Unum Must Rethink Disability Denial Based on Nurse’s Review

Unum Life Insurance Co. of America must reconsider a payroll company worker’s claim for disability benefits after a federal judge said the insurer wrongly relied on the medical judgment of a registered nurse who lacked appropriate training.

Unum mishandled the worker’s internal appeal by failing to consult with a health-care professional with appropriate training and experience, Judge Brantley Starr said in a Thursday opinion. The insurer also failed to comply with a federal requirement that the health-care professional consulted on appeal be different from those used to make the initial benefits decision, Starr said.

Catherine Black received disability benefits ...