SMDA gets Lincoln National to overturn disability claim denial decision for Technical Professional.

SMDA recently convinced disability insurer Lincoln National Life Insurance Company to overturn its decision denying disability benefits for a  client who was working as a Computer Support Technician.  The client had developed serious orthopedic problems which resulted in significant functional limitations.  SMDA filed a comprehensive administrative appeal demonstrating the client’s inability to perform the actual duties of his own occupation.  This is a prime example, especially in claims governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), of the importance of getting legal counsel involved early in the process to short-circuit any effort to deny a claim for disability benefits.  Remember that the disability insurance company is inherently conflicted as it both determines eligibility and then must pay benefits if the claim is approved.