2. If you are in a situation where a legitimate injury or condition is
preventing you from working, there’s a good chance you will end
up filing a disability claim with your insurance company. It’s no
secret that insurance companies deal with scores of fraudulent
claims on a regular basis, so it’s important that you have all your
bases covered throughout the process.
There may be times when it is frustrating, or that you feel more
like a criminal than someone who is suffering, but if your clam is
genuine it will work out in the end. Following some important
tips is also a good idea.
3. Don’t Hesitate
Waiting too long to set the wheels in motion after the injury is
suffered or condition is noticed is a good way to have your claim
denied. Insurance companies are very leery of claimants who say
they have been ‘suffering’ for a certain amount of time, but
haven’t felt the need to file a claim.
That’s not to say you need to start filling out forms the same day.
However, after you’ve been diagnosed and treated and realize
that this is a significant problem, start the process to maximize
your chances of having the claim accepted.
4. Find a Supportive Doctor
Having a doctor who is well versed in the disability claim process
and who supports you and what you’re going through is another
helpful tip. And that’s not saying you should find a dishonest
doctor who is willing to ‘put one over’ on the insurance company
with you.
It means to find a doctor who is willing to back up your claims
and verify your condition to the insurance company when asked.
Using the doctor who diagnosed you or treated you is the best
option.
5. Keep Up with Treatments
If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition or have an injury that
requires regular treatments, it’s important to keep up with them.
Don’t make a habit of missing appointments or the insurance
company will think it isn’t really that bad.
Remember, just because your claim has been accepted doesn’t
mean you’re just going to get money every month. You have a
condition that is preventing you from working, so if there is
treatment available and it’s been prescribed to you, make sure you
go to show that you’re doing all you can to get better.
6. Be Detailed & Specific
Perhaps the most crucial tip for disability claimants is to be
as detailed and specific as possible when filling out all
forms. You will be presented with many different forms as
part of the process, and this is where your claim may be
accepted or denied.
Some areas where it really pays to give detail and specify
include:
Job Description
Symptoms and Limitations
Work History
7. To really present a strong case, don’t just list your job title and some
general duties. Be specific about your day-to-day activities and show
how they may have contributed to your condition.
When describing your symptoms and limitations, illustrate how they
affect your daily life and why it is so difficult to work with them. Explain
how they make you feel and why they hold you back from completing
your job on a regular basis.
For your work history, the same principle applies. Think back to all the
tasks you preformed on a consistent basis that might have added to the
problem, or started the problem. The more specific and detailed you the
better off it will be for you as your claim is processed.
8. Watch Out for Social Media
Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter may be fun ways to
interact and keep in touch with people, but they can also be your
downfall when it comes to a disability claim. Basically, if you post
pictures to a Facebook account that depict you engaging in activities
you’re not supposed to be able to do, the insurance company might use
them against you.
You can always argue that the photos were taken prior to the claim, but
it’s still a potentially sticky and unnecessary situation. Posting pictures
with your kids is even riskier, because their age can help to date the
picture. Caution is definitely advised, but avoiding these platforms
altogether is even better. It’s also important to watch what kinds of
pictures your spouse posts, for the same reasons.
9. Common Types of Claims
Here are some of the more common types of disability claims that are filed because
they hold people back from performing their job:
Fibromyalgia
Repetitive strain
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression
Mood or anxiety disorders
Back or neck injury
Arthritis
Alcohol or drug addiction
Degenerative disc problems
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cancer
Multiple Sclerosis
Diabetes
Stroke
Heart Disease