Long-term disability insurance provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term illness or injury. In Washington State, obtaining long-term disability benefits requires submitting medical evidence to support your claim.
Medical evidence is essential to prove the extent and severity of your disability. Insurance companies typically require a comprehensive medical report from a treating physician that includes your medical history, diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis.
Here are the medical documents that are typically required to support your Washington long-term disability claim:
- Medical Records: The insurance company will need a complete medical record of your condition, including documentation of all medical treatment you have received.
- Medical Reports: The treating physician will need to provide a detailed report that describes your medical condition, the impact it has on your daily life, and any limitations you experience. The report should include your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan.
- Functional Capacity Evaluation: A functional capacity evaluation is an assessment that measures your physical and cognitive abilities. This evaluation is often conducted by a physical therapist or occupational therapist and helps to determine your level of functionality and limitations.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, can provide objective evidence of your condition and support your diagnosis.
- Laboratory Test Results: Lab tests, such as blood tests or urine analysis, can provide important information about your condition and any underlying health issues.
- Consultation Reports: Your treating physician may consult with other medical professionals, such as a specialist or a psychologist, to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of your condition.
It’s important to remember that medical evidence must demonstrate that your condition meets the definition of disability under your insurance policy. This means that your condition must prevent you from performing your job duties and must be expected to last for a significant period of time.
An experienced disability lawyer can guide you through the claims process, help you gather the necessary medical evidence, and ensure that your claim is presented in the best possible light.
It’s important to note that insurance companies often have their own medical professionals review your medical evidence to assess your eligibility for benefits. These medical professionals are employed by the insurance company, and their evaluations may not always be in your best interest. Therefore, it’s critical to have an experienced disability lawyer review and assess your medical evidence to ensure that it accurately represents your condition and meets the requirements of your policy.
It’s important to keep your medical records up to date and to continue receiving regular treatment for your condition. This will ensure that you have a complete and accurate medical history and that your condition is properly documented. Failure to receive regular treatment may be used by the insurance company to argue that your condition has improved or that you are not taking appropriate steps to manage your condition.
Submitting thorough and accurate medical evidence is a crucial aspect of obtaining long-term disability benefits in Washington State. It’s important to work with an experienced disability lawyer who can help you gather the necessary evidence and present your claim in the best possible light. With the right medical evidence and legal representation, you can increase your chances of obtaining the benefits you deserve.
Paukert & Troppmann, PLLC is a law firm that specializes in representing clients in long-term disability claims. Our experienced disability lawyers can help you gather the necessary medical evidence to support your claim and ensure that your claim is presented in the best possible light. We can assist you with the following:
- Gathering Medical Records: We can help you obtain the medical records that are required to support your long-term disability claim. We will work with your treating physicians to ensure that all necessary medical information is included in your medical records.
- Medical Report Review: Our experienced disability lawyers will review your medical reports to ensure that they accurately reflect the extent and severity of your disability. We will work with your treating physician to ensure that your medical report meets the requirements of your policy.
- Functional Capacity Evaluation Review: We can review the results of your functional capacity evaluation to ensure that the assessment is accurate and reflects your true level of functionality and limitations.
- Liaison with Medical Professionals: Our lawyers can work directly with your treating physicians and medical professionals to obtain additional information about your condition and ensure that your medical evidence is complete and accurate.
- Appeals Process: If your initial claim for long-term disability benefits is denied, we can assist you with the appeals process. We will work to gather additional medical evidence and present your claim in the best possible light to increase your chances of success.
At Paukert & Troppmann, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming and stressful the long-term disability claims process can be. That’s why we offer personalized legal representation and support to help you navigate this complex process. Our goal is to help you obtain the benefits you deserve and to provide you with the peace of mind that comes with having experienced legal representation on your side.