Linda Bucci case study: Taking a stand against the 'pre-existing' psych exclusion

In the legal industry, significant steps have been taken toward understanding and addressing psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. We are beginning to have a better grasp on how these conditions affect a person’s quality of life and their ability to participate in meaningful work.

Unfortunately, the insurance industry is lagging behind. Too many insurance providers are not taking psychological conditions as seriously as other physical impairments. People in desperate need of mental health support are denied the help they are entitled to.

Linda’s case

Linda Bucci discovered this firsthand when she lodged a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim with QSuper.  Linda was seeking compensation for a shoulder injury and severe depression she developed as a result of bullying.

Medical assessments showed it was Linda’s depression, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder, that was affecting her most. Despite this, QSuper rejected her case. Linda had previously suffered post-natal depression in 2000. As post-natal depression and Major Depressive Disorder share common symptoms, QSuper argued this meant Linda’s Major Depressive Disorder was pre-existing.

Recognising Linda’s depression

Linda came to Shine Lawyers’ Superannuation and Disability Insurance team for help with her claim.

Solicitor Sanath Hettiarachchi took on Linda’s case and challenged QSuper’s decision. On appeal, QSuper finally acknowledged Linda was entitled to TPD benefits, and offered 80% of the benefit amount. However, they remained adamant her depression was pre-existing.

Determined to get Linda the compensation she deserved, Sanath persevered with her case. The symptoms of Linda’s Major Depressive Disorder were markedly different from her post-natal depression, and it was not right to consider them as a single, continuing illness.

To prove this point, Sanath used the example of an individual with asthma who develops lung cancer after exposures to asbestos. Both conditions – asthma and lung cancer – share symptoms, such as breathlessness, and affect the same part of the body. However, asthma did not cause the cancer – the asbestos did. In the same way, many psychological conditions produce similar symptoms but that does not necessarily mean an earlier psychological condition caused a later one. Simply bundling all psychological conditions together won’t suffice.

Fighting for Linda, fighting for justice

Thanks to Sanath’s determination, QSuper relented and recognised Linda’s Major Depressive Disorder. She was awarded the full range of benefits, enabling her to access the support services she really needed.

For us, Linda’s case was about more than just compensation. It was about standing up and making a name for ourselves as challengers of the status quo. When the practices of insurance companies are denying our clients justice, we aren’t afraid to take on the case and fight for what’s right.