Invisible disabilities can be just as life-altering as visible ones, yet they’re often misunderstood and unfairly denied by insurance companies. If you’re struggling to prove your need for long term disability benefits due to an invisible condition, this guide will help you understand how to document "invisible" conditions for long term disability and improve your chances of a successful claim.

What are "Invisible Conditions"?

Invisible disabilities are medical conditions that aren’t obvious to others. Unlike a broken bone or visible injury, these conditions don’t show up on the outside, even though they can severely impact your ability to work and live your life.

Common Invisible Conditions in LTD Claims

Some of the most frequent invisible disabilities in long term disability claims include:

• Chronic pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, neuropathy)

• Mental health conditions (major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD)

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Autoimmune diseases (lupus, multiple sclerosis)

• Traumatic brain injuries (mild or moderate, especially with lingering cognitive symptoms)

• Diabetes with complications

• Irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders

These conditions can be hard to diagnose and even harder to prove to an insurance company because there’s no cast, scar, or wheelchair—just symptoms that can be severe, unpredictable, and disabling.

Why Invisible Conditions Are Often Denied

Invisible disability claims are denied more often than claims for visible injuries.
Here’s why:

• Lack of "objective" proof: Insurance companies often want test results or scans that clearly show a problem. Many invisible conditions rely on symptoms that can’t be measured with a blood test or X-ray.

• Subjectivity: Symptoms like pain, fatigue, or depression are self-reported and can be doubted by insurers.

• Bias and misunderstanding: There’s still stigma around mental health and chronic pain, leading some insurers to dismiss these as “not real” or “not severe.”

• Incomplete documentation: Many claims are denied because the medical records don’t fully explain how the condition limits work ability.

Key takeaway: To win your LTD claim for an invisible condition, you must go above and beyond in your documentation.

Summary Checklist: How to Document "Invisible" Conditions for Long-Term Disability

• See your doctor regularly and follow all treatment recommendations.

• Keep a detailed symptom diary and share it with your doctor.

• Request detailed medical records and narrative reports from your healthcare team.

• Undergo functional capacity and neuropsychological assessments if needed.

• Gather statements from family, friends, and co-workers.

• Collect employer records showing how your condition affects your work.

• Consider a vocational expert opinion.

• Stay organized and keep copies of all documents.

• Seek legal help if your claim is denied.

How to Document an Invisible Condition Effectively

Consistent Medical Treatment

• See your doctor regularly. Gaps in care can be used against you.

• Follow all recommended treatments. If you can’t tolerate a treatment, ask your doctor to document why.

• Get referrals to specialists (e.g., rheumatologists, psychiatrists, pain specialists) when appropriate.

Detailed Medical Records & Clinical Notes

• Ask your doctor to keep thorough notes about your symptoms, their impact on your work, and your response to treatment.

• Ensure your records describe your functional limitations, not just your diagnosis.

• Request narrative reports from your specialists explaining why you can’t work.

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)

• An FCE is a series of tests that objectively measure your physical and cognitive abilities.

• FCEs can help prove what you can and cannot do, even when symptoms are invisible.

Neuropsychological Assessments

• If you have cognitive symptoms (for example, memory loss or trouble concentrating), a neuropsychological assessment can provide objective evidence.

• These tests are especially useful for brain injuries, chronic fatigue, and mental health conditions.

Symptom Diaries & Self-Reports

• Keep a daily diary of your symptoms, triggers, and how they affect your daily life.

• Be specific: Note what you tried to do, what happened, and how you felt.

• Share your diary with your doctor so it becomes part of your medical record.

Supporting Documentation Beyond Medical Records

Statements from Family, Friends, and Co-Workers

• Ask others to write statements about what they’ve observed—missed work, changes in mood, difficulty with tasks, etc.

• These statements can help prove that your symptoms are real and affect your ability to function.

Employer Records

• Request documentation of your job duties, performance reviews, and any accommodations or absences.

• Employer records can confirm that your condition has impacted your work.

Vocational Expert Opinions

• A vocational expert can review your file and explain how your symptoms prevent you from doing your job or any job. Vocational experts are trained to look at lost income, earning capacity (how much you could be making in your job), and what, if any, job you might be able to do in the future.

These reports are persuasive for insurance companies and can be vital in appeals.

Client Story: Daniel’s Invisible Disability Claim

Daniel, a 39-year-old teacher from Charlottetown, PEI, loved his job and his students. Over time, he began experiencing severe fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain that wouldn’t go away. Despite numerous visits to his doctor, tests kept coming back normal. Eventually, Daniel was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and depression—both invisible conditions.

Daniel’s symptoms made it impossible to keep up with lesson planning, classroom management, and after-school activities. He applied for long term disability benefits, but his insurance company denied his claim, saying there was “insufficient objective evidence.”

Determined, Daniel started keeping a detailed symptom diary and shared it with his doctor at every visit. His doctor referred him to a specialist, who performed a functional capacity evaluation and a neuropsychological assessment. Both tests showed significant limitations in Daniel’s ability to concentrate and perform physical tasks.

Daniel also asked his wife and a close colleague to write statements describing the changes they’d seen in him. His principal provided records showing increased absences and declining performance.

With this comprehensive documentation, Daniel hired Share Lawyers to assist in fighting back. This time, the insurer approved his LTD claim, recognizing that the combination of medical records, specialist reports, and supporting statements clearly showed how his invisible disabilities prevented him from working.

The Importance of Legal Help When Your Invisible Disability Claim Is Denied

If your invisible disability claim is denied, you don’t have to give up. Insurance companies often deny these claims at first, hoping you’ll walk away. But with the right help, you can fight back.

How a lawyer helps:

• Reviews your denial letter and identifies missing evidence.

• Works with your doctors to strengthen your medical records.

• Helps gather statements and expert opinions.

• Handles all communication with the insurance company.

• Guides you through the legal process.

Some disability lawyers offer free consultations and only get paid if you win your case. Don’t be afraid to reach out—legal help can make a real difference in securing your disability benefits.

Conclusion: Your Invisible Disability & the Benefits You Deserve

Living with an invisible condition can be isolating, especially when others—including your insurance company—don’t see what you’re going through. But your struggle is real, and you have the right to long term disability benefits if your symptoms prevent you from working.

Remember, the key to a successful disability claim is documentation. By following the steps above and seeking professional support, you can give your invisible disability claim the best chance of success. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or your claim has been denied, reach out for legal help. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.