Transitioning from active military duty to the private sector can be both exhilarating and challenging for veterans. On one hand, you bring a wealth of skills, discipline, and problem-solving abilities to your new job. On the other, the physical or mental strains of military service don’t magically vanish once you put on civilian clothes. Over time, service-related injuries and conditions can worsen and affect your capacity to work. Veterans in the private sector are also susceptible to newly arising medical problems that can interfere with work.
That’s why many veterans either carry a long-term disability (LTD) policy through their employer or purchase an individual plan. This is different from – and in addition to – the benefits you might recover directly from the VA. We are talking here about private disability insurance policies.
The Law firm of Robinson Warncke does not handle VA benefits claims. We specialize in dealing with insurance companies, a highly focused and specialized niche area of law.
So, what happens when you legitimately need to file a claim for insurance benefits but the company denies it? Financial worries can quickly pile up. You might feel betrayed, especially after dedicating years to serving your country and working in the private sector.
At Robinson & Warncke, the attorneys understand the challenges veterans face when an LTD claim is unfairly denied. Below, we’ll talk about why veterans can be more vulnerable to insurance denials, how a denial can impact your day-to-day life, and what Robinson & Warncke can do to help you secure the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
When you move into civilian employment, one of the perks you might look for is LTD coverage as a benefit provided by your employer. Many higher wage employers also (wisely) purchase individual disability insurance policies. Either way, the goal of this coverage is to replace a portion of your income if you become unable to perform your job because of a medical condition. This can include physical injuries, mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or more subtle conditions like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that worsen over time.
Military service often involves intense physical demands, repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or exposure to combat situations that can take a toll on the mind and body. Even if you’re an office worker now, old back or knee injuries might flare up.
The more challenging claims are the “invisible injuries” like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and PTSD. The incidence of TBI was so high from IED’s in Iraq and Afghanistan that the National Institute of Health undertook extensive new research yielding a great deal of new data seriously improving our understanding of just how these injuries can occur even without a direct blow to the head and just how serious and insidious these injuries can be.
Perhaps your mental health has been deteriorating due to stressors that compound pre-existing PTSD or anxiety. LTD coverage is supposed to be there as a safety net, ensuring that you don’t lose everything if you’re forced to cut back on work or stop working altogether.
While LTD insurance is meant to provide financial relief during a difficult time, insurance companies sometimes deny perfectly valid claims. Veterans can feel the sting of these denials more acutely because their injuries or conditions may have roots in their military service, which can complicate the medical narrative. One big issue is pre-existing conditions. Insurers might argue that your claim is invalid because the condition began before you enrolled in the policy, or that you “failed to disclose” the full extent of your medical history.
A word on “pre-existing conditions”: many, if not most of the claims we have handled on behalf of veterans involve some level of injury that occurred in the past. But that is not necessarily a problem. Most disability insurance policies only exclude pre-existing conditions in the first year of coverage. In other words, if you can hang in there at work for more than a year, the pre-existing condition exclusion drops away completely.
One of the takeaways when it comes to pre-existing conditions is that it can be a good idea to contact a specialist attorney before you file your disability claim. The attorneys at Robinson Warncke can recognize when and whether a pre-existing condition exclusion might be a problem. These situations can sometimes be managed, and can make the difference between recovering nothing and recovering years worth of income replacement benefits.
Another common roadblock involves medical documentation. If your records are scattered among different VA and civilian healthcare facilities or if you didn’t maintain a continuous treatment history, the insurance company could claim there’s not enough “objective” proof of your disability. Veterans who have moved around frequently or switched healthcare providers during transitions might have gaps in their records that insurers love to highlight. The VA is also notoriously hard to deal with when it comes to getting medical advocacy in a disability insurance setting. Here, too, recognizing the challenge and knowing how to work around it can make all the difference.
