Understanding the Impact of Mental Health Challenges on Disability Claims
Mental health issues affect one out of every five Canadians, even though the symptoms are often invisible or misunderstood. Disability insurance claims show just how frequent and diverse mental health conditions are within the Canadian population; in fact, an overwhelming majority of those who make disability claims cite a mental helath issue as part of their reason for filing.
Mental health issues are the leading cause of long term disability claims in Canada, yet they are also the most likely to be denied by the insurance company. This is because there are still a lot of misconceptions about mental illness and its effects on one's ability to work. This underscores not only the severity but also the prevalence of this kind of illness – no one can truly escape its effects whether personally experiencing them or providing support to a family member or loved one.
So today, we want to start a conversation about mental health and long term disability claims. We'll share why disability claims based on one or more mental health issues are so often denied and what you can do about it if it happens t. Join us as we break down the stigma around mental health and help create a better understanding of this important topic.
Mental health & the ability to work
Mental health is an important part of a person’s total wellbeing and overall functioning. Poor mental health can interfere with someone’s ability to work, and many disability lawyers have seen a large increase in disability claims related to mental illness. Unfortunately, mental health disability claims are often denied by the insurance company because they are harder to document when compared with disability claims for physical conditions. Despite this struggle, an experienced long term disability lawyer advocating for their client can work diligently to help them secure disability benefits for mental health conditions. It is essential that those facing disability due to mental health conditions have proper legal representation in order to ensure their rights and insurance policy are respected and they access the support necessary to improve their wellbeing.
Why are mental health claims so often denied by insurance companies?
Navigating long term disability claims can be an incredibly complex task, especially if an individual is unfamiliar with the required evidence needed to show the insurance company. Mental health disability claims are unfortunately no exception. Insurance companies can deny long term disability benefits due to a lack of understanding surrounding the disability itself and its related symptoms. This reality can feel immensely daunting for those seeking long term disability benefits after months of grappling with challenges, leaving many feeling exacerbated and overwhelmed.
When these mental health claims are denied, a denial letter can use these common reasons for denying long term disability benefits:
- Insufficient medical evidence
Most long term disability claim processes involve a battle between the disability claimant and their insurance company. In many mental health claims, disability benefits are denied due to insufficient medical evidence or insufficient medical documentation. It's frustrating to know that your disability claim has been denied because the insurer doesn't feel there is enough proof of disability in your medical records. We believe that disability decisions should depend on the medical professionals who understand long term disability best.
- Does not meet the definition of disability
If disability benefits have been denied to you because you don't meet the definition of disability, it can be extremely frustrating and a major obstacle in your road to recovery. When this happens, your insurance company is overriding your doctor's medical opinion in order to form their own. This should not be allowed. If your doctor believes that disability leave is necessary for healing, then your insurance company should recognize that too.
- Surveillance
When disability benefits are denied due to surveillance, it can feel like a heavy blow. Insurance companies often resort to conducting social media surveillance as well as hiring private investigators in order to gain further insight into disability applicants’ activities. Unfortunately, insurance companies might use any information they find in an effort to deny disability benefits, even if the information is inaccurate or misleading.
What to do if you've been denied a long term disability claim for mental health?
If you or someone you know has been denied long term disability benefits for a mental health disability, the best course of action is to consult a disability lawyer or disability law firm like Share Lawyers. Contact us today for a free consultation - there are no fees unless you win your case!
Disability lawyers are familiar with the disability benefits process and know how to navigate it effectively, as well as how to argue your strongest case for disability benefits. When you contact Share Lawyers, our team can determine if you have any grounds for fighting back against the insurance companies decision. Having the experienced LTD lawyers at Share Lawyers by your side throughout your LTD claim can make navigating the complicated laws and regulations far easier, giving you the best possible chance of recovering disability payments.
If your disability claim is denied by the insurance company, consulting with a disability lawyer is the best way to get assistance in fighting for the benefits that you may be entitled to. A disability lawyer with experience in disability law will be able to help build your case, negotiate a settlement and fight the insurance company for the compensation you deserve. Whether you've already been denied by the insurance company or are considering filing a disability claim, don't hesitate to seek out legal counsel.
Though it can be difficult to obtain the benefits you're entitled to, don't give up hope. If you've been denied a long term disability claim for mental health, it's important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The first step is to contact an experienced disability lawyer. Our team of disability lawyers have over 35 years of experience in disability law and will help you navigate the disability process and get the benefits you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with an LTD lawyer.
In this video, David Share and Samantha Share highlight the particular issues around long term disability benefits and mental health conditions.
Denied your long term disability claim?
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