When facing MetLife disability claim denials, it is important to prepare for your appeal because this can increase your chances of reversing the denial and securing the benefits you deserve. Providing your attorney with all necessary information is key to building a strong case. Here’s what you need to share to ensure a successful MetLife disability appeal.
Medical Records
Your medical records are the backbone of your disability insurance benefit claim. Ensure your attorney has complete access to all relevant medical documentation. This includes doctor’s notes and evaluations, hospital records, test results like X-rays and MRIs, and prescription records.
Also, provide treatment plans and progress notes. Your medical records should be current and well-detailed, as incomplete or outdated records can weaken your case and increase the likelihood of another MetLife disability claim denial. Your attorney needs to show that your condition meets the policy’s definition of disability and that you cannot perform your job duties.
Employment Records
Your employment history and current job duties are important for demonstrating how your disability affects your ability to work. Provide your attorney detailed job descriptions, performance reviews, and attendance records. If your employer has made any accommodations or modifications to your job, share this information.
Statements from supervisors or colleagues about your job performance and how your disability impacts your work can also be useful. This information helps your attorney illustrate how your condition interferes with your work, supporting your MetLife disability appeal by clearly showing your limitations.
Correspondence With Metlife
Any communication you’ve had with MetLife regarding your claim is important, so provide your attorney with all letters and emails exchanged with MetLife representatives, notes from phone calls or in-person meetings, and copies of any forms or documents submitted to MetLife.
This correspondence helps your attorney understand MetLife’s rationale for denying your claim and identify any inconsistencies or procedural errors that can be used in your appeal. A thorough review of these communications can reveal discrepancies or unfair practices that can be important in building a strong case for your appeal.
Personal Statements
Your account of how your disability impacts your life and work is also important. Write a detailed personal statement covering your daily symptoms, how your condition affects your ability to perform daily activities, and the emotional and physical toll of your disability. Include specific examples of how your condition impairs your job performance. This personal account helps put a human face on your case and provides your attorney with a better understanding of your difficulties. Your story can be a powerful tool in your appeal, showing the real-life impact of your condition beyond what is captured in medical and employment records.
Witness Statements
Statements from family members, friends, and colleagues who witness your struggles can provide additional support for your disability insurance appeal. These firsthand accounts should include detailed observations about your condition, how it impacts your daily life, and specific examples of your limitations.
Additionally, any noted changes in your behavior or abilities since becoming disabled are valuable. These witness statements add credibility to your claim by corroborating your account and the medical evidence, painting a comprehensive picture of your disability. Your attorney can use these diverse perspectives to build a stronger case, demonstrating the widespread impact of your condition on various aspects of your life.
Financial Records
Your financial situation can also be relevant, especially if your disability has caused significant financial hardship. Provide your attorney with income records, such as pay stubs and tax returns, information about any other disability benefits you receive, and records of out-of-pocket medical expenses. These documents help demonstrate the financial impact of your disability and the importance of receiving your MetLife benefits. Your attorney can use this financial evidence to argue the necessity and urgency of your appeal, highlighting how the denial affects your livelihood.
Prior Claim History
If you have previously filed disability insurance benefit claims with MetLife or any other insurer, share these details with your attorney. This includes previous claim submissions and outcomes, any appeals and their results, and relevant medical and employment records from those claims. This history helps your attorney understand any patterns in your claims and anticipate MetLife’s approach in your current appeal.
A successful MetLife disability appeal hinges on providing your attorney with well-detailed and accurate information. By sharing the above-stated information, you can build a strong case. Preparing thoroughly and working closely with your attorney can improve your chances of overturning MetLife disability claim denials and securing the benefits you deserve.
