You paid into your Aetna disability policy expecting it to help you when you needed it most. Now, they’ve denied your claim, and you’re left wondering what went wrong. That’s not right.
If you’re looking for an Aetna insurance denied long term disability claims lawyer, you need more than a law firm that just files paperwork. At BenGlassLaw, we represent clients nationwide who deserve better than a rubber-stamped denial.
A denied long term disability claims lawyer from our team will explain your options clearly and build a plan that fits your goals. We speak plainly, stay honest, and treat every client with respect. Contact us today to find out why we win over 80% of the claims we accept.
Why Aetna Denies Long Term Disability Claims
Aetna often denies long term disability claims for reasons that sound official but fall apart under scrutiny. Some claimants hear their condition isn’t severe, their records aren’t strong enough, or they missed a deadline—even when everything was submitted correctly.
In some cases, Aetna relies on opinions from doctors who never meet or speak with you. They may also cherry-pick phrases from your records to downplay your condition. It’s not unusual for people with long-standing, well-documented disabilities to face denials that feel like a slap in the face.
Some Aetna policies define disability based on your “own occupation” for the first 24 months, before switching to “any occupation” after that period. Many denials happen at this stage. Aetna claims you can do some other type of work, even if that’s not practical or realistic for your situation.
What to Do After a Long Term Disability Denial from Aetna
Start by reading the denial letter carefully. It should explain why Aetna denied your claim and how much time you have to appeal. Don’t panic—you still have options.
An appeal isn’t just a second chance. It’s your opportunity to build a stronger case. That might mean getting updated medical records, gathering statements from doctors or coworkers, or correcting inaccuracies in Aetna’s version of your file.
Many claimants miss the chance to correct these issues early, and that weakens any future legal action. This is where a denied long term disability claims lawyer can step in. We know how to find the gaps in Aetna’s reasoning and push back with evidence that tells the full story.
How a Aetna Insurance Denied Long Term Disability Claims Attorney Can Help
You don’t need to take wild guesses or figure out the rules on your own. Our team at BenGlassLaw has handled Aetna denials under ERISA and private disability policies. We help you:
- Request and review your full claim file from Aetna
- Identify where their analysis fell short
- Strengthen your medical documentation and timeline
- Draft a clear, detailed appeal letter that responds to their points
We prepare every appeal as though it might end up in court. That level of care can make all the difference.
We also work directly with your treating doctors to help them understand what Aetna needs to see. Many physicians don’t realize that certain words and phrases carry more weight in these reviews. We guide them so their input supports your claim clearly.
Why Appeals Matter So Much Under ERISA
If your long term disability plan falls under ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, your administrative appeal is often your only shot at submitting evidence. You can’t just wait and tell your story later in court. Everything needs to be in the appeal.
That’s why it helps to work with an Aetna insurance denied long term disability claims attorney who understands how strict these rules are. We know where the gaps are and how to frame your case clearly so the reviewers see the full picture.
Common Conditions Aetna Tries to Downplay
Aetna often denies claims involving conditions that are hard to measure or that fluctuate over time. These include:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Lyme disease
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Depression and anxiety
- Long COVID
If you have one of these diagnoses, Aetna may argue you can still work in some capacity. We push back against that with medical records, witness statements, and a narrative that makes your real limitations impossible to ignore.
What if Aetna Terminates Benefits After Approval?
Some clients come to us after Aetna approves benefits for months or even years but then suddenly stops paying. This often happens when a policy moves from “own occupation” to “any occupation” or after a paper review by an insurance-paid doctor who never meets you.
If Aetna terminates benefits without good reason, you can fight back. You may have less time to appeal than during an initial denial, so it’s important to act fast. We step in to build your case and preserve your right to challenge the termination.
Can You Sue Aetna for Long Term Disability Denials?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on your policy. If your coverage falls under ERISA, your ability to sue is limited to federal court. You can’t get punitive damages or a jury trial. The judge reviews your appeal file and decides if Aetna acted reasonably.
If you have a private or individually purchased disability policy, you may have more options. You could seek bad faith damages or breach of contract if Aetna’s conduct went beyond just a simple disagreement.
In either situation, we help you weigh the risks and rewards before moving forward. Litigation takes time, but for some clients, it’s the right next step.
Why Aetna Denials Deserve a Closer Look
Not every denial reflects bad intent, but many rely on weak reasoning. Some stem from:
- Doctors without relevant training reviewing claims
- Medical records misquoted or ignored
- Job duties distorted to suggest more ability than exists
- Surveillance footage taken out of context
- Important documents missing from the file
You deserve a fair review. A denied long term disability claims lawyer can walk through the full record and outline a stronger path forward.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Act
Aetna long term disability denials come with deadlines. If you miss the window to appeal, you could lose your right to benefits altogether. Some plans give you 180 days. Others may have shorter or longer timeframes depending on how the policy is written.
The earlier we get involved, the more we can do. That includes preserving records, speaking with your doctors, and making sure your appeal meets every requirement under your policy.
Honest Help When Aetna Says No
At BenGlassLaw, we’ve spent three decades helping people challenge unfair disability denials. Our approach is built on transparency and strategy. We don’t waste time. We look at your denial, explain where you stand, and outline your options clearly.
If you’re searching for an Aetna insurance denied long term disability claims lawyer who gives honest answers and actually listens, we’re ready to help. Call today to schedule your consultation. We’ll look at your letter, your policy, and your goals so that we can build a plan that makes sense for you.