Preexisting conditions scuttle claim for long-term disability benefits

Here a claimant lost her case because both the trial court and the Court of Appeals found that Life Insurance Company of North America was correct in determining that her disability was caused, in part, by a preexisting condition.Harrison v. Life Insurance Company of North America, the court's analysis focused on the application of the pre-existing condition clause in Harrison's ERISA-governed disability insurance policy. The court examined the medical evidence related to Harrison's mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, to determine whether these were pre-existing conditions that could legitimately exclude her from receiving benefits. The decision ultimately affirmed the denial of Harrison's claim, concluding that her pre-existing mental health issues were indeed significant contributing factors to her disability as defined by the policy.These public domain recordings are brought to you by Ben Glass Law, a national long term disability and life insurance firm headquartered in Fairfax, VA.By making these recordings into a "podcast," we've made the listening easier for claimants, attorneys and claims adjusters alike. If long term disability or life insurance benefits have been denied, we'd love to review your denial letter and give you a strategy for moving forward. This is a free service and you can go here to begin submitting your denial letter.