Legal Advocacy For Denied Long-Term Disability Claims Related To Mental Health Conditions

Last updated on June 5, 2026

Denied mental health LTD benefits? We’ve won hundreds of cases like yours.

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Life is hard when you live with a mental illness. It’s hard enough to perform essential tasks required to function, let alone expend the energy necessary to thrive. Many with mental disorders find it difficult to hold a job.

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is meant to provide financial assistance to those struggling. However, getting these benefits is often a complicated process. Denied claims are not uncommon.

For over 35 years, our attorneys at the ERISA Law Center have helped people in Fresno, California, and beyond make sense of their denied or terminated mental health LTD claims and help individuals take the necessary steps for a successful appeals process. We strive to fight for the benefits you expect from your employer or private policy.

No matter the size of the insurance company, we are ready to stand with you. Our team has fought major insurance companies, such as MetLife, Unum, Lincoln Financial and Hartford. Call us today at 559-549-6490 or fill out our form online to see how we can help.

Why Hire The ERISA Law Center For Denited LTD Mental Health Claims

When your LTD claim is denied, you need a firm with the experience, focus and compassion to win it back. For over 35 years, the ERISA Law Center has handled Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and disability insurance cases nationwide – and won. Here’s what makes us different:

• Decades of experience in ERISA litigation
• Nationally recognized for excellence in disability law
• Proven results in complex mental health LTD cases
• Client-first representation with empathy and integrity
• Clear, consistent communication
• No recovery, no fee

We know how insurers operate. Our attorneys build fact-based, medically supported appeals to expose insurer bias and get your benefits restored.

Meet Our Attorneys

Attorney Robert Rosati, the owner of the ERISA Law Center, will give his full attention to addressing your case. Since his admission to the bar in 1983, he has received multiple court admissions that signal his capabilities as a lawyer. After founding the firm in 1990, he has dedicated more than 35 years to fighting for his clients and has published several works that cover his cases.

 

Alongside him, attorney Raquel M. Busani exhibits prowess in handling ERISA LTD claims. Upon starting her time at ERISA Law Center, she first served the firm as a paralegal before becoming a reliable attorney. Her diligent work ethic earned her a spot in well-known associations, such as the American Bar Association and Fresno County Bar Association.

How We Can Help You With Your ERISA Claim

When you are facing a mental health claim denial, our firm bridges the gap between your diagnosis and the legal proof required to win. Here is what you can expect:

• Contingency basis: You do not need to pay unless you win.
• Immediate support: Our team offers prompt reassurance upon first contact.
• Transparent understanding: Our lawyers help you weigh the pros and cons of your case.
• Constant updating: We strive to keep you informed about your case throughout the process.

Here at ERISA Law Center, we have the courage to represent you against large corporations. Our team has a proven track record of fighting against major insurance companies, such as Guardian, Unum, Sun Life and Reliance Standard.

Real Life Client Stories

A corporate executive with a mental illness came to us after her insurer denied her LTD claim. She learned through our learning center that ERISA law required specialized help. After choosing our firm for our thorough approach and understanding of communication, we arranged independent testing, gathered evidence and won her appeal.

Her words: “It was the best decision I’ve ever made. They understood not just my case, but me.”

See What Our Other Clients Have To Say

“Thank you Robert, Raquel, and Jill for taking my case and all the work that you put into it. I appreciate all that you did for me. You guys are a super team. It was a true pleasure working with all of you. You are all professional and so kind and caring. I send you all a big hug for all that you do.”
— Client, ERISA Law Center Testimonials

“This firm knows what they are doing! Their work is done with precision, perfection combined with exceptional knowledge. It’s also important to note, their kindness and compassion have restored my faith in humanity.”
— Marketing Manager, ERISA Law Center Testimonials

Case Results

At the ERISA Law Center, results matter. We’ve helped clients nationwide recover benefits after wrongful denials involving mental and physical conditions alike.

Green v. Sun Life Assurance Company

• Conditions: Occipital neuralgia, neck pain, depression, anxiety
• Outcome: Successfully challenged Sun Life’s denial and reached a favorable settlement after showing the insurer ignored SSA disability findings.

Smith v. Hartford Life & Accident

• Conditions: Post-surgery complications, depression
• Outcome: Appeal granted and LTD and Waiver of Premium benefits reinstated.

These victories show our commitment to restoring what insurers unfairly take away – our clients’ financial stability and dignity.

Does Long-Term Disability Cover Mental Health?

Yes, long-term disability insurance covers mental health disorders. However, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) – the federal law that, among other things, governs the requirements for long-term disability coverage – is nearly impossible to understand without legal help. For the best chances of a successful outcome of your long-term disability claim, you need to have an experienced long-term disability attorney assisting you with your case.

