-2026
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to providing you with the latest updates on long-term disability claims, insurers, and laws.
Across the country, many families have found themselves in a similar situation of facing an unfair LTD claim denial, and past litigation can help show how possible it is to fight back and reclaim what's rightfully yours.
Find out the latest long-term disability lawsuit updates:
- December 2025: The Eleventh Circuit reversed Reliance Standard’s denial of long‑term disability benefits to a claimant with scleroderma, ruling the insurer improperly applied a pre‑existing condition exclusion.
- November 2025: A judge ordered MetLife to pay retroactive long-term disability benefits to a software engineer with fatigue and memory issues. The court found that MetLife wrongly denied his claim and discounted his credible medical evidence.
- October 2025: A former Illinois teacher filed a long-term disability lawsuit against Reliance Standard after the company reportedly violated ERISA by denying his LTD claim.
- September 2025: A professional musician who developed dizziness and tinnitus after contracting COVID-19 was denied LTD benefits because she was not considered an active employee when her disability began. A court upheld the denial, ruling that she needed to file a new claim that must first be appealed through the insurer before judicial review.
- August 2025: An executive at a pharmaceutical company began receiving LTD benefits due to lower back pain. His insurer ordered surveillance, and his benefits were revoked after they observed him performing activities that contradicted his reported limitations.
- June 2025: The Workers’ Disability Benefits Parity Act of 2025 was introduced in the House of Representatives. This proposed bill would require LTD insurers to treat disabilities caused by mental health conditions and substance use disorders the same as physical disabilities.
- May 2025: A man who was severely injured in a car accident had his LTD benefits terminated. The court found that MetLife disregarded evidence from his doctors and reinstated his benefits.
- February 2025: A woman with chronic abdominal and pelvic pain sued after MetLife denied her LTD claim. The court sided with the claimant and ordered MetLife to pay benefits after finding that the woman’s pain made her unable to perform key aspects of her job.
- December 2024: A Virginia engineer with long COVID sued after Reliance missed the ERISA 45-day appeal deadline. The court found that Reliance’s failure to timely decide the claim stripped it of deferential review. A judge ruled in her favor and ordered Reliance to pay all past-due LTD benefits. This was one of the first ERISA cases to address the impact of the Loper-Bright decision.
- November 2024: A former consultant suffering from mental illness sued Unum after her LTD claim was denied. The judge gave extra weight to her treating physicians and ordered Unum to pay benefits.
- June 2024: In Loper Bright v. Raimondo, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that courts are no longer required to defer to federal agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous laws, overturning the Chevron deference standard. As a result, judges now have greater authority to interpret ERISA and disability regulations, which could lead to more insurer challenges, less predictability in denial cases, and shifting standards in LTD litigation.
If you’re facing a denied LTD claim, Sokolove Law is here to help. We may be able to file an appeal or lawsuit on your behalf, so you can focus on your health.
Occupations Often Affected by LTD Denial
Unfortunately, long-term disability denials don’t just affect one occupation — they can affect anyone who pays for an LTD insurance policy and becomes unable to work due to illness or injury.
Workers affected by long-term disability denial may include:
- Cashiers and stocking associates
- Construction workers
- Doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, and other medical professionals
- Government employees
- Hairdressers and cosmetologists
- Mechanics
- Office workers and administrative staff
- Professional athletes or musicians who were injured and can no longer perform
- Servers and bartenders
- Teachers
- Truck drivers
No matter your profession, a denied long-term disability claim can have devastating financial consequences. Our team is here to help you fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
“Sokolove Law understood what I was going through and treated me like family. They knew the ins and outs of disability law, and they were ready to fight for my legal rights. Their dedication and hard work were unmatched.”
– Massachusetts Mechanic with a Denied Disability Claim
Get Help Fighting a Long-Term Disability Denial
Though millions of workers rely on long-term disability insurance in the event that they become disabled and are unable to perform their job, insurance companies often find ways to wriggle out of paying LTD benefits to policyholders.
At Sokolove Law, our long-term disability denial lawyers may be able to help you appeal your insurer’s decision.
We’ve recovered over $143 Million on behalf of hardworking Americans who have had their long-term disability claims denied.
Our team has more than 45 years of experience handling denied long-term disability claims and knows what steps to take in order to fight for the benefits you’re owed.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Denial FAQs
What should I do if my long-term disability claim is denied?
If your long-term disability claim has been denied, contact an attorney as soon as possible for help gathering the medical information needed to build a stronger claim and file an appeal.
At Sokolove Law, our long-term disability insurance denial lawyers have decades of experience helping clients secure the benefits they’re owed.
We know the ins and outs of the insurance industry and can help identify the best path forward for your case.
Can you appeal a long-term disability denial?
Yes. If your long-term disability claim was denied, you have the right to appeal your insurance company’s decision. Around 60% of disability claims are initially denied, according to the Social Security Administration. A denial is often just the beginning of the process, not the end of the road.
An appeal gives you the opportunity to correct errors, submit additional medical evidence, challenge biased insurer reviews, and fully document how your condition prevents you from working.
A long-term disability denial lawyer can help you file a comprehensive appeal that addresses the insurer’s reasons for denial, includes supportive medical documentation, and preserves your right to file a lawsuit in court if needed.
How does long-term disability work?
