Mental Health Long-Term Disability Claims In Florida: Common Challenges And How To Fight Back

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is often available through Florida employers and helps cover lost earnings when injuries and illnesses prevent you from working. However, getting benefits approved for physical disabilities is difficult enough. Disability claims in Florida for mental health conditions, while common, are frequently denied and disputed.

Our experienced Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer helps clients in these cases and explains what you need to know to fight back and get the benefits you deserve.

Common Mental Health Conditions That Face LTD Denials

For Florida workers, mental health disorders can be just as debilitating as a physical illness, yet insurers often try to minimize their impact. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over 15 million people suffer from serious mental illnesses, which interfere with their ability to work or engage in daily hobbies and tasks.

When a mental health issue prevents you from working for a year or more, employer-provided disability can help offset your costs. However, these types of claims are frequently denied due to policy exclusions, lack of objective evidence, or insurer bias. Some of the most commonly disputed mental health conditions include:

• Depression: Insurers may argue that symptoms are manageable with medication or therapy.
• Anxiety disorders: Anxiety and panic disorders are common yet often downplayed by insurers.
• Bipolar disorder: Despite its severe impact on work ability, insurers may claim symptoms are intermittent.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Often disputed due to difficulty in proving work-related limitations.
• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders: While more severe cases may qualify, insurers may demand extensive documentation.

Even if a policy covers mental health disabilities, insurers typically look for reasons to downplay or deny any type of long-term disability claim in Florida. Fortunately, you have the power to fight back.

What to Do If A Mental Health LTD Claim In Florida Gets Denied

A denied Florida long-term disability claim does not mean you are out of options. Under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) rules, you have the right to appeal and fight for your benefits. If benefits for mental health issues are denied or disputes, follow these steps:

• Carefully review the denial letter: Look for the insurer’s reasoning, including missing medical evidence or policy exclusions.
• Gather stronger medical documentation: Obtain updated records, detailed doctor statements, and reports from mental health specialists.
• Request a functional capacity evaluation (FCE): This type of assessment can provide objective proof of how your condition affects work ability.
• Avoid social media pitfalls: Insurers often monitor social media for posts that could contradict your disability claim.
• Consult our Florida LTD lawyer: We can build a strong appeal, ensuring all necessary medical and legal documentation is included.

Get Trusted Legal Help for Florida Mental Health LTD Claims

Fighting for long-term disability benefits due to a mental health condition can be overwhelming, especially when insurers try to limit or deny claims.

At Farrell Disability Law, our Florida long-term disability lawyer has helped countless clients successfully appeal denied claims. Call or contact our team online and schedule a consultation today in our Jacksonville or Orlando office.

Sources:

nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa#:~:text=The%20Employee%20Retirement%20Income%20Security,for%20individuals%20in%20these%20plans.