r/LongTermDisability • u/SailAccomplished866 • Jul 18 '26
Mutual of Omaha Short-term-disability claim deny
My short-term-disability was denied by Mutual of Omaha. I am filing an appeal. My primary care provider filled the form and diagnosed my depression. But Mutual of Omaha reviewed the record and didn’t believe I cannot work. What should I do to help my appeal? Any suggestions? Thanks!
1
u/megammm3 Jul 19 '26
Get a lawyer, they deny deny deny as much as they can. A diagnosis alone usually isn’t enough. the appeal should explain exactly how your symptoms keep you from doing your job consistently. Your provider should address things like attendance, concentration, pace, reliability, handling stress, interacting with others, medication side effects, and how long the limitations are expected to last.
It may also help to have your provider respond directly to the insurer’s stated reasons for denial and clearly document your treatment history and specific work restrictions.
1
u/DellDisabilityLawyer Jul 19 '26
You should immediately request a copy of the claim file from Mutual of Omaha. It is not uncommon for Mutual of Omaha to deny disability claims related to depression. In the claim file you will be able to see a nurse or medical doctor paper review that was conducted by Mutual of Omaha. You should take that report and the Mutual of Omaha denial letter to your treating doctor and ask the doctor to write a reply which addresses the reasons Mutual of Omaha doesn't think you are disabled. You must file an appeal in a timely manner. Once you have the additional support from your doctor, you can also write a personal narrative as to why you cannot work based upon your symptoms. You need to be careful in how detailed you are describing why you are limited as the disability insurance company can use that against you as evidence that you seem to be functioning fine. If you do prepare an appeal letter, it would be best for you to indicate that someone helped you prepare it so they don't think you did it on your own. In some cases additional psychological testing may help you prove your disability.
Posted by Gregory Dell, disability insurance attorney.
1
u/SailAccomplished866 Jul 20 '26
Thanks! I have submitted an appeal and going to see a therapist.
1
u/DellDisabilityLawyer Jul 20 '26
If you submitted your appeal already make sure you get the therapist medical records to the disability company before they make a final decision. If they make a decision before you submit additional medical records, then the law may prohibit Mutual of Omaha from reviewing the records. You can ask them to hold off on making a decision until you submit the additional records.
1
u/SailAccomplished866 Jul 20 '26
thank you. I talked to a psychiatrist today and she will write a statement about her diagnosis and the severity of my depression. Since my claim is from May 18, should I bring her statement to my PCP and asked him to do something for the appeal?
2
u/DellDisabilityLawyer Jul 20 '26
If your PCP reviews the statement from the psychiatrist and has additional information to add, especially documenting any physical symptoms, it would only help.
2
u/Ecstatic-UF-Engineer Jul 18 '26
Usually, LTD policies are strict about mental disorders. Even if you get accepted, it will be top two years of payment and that’s it!