Imagine receiving an unexpected denial from Unum for your long-term disability claim. Then, you are suddenly dragged into the complicated yet crucial job of navigating the UNUM Disability Appeal process to reclaim your rightful benefits. Unum, one of America’s largest and most profitable insurance companies, provides a wide range of services, including long-term disability insurance. However, it has also been the subject of numerous nationwide investigations into alleged unfair practices, particularly wrongful claim denial. When faced with such a situation, your understanding of the appeals process becomes a critical tool for effectively challenging the denial.

Understanding the Types of Disability

A thorough understanding of Unum’s disability coverage is an essential first step in the Unum Disability Appeal process. Unum’s policies cover a wide range of disabilities, which are broadly classified into two categories.

1. Physical Disability: This category includes any condition that impairs a person’s physical functionality, mobility, dexterity, or endurance. This category includes everything from spinal cord injuries and musculoskeletal disorders to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Mental Health Disability: Conditions that affect a person’s cognitive processes, emotions, behavior, and overall mood are included in this category. This category includes conditions ranging from depression and anxiety disorders to bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Each of these disability types presents its unique set of challenges when initiating a claim or appeal.

Unum’s Disability Insurance Policies

Unum offers long-term disability insurance policies through various group companies, including Paul Revere and Provident. These policies are designed to provide financial support in the event of a disabling illness or injury that prevents you from working. However, many policyholders have found their claims denied by Unum without sufficient grounds.

Reasons for Claim Denial

Unum may deny your disability claim for various reasons. These can include insufficient medical evidence supporting your disability and restrictions, the opinion of medical or vocational experts hired by Unum stating that you are not truly disabled, or policy exclusions for your specific medical condition. It’s important to remember that a denial letter from Unum may be incomplete, misleading, or outright wrong, and you should not accept it at face value.

The Unum Disability Appeal Process

If your disability claim has been denied by Unum, you have the right to appeal this decision. The Unum Disability Appeal process involves several key steps:

1. You have 180 days from the receipt of the denial letter to file an appeal with Unum.
2. You should draft a detailed appeal in writing, ideally with the help of an experienced long-term disability attorney.
3. Once your appeal is submitted, Unum will take up to 45 days to review it. They may also request an additional 45-day extension.
4. After reviewing your appeal, Unum will issue its decision.

Strengthening Your Unum Disability Appeal

For a successful Unum Disability Appeal, it’s essential to compile and present persuasive evidence. This evidence can encompass:

• Comprehensive Medical Records: These should encapsulate all pertinent medical examinations, treatments, and notes from your doctor. It’s also advantageous to have your physician draft a letter outlining your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
• Personal Narratives: Craft a thorough description of your daily life, emphasizing the constraints and challenges you encounter due to your disability. This narrative can help illustrate the reality of your situation.
• Testimonials: Statements from friends, family members, and colleagues can offer additional perspectives on your condition and its effect on your life.
• Reports from Vocational Experts: These reports can offer an unbiased assessment of your capacity to work, considering your medical condition, educational background, skills, and labor market factors.

Choosing The Right UNUM Disability Appeal Attorney

Contesting a denial from Unum can be a daunting and stressful ordeal. However, with a thorough understanding of the Unum Disability Appeal process and the support of an experienced long-term disability attorney, you can navigate the complexities and increase your chances of a successful appeal.