Sometimes, the denial is based on how the policy defines “disability.” If you have an “own occupation” policy, the insurance company is supposed to pay if you can’t do your current job. If it’s an “any occupation” policy, they may claim you’re still able to perform a different kind of work—even if that work pays significantly less or doesn’t match your skill set. And for those dealing with mental health conditions like PTSD, some policies contain additional hurdles or limitations.
Policy exclusions can be equally problematic. Some insurers limit coverage for mental health issues, labeling conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD as “subjective.” Others put strict time caps on benefits for certain diagnoses. What’s more, if the insurer decides you haven’t followed your prescribed treatment plan exactly—maybe you missed a couple of appointments or tried a different therapy route—they might use that to argue you’re not taking your recovery seriously.
An LTD denial isn’t just a disappointing letter in the mail. It can derail your entire life. One of the most immediate issues is financial instability. If you can’t work and aren’t receiving disability benefits, you may fall behind on mortgage payments, rent, or everyday bills. This sudden loss of income is stressful for anyone, but veterans often have unique obligations, like specialized healthcare or family caregiving responsibilities.
Interrupted healthcare is another major concern. If you can’t afford therapy sessions, physical rehabilitation, or essential medications, you might see your condition worsen, making it even harder to get back on your feet. Emotional strain is also common. After serving your country, it’s devastating to feel that the system is turning its back on you, especially when you need help the most.
Beyond the immediate financial and emotional struggles, a denied LTD claim can set your career back. You may have worked hard to reinvent yourself in the private sector—only to find that your disability is forcing you to leave your job. Gaps in employment or ongoing battles with insurance can create a red flag for future employers. If you’re already grappling with PTSD or other mental health conditions, the stress of a denial can compound these problems.
Fighting a denied LTD claim can feel like a battle all its own. The insurance policy language can be dense and confusing. Deadlines for appealing are often strict. And insurers have entire teams of adjusters and lawyers dedicated to limiting payouts. Veterans may also have to juggle this process alongside any VA benefits they’re receiving or seeking, and it’s not always clear how one claim affects the other.
This is where an experienced attorney—particularly one familiar with helping veterans—becomes invaluable. A good lawyer will review your policy, gather and organize all your medical documentation, and handle communications with the insurer. They’ll make sure you don’t miss important deadlines and will guide you on what additional evidence might be needed to strengthen your claim. If negotiations fail, a seasoned legal team can take the matter to court, arguing your case effectively before a judge.
Working with an attorney is about more than just paperwork. It’s about having someone in your corner who understands the unique challenges veterans face. They can help you navigate any VA-related questions, clarify whether your condition is considered “pre-existing,” and coordinate with your civilian doctors to compile a cohesive medical narrative that shows why you can’t work and need those benefits.
At Robinson & Warncke, the attorneys have extensive experience in disability insurance cases, including those involving veterans. One of the first steps they’ll take is a thorough review of your LTD policy so you know exactly what it does and doesn’t cover. The attorneys will then work closely with your healthcare providers—whether they’re VA doctors, civilian specialists, or both—to create a robust medical record. This record is essential for overcoming one of the most common insurer objections: insufficient documentation.
When it comes to negotiating with insurance adjusters, Robinson & Warncke offers a level of advocacy that ensures your voice is heard. Instead of worrying about saying the wrong thing during a call with the insurance company, you can rely on skilled professionals to speak on your behalf. This often moves the process along more efficiently and can lead to a favorable resolution without resorting to litigation.
If the insurer still digs in its heels, Robinson & Warncke is fully prepared to escalate. That includes filing an administrative appeal according to your policy’s guidelines and, if necessary, taking the case to court. The firm’s attorneys are well-versed in litigation strategies tailored to disability insurance disputes, giving you a fighting chance when the insurer refuses to pay.
In many cases, veterans might also be dealing with VA disability benefits. While the two systems are separate, there can be some interplay. The attorneys at Robinson & Warncke understand how to avoid potential pitfalls that could arise from misinformation or confusion between private LTD and VA benefits.
