You might think that your physician’s opinion about your medical opinion and your ability to work would be a crucial factor in a decision on your claim for long-term disability benefits. After all, your doctor is the one who is most familiar with your medical history and the effects of your medical condition. Nonetheless, insurance companies routinely ignore the recommendations and opinions of treating physicians when considering long-term disability claims.

Under the law, insurance companies are not required to give any deference or particular weight to the opinion of a claimant’s treating physician. While you can and should submit all medical records, opinions, and related documentation from your treating physician to your insurance company, you should not expect the insurance company to necessarily agree with your doctor’s conclusions. In many cases, even where a treating physician recommends that you stop working due to your medical conditions, the insurance company handling your long-term disability claim may disagree.

If an insurance company has enough evidence to justify its rejection of your treating physician’s claims, then it can draw a conclusion about your medical conditions and the ability to work that is the opposite of your doctor’s position. In other words, if the insurance company has an independent physician or a vocational expert evaluate your medical conditions and ability to work, and that person disagrees with your doctor, the insurance company may have enough evidence to reject your doctor’s conclusions. This evidence can form the basis for the denial of your long-term disability benefits claim.

We know that you are facing disability-related legal issues that can be crucial to your future. As a result, the attorneys at Bonnici Law Group have the skills and knowledge to advise you of all potential options. We know how vital this support can be to you when you are unable to work. As a result, we are here to represent your interests throughout any dealings that you must have with your insurance company. For legal advice about your claim, please contact Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 or help@bonnicilawgroup.com.