Long-term disability insurance provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work for an extended period due to a serious illness, injury, or chronic condition.
LTD benefits typically replace a percentage of your pre-disability income, usually 50% to 70%. Policies vary depending on your employer or insurer, but LTD benefits can last several years or even until retirement age if your disability continues.
What percentage of long-term disability claims are denied?
Approximately 60% of long-term disability claims are initially denied, according to the Social Security Administration.
It's important to note that a denial does not necessarily mean the end of the process. You have the right to appeal a denial and can potentially take the insurer to court over their decision.
With the help of experienced legal representation, you may have a better chance of a successful appeal and getting the benefits you’re entitled to.
Why are long-term disability benefits denied?
Long-term disability benefits may be denied if the insurer determines your condition doesn’t meet their definition of a disability, your injury isn’t severe enough to prevent you from working, or there are errors with your claim paperwork.
Reasons why insurance companies deny LTD benefits include:
- Conflicting information between your doctor’s reports and insurance medical reviews
- Insufficient medical evidence to support your disability
- Missing documents or administrative errors
- Surveillance or social media activity viewed as inconsistent with your disability
- The insurer determining you can still perform your occupation
Unfortunately, insurers often prioritize protecting their profits, which can lead to unfair denials. A skilled disability denial attorney can identify weaknesses in the insurer’s reasoning and help you build a strong appeal.
How long do you have to appeal a long-term disability denial?
Most long-term disability policies governed by ERISA give you 180 days from the date you receive your denial letter to file an appeal.
If you have a private or individual disability insurance plan that is not governed by ERISA, the timeline may be shorter. Missing the appeal deadline could permanently prevent you from pursuing benefits.
How do I write an appeal letter for long-term disability?
A strong appeal letter clearly explains why your benefits were wrongfully denied and provides supporting medical and vocational evidence.
Your appeal letter should:
- Address each reason listed in the denial letter
- Describe how your condition prevents you from working
- Include updated medical records, test results, and physician statements
- Reference specific policy terms that support your claim
LTD appeals are complex, and insurers often look for any reason to reject them. An experienced long-term disability appeal lawyer can help draft or review your appeal letter.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to speak with a member of our team. It costs nothing to speak with us.
What medical conditions qualify for long-term disability?
Medical conditions that qualify for long-term disability are generally those severe enough to prevent you from performing the essential duties of your job.
This can include conditions that limit your physical abilities, affect your stamina, or interfere with mental health and cognitive function. Exact qualifications vary depending on your insurance plan and the terms of your individual policy.
Some of the most common medical conditions that may qualify for long-term disability include:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Bipolar disorder
- Cancer
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Degenerative disc disease
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart disease
- Herniated disc
- HIV/AIDS
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Spine disorders
- Stroke
Whether or not your condition qualifies for long-term disability benefits depends on the specific terms of your policy.
What happens when an employee goes on long-term disability?
When an employee goes on long-term disability, their income is partially replaced through insurance payments. Workers pay into this and need to be able to rely on this income if they become unable to work due to disability.
When insurers unfairly deny claims, it can seriously jeopardize an employee’s financial stability, making it difficult to cover living expenses, medical bills, and other essential costs.
Employment status, benefits, and health insurance coverage may vary depending on your employer’s policy and whether the LTD plan is through your workplace or privately purchased. Many LTD recipients remain technically employed but on leave.
What should you do if you’re denied long-term disability benefits?
If your long-term disability benefits are denied, don’t assume defeat. Many denials result from incomplete reviews, missing information, or biased assessments, so it’s important to carefully review the denial and contact an experienced attorney for help filing a strong LTD appeal.
After you’re denied LTD benefits, your attorney can:
- Carefully review the denial letter to understand exactly why your claim was denied
- Gather updated medical documentation, including treatment notes, test results, and statements from your doctors
- Prepare a detailed appeal addressing each reason the insurer gave for denying your claim
- Submit additional evidence that supports your disability, like work restrictions, hospital records, or vocational assessments
- File a second long-term disability appeal if the first one is denied
- Pursue a lawsuit if the insurer is acting in bad faith or continues to deny valid claims
At Sokolove Law, we can manage every step of the process on your behalf, from investigating why your claim was denied to appealing on your behalf.
How much do disability denial claims lawyers cost?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our disability denial claims lawyers.
We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
How do I win a long-term disability appeal?
Winning a long-term disability appeal requires strong evidence, clear medical documentation, and a strategic legal approach. An experienced disability attorney can also help improve your odds of successfully appealing your insurer’s decision.
To build a strong appeal, your legal team will work to:
- Address every issue raised in the insurer’s denial letter
- Demonstrate how your condition prevents you from performing your job (or any job, depending on your policy)
- Provide detailed medical records and doctors’ statements supporting your disability
Even with a strong appeal, some insurance companies may act in bad faith and continue to deny your claim. In these cases, we may be able to help you file a bad faith insurance lawsuit.
What is an ERISA disability denial?
An ERISA disability denial occurs when your claim for long-term disability benefits is denied under a plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
ERISA laws are complex and set strict rules for how claims and appeals must be handled. For example, you typically must complete an internal appeal before you can file a lawsuit in federal court. Because these rules are unforgiving, even minor errors can jeopardize your case.
A lawyer experienced in ERISA disability law can help you navigate these regulations and protect your rights every step of the way.
