When applying for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, comprehensive medical evidence is your most powerful tool. Insurance companies scrutinize these claims carefully, and the quality of your medical documentation often determines whether your application succeeds or fails.
Detailed Medical Records
Your complete medical history provides the foundation for any LTD claim. This includes records from primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and emergency room visits that document your diagnosis, treatment history, and progression of symptoms. Consistency matters—regular medical appointments demonstrate ongoing care and prove your condition isn’t temporary. Gaps in treatment can raise red flags, suggesting your condition isn’t as severe as claimed.
Diagnostic Test Results
Objective medical evidence carries substantial weight. Laboratory results, imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), nerve conduction studies, psychological testing, and other diagnostic findings provide concrete proof of your medical condition. These tests document abnormalities that support your subjective complaints and help establish the severity of your impairment.
Physician Statements and RFC Assessments
A detailed statement from your treating physician explaining how your condition limits your ability to work is invaluable. Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessments are particularly important—these evaluations specify your physical and mental limitations, such as how long you can sit or stand, weight restrictions, cognitive limitations, and ability to concentrate. Your doctor should clearly explain why these restrictions prevent you from performing your occupation’s essential duties.
Specialist Reports
While your primary physician’s opinion matters, specialists add credibility to your claim. A cardiologist’s assessment for heart conditions, a rheumatologist’s evaluation of autoimmune disorders, or a psychiatrist’s analysis of mental health conditions carry significant authority in their respective areas. These expert opinions demonstrate that qualified professionals have thoroughly evaluated your condition.
Treatment Records and Medication History
Documentation of prescribed treatments, medications, physical therapy, surgical procedures, and their outcomes shows you’re actively seeking improvement. When treatments fail or provide only minimal relief despite compliance, this evidence supports your claim that your condition remains disabling.
Mental Health Documentation
For conditions involving chronic pain or mental health issues, psychiatric or psychological evaluations, therapy notes, and medication management records are essential. These conditions can be harder to prove objectively, making detailed provider documentation critical.
The Bottom Line
Successful LTD claims require more than just a diagnosis. You need comprehensive medical evidence demonstrating not only that you have a condition, but that it specifically prevents you from performing your job’s requirements. Regular medical care, thorough documentation, and clear physician statements linking your limitations to work capacity create the strongest possible application.