Lifestyle

6 Ways to Win Your Long-Term Disability Claim or Appeal

Published

11 months ago

September 7, 2023

Anyone who applies for long-term disability insurance is required to prove that they are unable to work due to their conditions. Sometimes, when submitting a claim, the medical records and statements provided may not be sufficient. If your long-term disability benefits claim was denied, you have the right to appeal. However, it is a good idea to create an ironclad claim before submission to avoid the need to appeal completely. Here are our top tips for winning an LTD claim or appeal.

Hire A Lawyer

Disability insurance is a complex field that can be difficult for even the most educated person to navigate. Working with an attorney who has experience with disability insurance policies and laws is the best way to effect a positive outcome. A lawyer will be able to help with your own occupation disability insurance and all occupation claims or appeals with equal finesse.

Make Sure You Have Objective Evidence

LTD claims that are submitted with strong objective medical evidence are more likely to be approved. An insurance provider will have a hard time denying objective advice from a reputable medical professional, even if they have their own doctor perform an evaluation. Gather clinical statements, lab tests, and the results of your functional capacity evaluations prior to submitting a claim or an appeal.

Get A Copy of Your Claim

If your claim has been denied and you plan to appeal, make sure you have a copy of your original claim. The claim file will have all communications between you and the insurance provider, copies of submitted forms and reports, and, the guidelines used to deny the claim. Knowing why your claim was denied will help you cure those problems upon appeal.

Prepare a Vocational Assessment

This assessment will provide thorough detail as to why your conditions prevent you from remaining gainfully employed. This assessment may include a list of duties and how your conditions prevent you from completing those duties. Depending on the policy type, the assessment will also determine if you are qualified to work in a different occupation while suffering from a disability.

Hire Your Own Experts

When filing a claim or an appeal for long-term disability benefits, assessments play a critical role. The insurance company will always have its own evaluators, but you have the right to hire your own. Have a reputable medical professional perform a functional capacity evaluation for consideration. Mental health is another important aspect to be assessed. You can also have a trained medical provider perform a neuropsychological evaluation for both cognitive and mental health changes.

Respond to the Denial

It is important to review the reasons your claim was denied and remedy those issues. The most common issues are a lack of medical evidence, poor or no treatment for the condition, and no evidence that there are severe symptoms. Being able to work with certain accommodations and actually having your condition improve are other common reasons for the denial. Respond to each denial reason provided to avoid facing an appeal denial.

Get The Benefits You Deserve

With the right planning and a savvy attorney, getting approval for LTD benefits will be a breeze. For those who are facing an appeal, working with a lawyer and following the suggestions above will put you on the path to success.

Author Bio: Heather Blacksmith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and works at a finance firm based in Seattle, Washington. She specializes in small business finance, credit, law, and insurance. When she is not working, she spends her time in her favorite coffee shop writing on various finance-related topics. Other than that, she enjoys adult coloring books, recycling, and running.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.