If you’re a Veterinarian who needs help to apply or appeal long-term disability benefits, look no further. Are you looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of success? In this guide, we’ll give you all the tips for winning your veterinarian long-term disability claim.
Scan the table of contents below to look for the issue you are facing. You can also download a free copy of my book, A Beginner’s Guide to Disability Insurance Claims in Canada. If you still have questions, call us toll-free at (888)-732-0470, or fill out the form below to request a free consultation. Our legal team will review your situation, explain your insurance policy, and help you come up with a plan for success.
Why are Veterinarian Disability Claims More Difficult?
Veterinarian disability claims are more difficult than typical long-term disability claims. Most vets have individual insurance policies, which are more complicated to navigate than group policies. Add in the fact that many veterinarians own their private practices. So, taking a sick leave is more complicated than it would be for an employee.
As high-income earners, veterinarian disability claims involve larger sums of money. This means the insurance company has much more to lose. So, it’s financially worthwhile for them to use their best people, and they will spend more money to investigate and defend against your claim.
When Should a Veterinarian Apply for Long-Term Disability Benefits?
You should apply for long-term disability benefits when you are sure that the insurance company will approve your claim. But, it’s hard to know when you’re at this point.
Many veterinarians will struggle with the idea of leaving work to go on long-term disability benefits. This is understandable. You’ve studied long and hard and built your practice. Like many others, you have a mortgage and other financial responsibilities. It’s unthinkable to just stop work and put your faith in an insurance company.
If you suffer a catastrophic injury or illness, then the decision is taken out of your hands. However, most veterinarians who reach out to me are struggling with chronic illness. They have carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, neck pain, back pain, or other chronic illnesses. Most have been struggling for a while and are reaching a breaking point.
You can only work through your pain and stress for so long before you crash. If you push too hard, then that crash can be bad.
I urge you to reach out to us, or another disability lawyer you trust, to review your situation and discuss your options. A disability lawyer can help you plan a successful transition to sick leave. We can let you know if you would qualify for long-term disability right now, or if you should keep working for a bit longer. We can let you know what medical evidence you will need to prove your claim.
Factors to consider before applying for disability benefits
No two situations are exactly alike. Don’t rely on anecdotal advice from others because their situation will have been different from yours. Even your doctor can get this wrong. Getting approved for disability benefits involves meeting legal requirements as much as medical requirements. So, your strategy will need to be unique based on a number of factors, including:
- your age
- medical condition
- current treatment
- recommended treatment
- prognosis
- financial and billing history
- practice type
- claims history
- family dynamics
How to File a Veterinarian Disability Claim
Veterinarian disability claims can be managed through a veterinary association. For example, the Canadian Veterinary
Medical Association (CVMA) offers disability benefits to veterinarians and their practices throughout Canada. But, these benefits always have an insurance company attached. CVMA benefits are all Western Financial Group. You might have benefits through a provincial association instead of a national one.
You make the disability claim by filling out forms and sending them to the insurance company.
Veterinarian disability claims can be more complicated than a typical long-term disability claim. You may need to submit billing and financial records for past years. You will need to prove your disability has resulted in a loss of income. There are also different types of disability: total disability, recurrent disability, and presumptive disability.
How our Long-Term Disability Lawyers can Help with a Veterinarian Disability Claim
Our long-term disability lawyers can help you in the following ways:
- Give you a free strategy session, which includes a review of your policy, claim forms, and medical records
- Explain all the terms of your policy and the things you need to watch out for
- Help you know when it’s the right time to apply for long-term disability
- Help you avoid professional and regulatory issues when taking a sick leave
- Explain what medical information is needed to maximize your chances of success
- Identify the red flags for your situation (from the insurance company’s perspective)
- Explain if your refusal of recommended medical treatment is allowed under your insurance policy
- Represent you in applying for long-term disability
- Represent you in appealing a denial
