Receiving an unexpected denial from Unum for your long-term disability claim can be a sudden and distressing experience. Suddenly, you're thrust into the complex yet crucial task of navigating the UNUM Disability Appeal process to reclaim your rightful benefits. Unum, one of America's largest and most profitable insurance companies, offers a broad range of services, including long-term disability insurance. However, it's been the subject of numerous nationwide investigations into alleged unfair practices, particularly wrongful claim denial. In the face of such a situation, your understanding of the appeals process becomes a critical tool for effectively challenging the denial.

Understanding the Types of Disability

A comprehensive understanding of Unum’s disability coverage is the first step in the Unum Disability Appeal process. Unum’s policies cover a broad range of disabilities, which are primarily classified into two categories.

Physical Disability

This refers to any condition that impairs a person’s physical functionality, mobility, dexterity, or stamina. This category covers everything from spinal cord injuries and musculoskeletal disorders to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Mental Health Disability

Mental Health Disability is the second category. It includes conditions that affect a person's cognitive processes, emotions, behavior, and overall mood. This category encapsulates 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 filing a claim or appeal.

Unum’s Disability Insurance Policies

Unum provides long-term disability insurance policies through various group companies, including Paul Revere and Provident. These policies aim to offer financial support in case a disabling illness or injury prevents you from working. However, many policyholders have found their claims denied by Unum without sufficient grounds.

Reasons for Claim Denial

Unum may reject 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're not genuinely disabled, or policy exclusions for your specific medical condition. It's crucial 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 receiving the denial letter to file an appeal with Unum.
2. Draft a detailed appeal in writing, ideally with the help of an experienced long-term disability attorney.
3. After submitting your appeal, 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 crucial to compile and present convincing evidence. This evidence can include:

• Comprehensive Medical Records: These should include all relevant medical examinations, treatments, and notes from your doctor. It's also beneficial to have your physician draft a letter outlining your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
• Personal Narratives: Write 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 provide additional perspectives on your condition and its impact 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 attorney to assist with your Unum Disability Appeal can be a daunting task. However, with a thorough understanding of the process and the right legal advice, you can increase the chances of a successful appeal.