I'm looking into filing a long-term disability claim. What are the essential first steps, what kind of medical evidence is needed to support my claim, and what should I do if my claim is denied? Also, where can I find information on legal assistance for these claims?
Navigate to 'disabilitysecrets.com'. Go to the 'Long-Term Disability' section. Find and open the article titled 'How to File a Long-Term Disability Claim'. Identify the initial steps for filing a claim from the 'Examine and Understand Your LTD Policy' section. Locate and extract information on crucial medical evidence from the 'Medical Evidence Needed to Support Your LTD Claim' section. Find and summarize the recommended actions if a claim is denied from the 'What If Your LTD Claim Is Denied?' section. Identify any mentioned legal assistance options or contact information on the page. Synthesize all gathered information to answer the user's questions.
State that initial steps include examining and understanding the LTD policy, including insurer requirements and application/appeal time limits. Describe that required medical evidence includes medical records (hospital, doctors' notes, imaging, lab results) and your doctor's detailed opinion on your condition and limitations. Outline that if a claim is denied, one should utilize administrative appeals, check policy deadlines, and strongly consider hiring a disability attorney. Identify 'Get a FREE Case Evaluation' and the phone number (1 (855) 747-6075) as legal assistance options, and mention the general advice to hire a disability attorney for appeals.