What Are the Most Common Reasons The Standard Denies LTD Claims?

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is designed to provide financial protection when an injury or illness prevents you from working for an extended period. For many employees, The Standard is a trusted provider of employer-sponsored LTD benefits. However, policyholders often face challenges when submitting claims. Understanding the most common reasons for The Standard LTD claim denials can help you better navigate the process and protect your benefits.

1. Insufficient Medical Evidence

One of the leading reasons The Standard denies LTD claims is a lack of adequate medical documentation. LTD policies require detailed evidence from your treating physicians showing that your condition prevents you from performing your job duties. Common mistakes include:

• Incomplete medical records or outdated documentation.
• Failure to clearly link your condition to your inability to work.
• Lack of objective test results or specialist opinions.

At DarrasLaw, we emphasize the importance of thorough medical documentation and often coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure your records fully support your claim.

2. Discrepancies in Your Work History or Job Duties

The Standard often reviews your job description to assess whether your disability truly prevents you from performing essential functions. Denials can occur if:

• Your claim doesn’t align with the occupational requirements listed in your policy.
• There is a perceived mismatch between your claimed limitations and your work history.

An experienced LTD attorney can help by providing vocational assessments and expert testimony to demonstrate how your condition limits your ability to work.

3. Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions

Many LTD policies, including those issued by The Standard, contain clauses limiting coverage for pre-existing conditions. If your disability relates to a health issue you had prior to the policy’s effective date, The Standard may deny your claim based on:

• Failure to disclose prior conditions during enrollment.
• Medical evidence showing the condition existed before coverage began.

Understanding your policy’s pre-existing condition rules is critical, and DarrasLaw attorneys can help interpret these clauses and evaluate whether a denial was proper.

4. Missed Deadlines or Procedural Errors

ERISA-governed LTD claims, which include most of The Standard policies, have strict filing deadlines. Denials may occur when:

• Forms or supporting documents are submitted late.
• Required notices or appeals are missed.
• Policyholders fail to follow procedural instructions outlined in their plan.

Legal guidance ensures that every step—from filing to appeals—meets ERISA’s strict requirements.

5. Disputes Over the Severity of the Disability

Finally, The Standard may deny claims if they believe your condition does not meet the policy’s definition of disability. This often happens in cases involving:

• Mental health conditions, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or subjective symptoms.
• Conditions with fluctuating symptoms that make it difficult to prove continuous disability.

A strategic approach, including detailed medical evidence, independent medical examinations, and legal advocacy, can help challenge these denials effectively.

How DarrasLaw Can Help

Denials of LTD claims from The Standard are common, but they are not the end of the road. At DarrasLaw, we specialize in:

• Reviewing your LTD policy and denial letter.
• Gathering and presenting compelling medical evidence.
• Handling ERISA deadlines and appeals on your behalf.
• Negotiating or litigating to maximize your long-term disability benefits.

If The Standard has denied your LTD claim, time is critical. Contact DarrasLaw today for a free consultation to protect your financial future.