If you’re pursuing a long-term disability (LTD) claim, providing objective evidence for a disability claim is one of the most effective ways to establish your eligibility.
Insurance companies like Hartford, Unum, Cigna, and Prudential look for solid, measurable proof to support your case.
Let’s explore why objective evidence is essential and how you can use it to strengthen your claim.
What Is Objective Evidence for Disability Claims?
When it comes to disability claims, objective evidence includes medical tests and evaluations that offer quantifiable data. Insurers often rely on this type of evidence because it’s less subjective and provides a clear picture of your condition.
Objective evidence for disability claims may not be explicitly required by every LTD policy, but providing it can make a significant difference, especially if the insurance company is skeptical.
Types of Objective Evidence for Disability Claims
To provide compelling objective evidence, consider gathering any of the following test results or evaluations:
- MRI Scans – These are often used to show conditions like spinal canal narrowing, stenosis, or nerve compression.
- Brain Scans – These can reveal damage to specific areas, which is especially useful for traumatic brain injuries.
- Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) – These tests assess your physical limitations and capabilities in a work-related context.
- Neuropsychological Testing – Particularly valuable for cognitive impairments, these tests provide a thorough understanding of memory, concentration, and mental processing issues.
Including objective evidence like these can greatly enhance your LTD claim, as it demonstrates the impact of your condition through scientifically validated measures.
Why Objective Evidence Strengthens Disability Claims
Combining objective evidence for disability claims with your subjective symptoms—such as pain, fatigue, or mental health challenges—provides a fuller picture of your disability.
Insurers are more likely to view your claim favorably if your medical documentation includes both objective testing and subjective reports.
A detailed report from your doctor that interprets these tests can further support your case by linking specific findings to your inability to work.
What to Do When Objective Evidence Isn’t Available
Certain medical conditions, particularly mental health issues, don’t always have direct forms of objective evidence. However, you can still build a strong case by:
- Psychological Evaluations – For conditions like depression or anxiety, standardized assessments gauge symptom severity.
- Consistent Medical Documentation – Work with your doctor to ensure that every visit and symptom is well-documented over time.
Even if objective testing isn’t available for your condition, consistent documentation and psychological assessments can provide a foundation for your claim.
Maximizing Your Claim With Both Objective and Subjective Evidence
In summary, the best approach to a long-term disability claim is to gather objective evidence for your disability claim wherever possible. By combining this objective testing with subjective complaints and your doctor’s expert interpretation, you create a robust claim package.
With this comprehensive approach, you can help ensure that your claim reflects both the existence and impact of your condition, giving you a better chance at approval.
If you’ve been denied long-term disability benefits, contact us today so we can help you appeal your denial!
