Dealing with Denials for Invisible Disabilities: Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, and More

Applying for disability insurance benefits can be challenging, but it becomes even more difficult when dealing with invisible disabilities like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraines, and autoimmune disorders.

Unlike visible conditions, invisible disabilities do not always appear on standard medical tests, making it easier for insurance companies to deny claims due to a lack of “objective evidence.”

At Disability Insurance Law Group, our claims attorneys help individuals nationwide fight wrongful disability insurance denials for invisible illnesses. If your claim was denied, you can appeal and fight back. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Are Invisible Disability Claims Often Denied?

Insurance companies frequently deny claims for chronic pain conditions and other invisible disabilities for several reasons, including:

• Lack of Objective Medical Evidence – Many conditions, such as fibromyalgia and CFS, do not show up on standard imaging—including X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests—making it easier for insurers to claim insufficient proof.
• Subjective Symptoms – Insurance companies often argue that pain, fatigue, and brain fog are based on self-reported experiences rather than measurable medical data.
• Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring – Insurers may conduct video surveillance or monitor social media for any activity that contradicts your claim.
• Inconsistent Doctor’s Notes – If your doctor’s medical records lack detail or do not explicitly state your limitations, insurers may use this as grounds for denial.
• Failure to Meet Policy Definitions – Many policies contain strict definitions of disability, requiring proof that one cannot work in any capacity.

If your claim was denied for any of these reasons, don’t give up—there are ways to challenge the denial and secure the benefits you deserve.

How to Strengthen Your Invisible Disability Claim

If your disability claim for chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or another invisible illness was denied, we can help, starting with the following approach.

Gathering Comprehensive Medical Evidence

Since many invisible illnesses lack definitive tests, thorough documentation and medical support are key to a strong claim. Important evidence includes:

• Detailed doctor’s notes describing your symptoms, limitations, and treatment.
• Pain journals or daily symptom logs tracking the impact of your condition.
• Statements from medical specialists, including rheumatologists, neurologists, and pain management doctors, to support your diagnosis.
• Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) to objectively measure physical limitations.
• Neurocognitive testing is performed to see if brain fog or cognitive dysfunction is a factor.

Obtain Supporting Statements from Family, Friends, and Employers

In addition to medical records, third-party statements can provide valuable insight into how your condition affects daily life.

Consider gathering:

• Written statements from family members or caregivers who witness your daily struggles.
• Letters from former employers explaining how your condition impacted work performance.
• Testimonies from co-workers or friends who can describe your declining ability to complete tasks or engage in everyday activities.

Be Cautious with Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies frequently try to discredit disability claims through:

• Surveillance – Avoid activities that could be misinterpreted as evidence of functionality beyond your reported limitations.
• Social Media Monitoring – Be cautious about what you post online, as insurers may use social media to target you.
• Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) – If you are required to attend an insurance-ordered exam, know that the doctor may downplay your condition. Having an attorney review the IME report is crucial.

Appeal the Denial with Strong Legal Support

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

The appeals process involves:

• Review the denial letter to understand the specific reasons for rejection.
• Gathering additional medical evidence to address the insurer’s concerns.
• Providing legal arguments based on policy language and ERISA laws (if applicable).
• Challenging insurance company bias and exposing unfair claim handling practices.

How Our Nationwide Attorneys at Disability Insurance Law Group Can Help

At Disability Insurance Law Group, we specialize in appealing disability insurance denials for individuals suffering from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and other invisible disabilities.

Our experienced attorneys can:

• Analyze your denial letter and policy to build a strong appeal strategy.
• Gather and submit additional medical evidence to support your claim.
• Handle all communication with the insurance company to prevent bad-faith tactics.
• Fight back against unfair denials and surveillance tactics.

Contact our nationwide disability insurance claims attorneys at 954-989-9000 or online for a free consultation. You don’t have to fight your disability insurance denial alone—our attorneys are here to help. Let us help you fight back and secure the benefits you deserve.