When making a disability claim the information you provide is incredibly important. In particular, your self-reported symptoms can be decisive when it comes to whether or not your ERISA disability claim is approved. Unfortunately, many claims are denied due to a lack of evidence — including insufficient medical records and documentation of self-reported symptoms.

At Herman & Wells, we understand the importance of providing an accurate picture of your disability and are here to help as you navigate the complex ERISA disability claim process. In this blog post, we will explore how self-reported symptoms can impact your case and why providing accurate information is essential for a successful outcome.

Our firm strives to help our clients present a compelling case for their disability claim. If you have any questions about self-reported symptoms and denied disability claims, contact Herman & Wells today. We are here to help!

Handicapped woman consulting with an ERISA attorney over denied disability claim.

The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post

  • 1
    Self-reported symptoms can significantly impact ERISA disability claims.
  • 2
    Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence, failure to meet the definition of disability by the insurance policy, fraudulent or exaggerated claims.
  • 3
    Medical reports from healthcare providers can help validate self-reported symptoms and provide the evidence needed to support a successful outcome.
  • 4
    Appealing a denied disability claim is an intimidating process and enlisting the help of attorneys experienced in ERISA disability cases is recommended.
  • 5
    Herman & Wells’ lawyers have a long track record of success in disability claims cases and are dedicated to helping clients get the benefits they deserve.

Understanding How “Self-Reported” Symptoms Impact Disability Claims

When you submit a disability claim, the insurance company needs to have evidence that your condition is severe enough to keep you from working. For this reason, it’s important to provide detailed information about the symptoms and limitations caused by the disability. This information is especially useful if there aren’t any objective findings in your medical records (such as X-rays, lab tests, etc.) Without this information, the insurance company may deny your claim based on insufficient evidence of disability.

Common Reasons For Denial Based On “Self-Reported” Symptoms

When it comes to disability claims, there are a variety of reasons why your claim may be denied. However, one of the most common reasons is due to insufficient evidence provided in the form of “self-reported” symptoms. In many cases, the insurance company will require additional documentation or information from healthcare providers before they can make a decision on your case. Without this, your claim may be denied due to a lack of evidence.

Other common reasons for denial include:

  • Not meeting the definition of disability as outlined by the insurance policy
  • Failure to provide sufficient medical records or other documentation
  • Fraudulent or exaggerated claims

Any Way To Officially Validate “Self-Reported” Symptoms?

The good news is that there are ways to officially validate your “self-reported” symptoms, which can make all the difference when it comes to obtaining a successful outcome for your disability claim.

Obtaining Medical Reports

One of the best ways to validate your “self-reported” symptoms is to obtain medical reports from healthcare providers. These reports can provide helpful information about your condition and can help support your case for disability. Additionally, it’s important that you follow the advice and treatment prescribed by healthcare providers and update your insurance company on any changes in your condition.

Will “Self-Reported” Symptoms Undermine Your Long Term Disability Claim?

The short answer is, maybe. It depends on the terms of your Long Term Disability policy. Some policies exclude “self-reported” problems altogether. These policies also define what they consider “self-reported” problems. That can range from pain to conditions like migraines or fibromyalgia. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure you provide as much detail and evidence as possible when filing a disability claim.

What Can You Do If Your Disability Claim Is Denied Based On “Self-Reported” Symptoms?

If you’ve had your disability claim denied based on insufficient evidence of “self-reported” symptoms, you should contact an ERISA disability attorney right away. There are strict deadlines to appeal. Proving “self-reported” claims can be difficult and may need additional evidence over and above your medical records. Remember, filing an appeal on your own that is incomplete or missing evidence will hurt your case.

If your disability claim has been denied based on “self-reported” symptoms, you should