Types Of Mental Disorders Covered Under Long-Term Disability

At first glance, it might not seem like long-term disability and mental health belong in the same sentence. When people think of disabilities, they often think of outwardly visible conditions like cerebral palsy or amputations. However, an invisible illness like a mental health condition can be just as disabling. Examples of mental disorders that long-term disability could cover include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

If a mental health condition interferes with a person’s ability to work for an extended period and they have long-term disability insurance, they meet the basic requirements for long-term disability coverage. As you can see, LTD and mental health can go hand in hand.

What Are The Challenges?

Mental health-related LTD claims are among the most frequently denied. Insurers often question the legitimacy of these conditions or claim there isn’t enough “objective” evidence. On top of that, most policies limit mental health benefits to just 24 months, even for severe or chronic disorders.

If you are applying or appealing a denial, keep these key points in mind:

• Coverage limits: Many disability plans cap mental health benefits at two years. It’s important to verify whether your policy includes this restriction.
• Medical documentation: Insurers require proof of continuous treatment with licensed mental health providers and detailed clinical notes showing progress and compliance.
• Application accuracy: Incomplete forms or inconsistencies can trigger denials. Every medical record and statement must be clear, consistent and well-supported.
• Insurer bias: Insurance companies often use their own evaluators to contradict your treating doctors, which can unfairly reduce or terminate your claim.

Because denials are so common and policies so restrictive, having experienced legal counsel greatly improves your chances of success.

Professions Commonly Affected By Mental Health Claim Denials

Many professionals in high-stress fields find themselves facing difficulties when filing LTD claims for mental health conditions. These include:

• Nurses: The physical and emotional toll of healthcare can lead to burnout and trauma. Insurers can deny these claims by arguing that nurses can still perform sedentary work.

• Teachers: The mental health conditions of educators impair their abilities to manage classrooms. Insurers can argue that not having an objective physical limitation is a reason for denial.

• Corporate employees: The severe burnout and depression development hinder an executive’s ability to lead teams. Insurance can deny this reason since it is still possible to perform material duties.

Facing a denied claim is not the end. Our team can help you build an effective appeal.

My Long-Term Disability Claim Was Denied. Should I Appeal?

Absolutely. You may have a wrongfully denied claim. Being denied long-term disability for mental health is all too common. The insurance companies have a variety of reasons for denying or terminating a long-term disability claim. When hearing of the denial or termination, or reading the denial letter itself, it may seem the reasons are legitimate and so going through the appeal process may seem like a waste of time and effort. This is the goal of the insurer – to discourage its claimants from appealing the denial and thus end any possibility that it must pay the claim.

Normally, a claimant will be notified verbally that their claim has been denied or terminated. There are times when the insurer will send out a denial of benefits letter. The denial letter is important because it will detail the following:

• The insurance company’s decision to deny your coverage
• Their explanation for the denial
• Your right to obtain the insurance company’s file upon written request
• The timelines required in an ERISA appeal
• How to initiate an appeal of the decision

There are crucial deadlines in appealing the denial of benefits claims. If your long-term disability claim for mental health issues has been denied, talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Legal guidance helps make for a successful appeal.

What You Need To Appeal A Denied Claim

Before contacting a long-term disability lawyer, start seeing a therapist if you haven’t already. Keep records of your therapy appointments and retain documentation of anything else you’re doing to get help for your mental health condition. We’ll need this documentation to help you with your appeal.

Got A Question? We Are Ready To Answer.

ERISA claims can involve a complex process. These queries are the common ones that often get asked by clients:

How do I prove my mental illness prevents me from working?

You need to have evidence that shows your mental illness prevents you from working. This includes securing a functional limitations report from your doctor.

What evidence do insurers require for depression and anxiety claims?

Gathering clinical notes from your psychiatrist and therapist is a must. You will also need to obtain neuropsychological test results to provide objective data on cognitive deficits like memory, processing speed and executive function.

How long does a mental health LTD appeal take?

Generally, you have 180 days to file an appeal from the date of receiving your denial letter. Upon submitting your appeal, the insurer has 45 days to make a decision. They may request one 45-day extension if they have a legitimate reason.

If you have further questions, our team can provide you with detailed insights.

Get Help With Denied Long-Term Disability Today

If your LTD claim for a mental health condition has been denied, contact the ERISA Law Center today at 866-360-0983 or 559-549-6490 or complete our online form for a consultation. We’ll fight to recover your benefits and help you move forward with your claims.