Most importantly, the firm offers a client-centric approach. This means you’ll receive clear updates, timely responses, and a legal strategy customized to your situation. You won’t be left wondering what’s happening behind the scenes. The team values open communication so you can focus on your health, family, and finances while they handle the heavy lifting of building your case.
Military-related disabilities often present unique complexities. Conditions like PTSD may not show obvious physical signs, and yet they can be debilitating in a work environment. Spinal injuries, joint problems, or head trauma sustained in combat or training can manifest in unpredictable ways, sometimes years after service. Insurance companies sometimes use this unpredictability as a reason to doubt a claim, even when medical evidence is clear about the condition’s severity.
Veterans might also feel caught between the need to push themselves in civilian careers and the reality that pushing too hard can aggravate an existing condition. When insurance companies try to paint you as “not that disabled” or claim you could easily do another job, they overlook the specialized nature of your civilian role and how your military background influences your skills and physical capabilities.
That’s why having a legal advocate who recognizes the profound effects of your service can be invaluable. Veterans deserve respect and a fair shake when it comes to claiming benefits they’ve paid for, and Robinson & Warncke’s attorneys are committed to ensuring you’re not sidelined by outdated assumptions or harsh policy definitions.
If you’ve recently received a denial letter from your LTD insurer, it’s easy to feel defeated. However, it’s vital not to give up. Carefully read the letter so you understand the stated reasons for denial and any deadlines you must meet to challenge their decision. Collect all your policy documents, medical records, and any correspondence you’ve had with the insurer so far, and then consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
You’ll likely have a limited window—often around 180 days—to file a formal appeal, so time is of the essence. While it might be tempting to attempt the appeal on your own, keep in mind that even small oversights can jeopardize your case. Insurance companies often rely on technicalities to maintain a denial. Engaging Robinson & Warncke promptly gives you a stronger chance of building a solid appeal or preparing for a lawsuit if necessary.
Also, continue following any recommended treatments from your doctors. If the insurer sees gaps in your medical care, they could claim you’re not making a genuine effort to manage your condition. Sticking to your treatment plan not only supports your own health but also bolsters your legal position.
Plenty of law firms handle insurance disputes, but not all of them are versed in the nuances that affect veterans. Robinson & Warncke focuses on disability insurance cases and has accumulated a wealth of experience winning claims for individuals with a wide range of injuries, illnesses, and service backgrounds. They understand that a generic, one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it—especially for veterans whose injuries may overlap with VA benefits or have complex origins dating back to military service.
What sets them apart is their readiness to fight aggressively on your behalf. They won’t hesitate to confront an insurer that refuses to act in good faith. Their trial experience means they know how to prepare a case for court from day one, putting you in a stronger position whether a settlement is reached or litigation becomes unavoidable.
Above all, Robinson & Warncke is client-focused. You aren’t just a case number, and your situation isn’t just another file on the desk. The attorneys and support staff invest the time to understand your personal story, the nature of your disability, and how it impacts your life, family, and career. This personal touch not only makes the legal journey less stressful but also ensures your case is argued with the depth and nuance it deserves.
A denied LTD claim can feel like a betrayal—particularly when you’ve devoted part of your life to serving your country. It can also create tremendous stress, from unpaid bills to lost career opportunities, all while you grapple with health challenges. But a denial letter from the insurance company doesn’t have to be the final word on your future.
If you’re a veteran in the private sector who’s been denied long-term disability benefits, know that help is available. At Robinson & Warncke, you’ll find a team of attorneys committed to guiding you through the appeals process, handling communications with the insurance company, and, if necessary, taking your case all the way to court. By leveraging their knowledge of insurance law and deep respect for veterans’ experiences, they’ll fight to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
The road to overturning a denial can be lengthy, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Reaching out to Robinson & Warncke can be the first step in reclaiming control over your finances, your health, and your life. With skilled legal help on your side, you’ll be far better positioned to secure a brighter future, one that honors both your military service and your civilian aspirations. Your sacrifice deserves respect—and your disability claim deserves fair treatment. Robinson & Warncke is here to help make that happen.
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