In Canada, whether or not scoliosis is considered a disability depends on the severity of spinal curvature and how much it affects a person's ability to work and carry out regular activities. If you have severe scoliosis that prevents you from doing your job, you could be eligible for disability benefits through your employer’s group plan or your own private policy. To qualify, you’ll need strong medical documentation that confirms the impact of your condition on your work and life.

Scoliosis & Long Term Disability

Long term disability insurance is designed to provide income support for individuals who are unable to work for an extended period due to illness or injury. This can include a scoliosis disability if it severely reduces a person's ability to perform job tasks.

To successfully claim, you must meet your policy’s definition of disability and back your claim with clear medical evidence, including details about diagnosis, scoliosis treatment, and the ongoing impact on your life.

Key Steps When Claiming LTD for Scoliosis:

• Obtain a copy of your LTD benefits policy

• Notify your employer and complete all claim forms

• Gather medical reports from your healthcare provider outlining restrictions and scoliosis symptoms

• Submit all documentation promptly and keep copies

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It can develop during childhood or adulthood and range from mild (causing few issues) to severe (causing pain, nerve problems, or breathing difficulties).

Causes & Symptoms of Scoliosis

Causes:

• Genetic or congenital spinal issues

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Degeneration of spinal discs

• Unknown reasons (idiopathic scoliosis)

Common Scoliosis Symptoms:

• Uneven shoulders or hips

• Visible curvature of the spine

• Chronic back pain and fatigue

• Nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling)

• Breathing difficulties (in severe cases)

Different Types of Scoliosis

• Congenital Scoliosis: Present at birth due to abnormal vertebral development.

• Idiopathic Scoliosis: No identifiable cause; most common type.

• Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): Appears in teens during growth spurts.

• Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Caused by conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

• Degenerative Scoliosis: Occurs in older adults as spinal discs wear down.

• Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: Extreme spinal curve developing during adolescence, affecting posture and functionality.

• Adult Scoliosis: Scoliosis that persists or develops after bone growth ceases.

The Impact of Scoliosis on Daily Life and Work

Scoliosis can impact your life in a range of ways. For some, it causes very few limitations, but for others with severe scoliosis, even basic tasks can be extremely difficult. Issues may include:

• Chronic pain and limited mobility

• Difficulty lifting, standing, or sitting for long periods

• Fatigue

• Reduced capacity to perform physical job tasks

• Psychological effects, such as frustration or anxiety related to pain or appearance

A person's ability to keep working may be impaired to the point where a scoliosis disability claim is necessary to cover your basic needs and expenses.

Does Scoliosis Count as a Disability?

Scoliosis is considered a disability for insurance purposes if medical documentation shows that the patient’s abilities are significantly restricted and scoliosis symptoms prevent gainful employment. However, each LTD or private plan may define disability differently. It’s the impact of symptoms—not the diagnosis alone— that determines whether or not your insurance company will approve your claim.

Checklist: What Insurance Needs for a Scoliosis Disability Claim

• Medical diagnosis and records

• Evidence of ongoing treatment and specialist input (scoliosis treatment)

• Description of symptoms and their impact on work activities

• Functional capacity evaluations if available

• Documentation of attempts to remain at work, if relevant

• Proactive updates with new test results and treatment plans

Can Adults with Scoliosis Receive Long Term Disability Benefits?

Yes, adults can qualify for disability benefits if their scoliosis symptoms—such as pain, weakness, or breathing problems—prevent them from fulfilling their work duties. To succeed in securing long term disability benefits, they will need:

• Clear and up-to-date medical documentation

• Support from treating healthcare providers

• Evidence that appropriate scoliosis treatment has been pursued

• Proof that symptoms interfere with expected work performance

Jill’s Story: Navigating LTD with Scoliosis

Jill, aged 29 from North Bay, was recently diagnosed with severe scoliosis. Working as a maintenance worker, she’s struggling with pain and trouble breathing, which affects her ability to do heavy lifting and physically demanding tasks.

Steps Jill Should Take:

1. Visit her family physician and a spine or pain specialist to document all scoliosis symptoms and work-related limitations.
   

2. Follow the specialist’s recommended scoliosis treatment plans, including physiotherapy or pain management.
   

3. Collect and keep all medical records, test results, and notes from healthcare appointments.
   

4. Review her employer’s LTD benefits policy and seek help filling out claim forms with detailed input from her doctor.
   

5. Provide a thorough description of how scoliosis affects her work to the insurance provider.
   

6. Consider speaking to an LTD lawyer if her claim is denied or if her employer is not supportive.

How an LTD Lawyer Can Help

Speaking to a disability lawyer can be extremely helpful for anyone denied LTD benefits or struggling to understand insurance policy terms. The right legal team will:

• Review the insurance policy wording and eligibility criteria for scoliosis considered a disability

• Help collect and present all necessary medical records and functional capacity evidence

• Handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company so claimants can focus on their health

• Advocate for a fair outcome, possibly including settlement or lump-sum payment if ongoing benefits are not feasible

Summary Checklist: Applying for Scoliosis Disability Benefits

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.