In a world where mental health is increasingly gaining the attention it deserves, it’s essential to understand your rights and navigate the complexities of disability claims. Navigating disability claims related to mental health can be tricky. Nainesh Kotak sheds light on successfully steering through these claims.
The Stigma and Subjectivity of Mental Health Claims
The biggest hurdle in mental health claims is the stigma around mental illnesses. Many sufferers shy away from revealing their struggles, leading to an absence of concrete evidence for insurance companies to validate their claims. Mental illnesses are diagnosed based on subjective complaints, unlike physical ailments that can be proven with scans and tests.
The key is to remember, is mental illness cannot be picked up in scans, such as MRI, unless there’s been a traumatic brain injury. So a lot of it is subjective reporting.
Making Your Doctor an Ally
Your family doctor can be your biggest ally in this journey. They document your symptoms and their progression, which can be crucial evidence in your claim. “Remember, when you go to your family doctor or any medical practitioner, they make notes about what you say. And those notes, in fact, are going to ultimately be shared with the disability insurer.
It’s paramount to visit your doctor not only to get the appropriate treatment but also to build a robust claim against the notion of ‘insufficient medical evidence.’
Navigating the Claims Process
Your journey with disability claims often starts with stress at work or home. It’s imperative to consult a physician and make them aware of your struggles. Your claims could be either short-term or long-term disability through a group policy with your employer or through an individual disability policy.
You need to submit three forms:
1. Employee Statement: This is where you list your symptoms and the difficulties you’re facing.
2. Employer Statement: This form contains basic factual information such as your income and employment duration.
3. Physician Statement: This is perhaps the most crucial document. Your physician outlines your diagnosis, history, treatment, and prognosis.
Seeking Appropriate Treatment
Insurance companies often deny claims on the grounds that claimants aren’t pursuing the appropriate treatment. “There are waiting lists to see psychiatrists. Push to get on the waiting list so you can show the insurer that you are trying to get treatment. You can also consult social workers and psychotherapists, and further your employer’s health plan might cover these services.
Key Takeaways
1. Break the Stigma: Be open about your mental health struggles. It’s the first step towards seeking help and successfully filing a disability claim.
2. Engage Your Doctor: Your family doctor can be instrumental in your claim. Make sure they are aware of your symptoms and struggles.
3. Understand the Process: Familiarize yourself with the claims process and the necessary documentation.
4. Seek Treatment: Show the insurer your commitment to recovery by seeking the necessary treatment.
The journey to navigating mental health disability claims might seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are resources available. If your disability claim has been denied contact the lawyers at Kotak Law. Visit kotaklaw.com.
Remember, your mental health matters, and it’s okay to seek help.
