When facing a denial from Unum for your long-term disability claim, navigating the UNUM Disability Appeal process becomes crucial for reclaiming your rightful benefits. Unum, one of America’s largest insurance companies, has been subject to investigations into alleged unfair practices and wrongful claim denials. Understanding the appeals process is essential for effectively challenging the denial.

Understanding the Types of Disability

Before initiating an appeal, it is important to have a thorough understanding of Unum’s disability coverage. Unum’s policies cover a wide range of disabilities, broadly classified into two categories.

1. Physical Disability: This category includes conditions that impair a person’s physical functionality, mobility, dexterity, or endurance. It encompasses spinal cord injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and more.
2. Mental Health Disability: Conditions that affect a person’s cognitive processes, emotions, behavior, and overall mood fall into this category. It includes depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others.

Each disability type presents unique challenges when initiating a claim or appeal.

Unum’s Disability Insurance Policies

Unum offers long-term disability insurance policies through various group companies. These policies aim to provide financial support in the event of a disabling illness or injury that prevents you from working. However, many policyholders have experienced claim denials without sufficient grounds.

Reasons for Claim Denial

Unum may deny your disability claim for various reasons, including insufficient medical evidence, opinions of medical or vocational experts hired by Unum, and policy exclusions for your specific medical condition. It is important not to accept a denial letter from Unum at face value, as it may be incomplete, misleading, or incorrect.

The Unum Disability Appeal Process

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

1. File an appeal with Unum within 180 days of receiving the denial letter.
2. Draft a detailed written appeal, ideally with the assistance of an experienced long-term disability attorney.
3. Submit your appeal to Unum, which will review it within 45 days. Unum may request an additional 45-day extension.
4. After reviewing your appeal, Unum will issue its decision.

Strengthening Your Unum Disability Appeal

To increase the chances of a successful Unum Disability Appeal, it is crucial to compile and present persuasive evidence, including:

• Comprehensive Medical Records: Gather all relevant medical examinations, treatments, and notes from your doctor. It is beneficial to have your physician draft a letter outlining your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
• Personal Narratives: Provide a thorough description of your daily life, emphasizing the constraints and challenges you face 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 provide 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 appeals process and the help of an experienced long-term disability attorney, you can navigate the Unum Disability Appeal process more effectively.