Long Term Disability Law Blog
The discussion centers on a long-term disability case handled against Lincoln Financial, involving a software developer who developed severe long COVID symptoms that worsened his pre-existing multiple sclerosis. Although his claim was initially approved and paid for about 10 months, Lincoln abruptly terminated his benefits based on a review by a hired physician who claimed there was insufficient evidence of continued disability. This decision ignored consistent support from the claimant’s treating doctors and relied heavily on a single outside opinion, a common tactic described by the attorneys.
To challenge the denial, the attorney built a comprehensive appeal using multiple layers of evidence. This included new independent evaluations—a functional capacity exam and a neuropsychological assessment—both of which demonstrated significant physical and cognitive limitations. In addition, updated statements from the claimant’s treating providers reinforced that he could not safely return to work. By combining objective testing with strong medical opinions, the appeal directly countered the insurer’s rationale and left little room for denial.
As a result, Lincoln reversed its decision within just a few weeks and reinstated the claimant’s benefits. The case highlights how insurers may terminate valid claims even after prior approval, especially when relying on paper reviews instead of in-person evaluations. It also underscores the importance of submitting a thorough, evidence-driven appeal that addresses both medical and legal weaknesses in the insurer’s decision, which can often lead to a successful outcome without litigation.