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If your doctor said you can’t work due to illness or injury, can you still qualify for long term disability benefits? With your doctor’s support you may qualify, but your doctor’s opinion alone does not guarantee approval for long term disability claims. Insurance companies require detailed evidence, and even with strong medical evidence, it’s still possible to experience a denied disability claim. Below, we explain how the process works, why denials happen, and how you can get help if your disability benefits are denied.
Requirements to Receive Benefits If You Can’t Work
To be approved for long term disability, you must show that your medical condition prevents you from performing your job. Key requirements include:
Having a disability insurance plan through your employer, or that you purchased.
Being employed and working before your disability began.
Your doctor’s medical evidence showing you are unable to work.
Proof that you followed recommended treatments.
Completion of required paperwork and forms.
Common reasons for denial include lack of detailed medical records, missed deadlines, or the insurance company deciding that you could work in another role.
The Role of Your Doctor in an LTD Claim
Your doctor's opinion and medical records are essential to your disability benefits application. Insurers want:
Diagnosis details
Treatment notes
Tests/results (MRIs, X-rays, blood work)
Functional limitations (what tasks you can or cannot do)
Doctors should clearly state how your condition affects your ability to work. However, doctors do not make the final decision: disability insurance companies do. Insurer medical consultants may challenge your doctor's evidence or request independent medical exams.
Why You Can Still Be Denied LTD Even if Your Doctor Says You’re Disabled
A letter from your doctor is critical, but the insurance company may still deny your long term disability claims. Common reasons include:
Insufficient medical evidence: Records are incomplete or don’t explain your limitations.
Pre-existing condition exclusion: The insurer believes your health issue started before your coverage began.
Failure to follow treatment: Insurers require that you attempt all reasonable treatments.
Objective evidence missing: Some insurers want “proof” from tests, even for conditions like chronic pain or mental illness where test results may not show disability.
You could do “any occupation”: After two years, most LTD policies change the definition of disability, so that you must be unable to work in any job, not just your own.
What to Do If Your LTD Claim Is Denied Despite Doctor Support
If your long term disability claim is denied—even though your doctor says you can’t work—do not lose hope. Consider these steps:
Read the denial letter. Find out why your claim was denied.
Contact a disability lawyer. Arrange a free consultation to discuss your options.
Can You Appeal or Sue the Insurance Company?
After a denied long term disability claim, you may be tempted to appeal. However, most appeals are handled by the same insurance company that issued the denial. Instead of appealing, our disability lawyers recommend taking legal action by filing a lawsuit, which can increase your chances of approval and sometimes result in a lump-sum settlement.
Our LTD Lawyers Can Help You Get Approved
Being denied long term disability benefits when your doctor supports your claim is unfair and stressful. Our disability lawyers have years of experience challenging insurance companies and getting real results for Canadians. We offer a free consultation so you can understand your rights and options with no upfront fees.
Summary
Can I still qualify for long term disability if my doctor says I can't work? Yes—but you must provide clear, complete evidence and follow your insurer’s requirements. Even strong doctor support can result in denial, but legal help is available. If your disability claim is denied, gather your documentation, contact a disability lawyer for a free consultation, and do not try to appeal alone. Share Lawyers will support you every step of the way.
Contact Share Lawyers today and let our experience work for you. Our 35+ years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis - there are no fees unless you win your case.
