What Are the Most Common Reasons Unum Gives for Denying a Disability Claim?
Unum is one of the largest providers of disability insurance in the country, offering both short-term and long-term coverage. However, it has also gained a reputation for frequently denying valid claims, often leaving claimants frustrated, confused, and financially strained.
If your disability claim has been denied by Unum, you’re not alone. Thousands of policyholders face denials each year—many of which are based on standardized, strategic justifications designed to protect Unum’s bottom line. In this post we’ll walk you through the most common reasons for claim denials. Knowledge is the first step toward fighting back effectively and getting the benefits you deserve.
1. Lack of “Objective Medical Evidence”
One of Unum’s most common reasons for denial is claiming that your disability isn’t supported by objective medical evidence. In other words, they argue that your medical records don’t contain enough diagnostic tests, scans, or measurable data to prove you’re unable to work.
This can be particularly frustrating for people with conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, or mental health disorders—where symptoms are often subjective and not easily measured through lab results or imaging. Even if your doctor confirms that you’re unable to work, Unum may reject the claim if they believe the evidence is not “conclusive” enough.
What you can do: Supplement your claim with detailed medical records, functional capacity evaluations, and narrative letters from your treating physician that explain how your condition impacts your daily functioning.
2. Claiming You Don’t Meet the Policy’s Definition of Disability
Every Unum policy includes a specific definition of what qualifies as a “disability.” Some policies are own-occupation, meaning you’re disabled if you can’t perform your specific job. Others are any-occupation, which sets a much higher bar—you’re only considered disabled if you can’t perform any job that fits your education, training, or experience.
Unum may deny your claim by arguing that while you can’t do your current job, you could still work in another field, even if it’s at a lower pay scale or outside your career path.
What you can do: Work with your physician and possibly a vocational expert to clearly show how your condition prevents you from performing the material duties of any job defined under your specific policy.
3. Relying on Internal Medical Reviewers Who Never Examined You
Unum often uses in-house doctors or hired medical consultants to review claims. These individuals typically do not meet with you or examine you in person—they simply review your file and issue an opinion that often favors denial.
This type of “paper review” may be used to override the opinions of your treating physician, even if you have an extensive medical history that supports your disability.
What you can do: Insist on the credibility of your treating doctors and provide supporting documentation that challenges Unum’s in-house medical assessments.
4. Alleging Inconsistencies in Your Claim
Unum frequently combs through your claim for inconsistencies. This might include:
- Discrepancies between your symptoms and your daily activities
- Conflicting statements between you and your doctor
- Social media posts that suggest you’re more active than reported
- Gaps in treatment history or failure to follow prescribed care
Even small contradictions can be used as grounds for denial.
What you can do: Be consistent in how you report symptoms and limitations. Avoid posting anything on social media that could be taken out of context. Ensure your doctor fully understands your functional limitations.
5. Claiming You Can Perform Sedentary Work
In many cases, Unum will deny a claim on the basis that you can still do “sedentary work,” even if that’s far from realistic. They may argue that sitting at a desk or performing light tasks is within your capabilities, ignoring the pain, fatigue, or cognitive issues that make even basic tasks difficult.
What you can do: Provide documentation of how even sedentary work would be impossible due to your medical condition. Functional evaluations and vocational assessments can help reinforce your limitations.
6. Use of Surveillance or Online Monitoring
Unum is known to use private investigators and social media monitoring to gather information about claimants. If they find a video or photo of you walking, attending a social event, or engaging in physical activity, they may argue that you’re not as disabled as claimed.
Even normal activities taken out of context can be used against you.
What you can do: Be mindful of what you share publicly. A five-minute walk or a smile at a wedding doesn’t mean you’re not suffering. Keep a record of how long, painful, or exhausting such activities are and discuss them with your doctor.
7. Denial Due to Technical or Procedural Errors
Missed deadlines or incomplete forms can result in a claim denial—even when your case is strong. Unum may not offer you a chance to correct the issue before denying your claim outright.
What you can do: Stay organized. Keep copies of all forms, letters, and medical submissions. Consult a disability attorney early to help you manage deadlines and avoid procedural traps.
How Darras Law Can Help You Fight Back
Unum has decades of experience denying claims—you need a law firm with just as much experience fighting them. At Darras Law, we’ve helped thousands of clients nationwide successfully appeal denials and recover the benefits they deserve. From claim reviews to courtroom advocacy, we’re here to stand up for you—and we don’t charge a fee unless we win.
If you’ve received a denial letter from Unum, contact our Unum denial attorneys today for a free policy or claim evaluation. We’ll help you understand your rights, strengthen your appeal, and fight to secure the benefits you worked hard to earn.