[rms2111]

I am currently collecting disability benefits from Social Security. I am also collecting disability benefits from Mutual of Omaha through a group policy provided by my previous employer. I bought an individual policy on myself through my employer from a company called UNUM/Provident. I have been fighting with UNUM/Provident for about a year and a half but they will not approve my disability benefits. They have not officially denied me yet but they keep stalling and it is just a matter of time before I am denied. I have an inner ear condition called Meniere's Disease which makes me very dizzy at times. I have been seeing Dr. John Shea, Jr in Memphis, TN with this problem for the past 10 years. He is one, if not the best ear Doctor in the world. About 2 years ago he advised me to seek disability. Social Security and Mutual of Omaha approved my disability and began paying me within 6 months after I applied. UNUM tells me that their Doctor does not see documentation supporting disability claim even though Dr. Shea sent them a letter stating that I should be considered disabled. Documentation from all my treatments and surgeries were also sent to UNUM.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do next? Should I seek legal representation at this point? Thanks for any advice anyone can give.

[N0help4u]

I always tell people to try once on their own and then get a lawyer.
Also DO NOT let your claim lapse. If you do they will only go back to the date you refiled.
At least that is the way it is with disability, but get a lawyer.

[simoneaugie]

I'm sorry to hear your story. The same thing happened to me, where the state is giving me full disability and my company says that I am not disabled even though they received the same reports.

Let us know how it turns out. I cannot read the letter of denial of benefits from my company. Perhaps you are stronger and can fight this "insurance racket."

[KBC]

YES YES YES

Get a lawyer and soon!

If this lapses(like the ins. Company want's it to) you'll be back to square one with no recourse's.

Most legal firms will take the case for no money up front and take a percentage when it is settled.

[Fr_Chuck]

You should have seen the lawyer before you even applied to the first place for disability,
I am surprised you got the government as a norm they turn a large percentage of people down the first time also, till you get an attorney.