First, I would like to set some ground rules for such letters since writing the wrong thing is worse than saying the wrong thing. Please pay attention to what I’ve listed below before you attempt to obtain “peer statements” for your file.
- The letters should describe how the person knows you, usually from a work perspective, and in WHAT environment they have observed you, and for how long. Someone who has only known you for a short period of time is unacceptable for this purpose.
- We are not looking for what I call, “Nice Guy” letters. The letter should state specifically what challenges your peer observed indicating disability. If the letter just keeps saying “You’re a nice guy” can it.
- The statements should state specifically WHAT the person has observed, and should STATE specifically why their observation indicates you cannot work, or how your functional ability has changed. “I observed Ms. Nee’s inability to deal with customers because of high levels of pain.”
- These statements should not contain any personal information about your family or how you “feel” about disability. The statement should NOT contain any projected return to work, or deal with the insured’s state of mind. Your peer doesn’t have a crystal ball and shouldn’t try to write as if he/she did.
- The peer statement should NOT render opinions about the claimant’s disability, how severe it is, or possible outcome. Just describe PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS and nothing else.
- These statements should not address any performance issues experienced at work. This is none of your peer’s business.
- The statements should always be notarized.
- Statements from co-workers, employers and peers are preferable to all others.
I do have samples of peer letters available and it’s a good idea to examine them before setting out to ask for them. Peer letters are hard to write since it is just as important NOT to write certain things as write them. If peer letters are NOT appropriate for your particular claim file situations, don’t include them. They are best suited for initial application claims, and claims that are obviously worked up for denial.
I will email you the sample peer letters for a donation from my website: http://www.disabilityclaimssolutions.com. There is a Donation button my my home page.
Speaking of donations, I know that most people who read this Blog now are using the information to manage their own claims. If you find the information here helpful to you, then a donation would be appreciated.
