Presenting Medical Evidence for Disability Claims
Whether you’re seeking long term disability (LTD) benefits for the first time or protecting the benefits you already have, the strength of your evidence must prove the severity of your disability and its impact on your ability to work. However, insurance companies often deny claims on a technicality to paying policyholders.
If you’re one of the many Canadians who require LTD benefits to cover financial gaps caused by lost wages, the strength of your medical evidence can make or break your claim. This easy-to-understand guide explains what you need to know about presenting medical evidence for your disability.
Need help presenting strong medical evidence for disability claims? Share Lawyers will help you understand your situation and choose the best pathway forward.
Presenting Medical Evidence for Disability: What You Need To Know
Unfortunately, doctors don’t approve disability claims. The insurance company determines if your disability qualifies under your policy, reviews your medical evidence, and assesses the validity of your disability and its impact.
Claims analysts working for the insurance company are not medical experts. In fact, they have a vested interest in reducing costs, so they’ll search for any reason to avoid paying. Make it significantly more challenging for your insurance company to deny or continue denying your claim. With no margin for error, it's crucial to provide strong medical evidence for your disability for several reasons:
- 🔍 Validation: Medical evidence proves your condition and its impact on your work.
- 🩺 Credibility: Medical evidence strengthens your claim by showing consistent and ongoing treatment.
- 📄 Support: Expert opinions and functional assessments back your claim with professional insights.
Strengthen Your Claim with Strong Medical Evidence for Disability | |
Keep a Medical Diary | Include detailed medical records, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, and doctor's notes. This documentation should thoroughly describe your condition and its impact on your ability to work. |
Be Consistent | Regular medical appointments and ongoing treatment show the severity and persistence of your condition. Consistent care underscores your commitment to managing your health. |
Obtain Expert Opinions | Obtain assessments and statements from specialists who can provide in-depth analysis and evidence of your disability and how it affects your ability to work. |
Highlight Functional Capacity | Include functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) or occupational assessments to measure how your condition objectively limits your work-related abilities. |
Ensure Documentation is Clear | Ensure that all medical documentation clearly explains how your disability affects your ability to perform your job duties. Ambiguous statements can weaken your claim. |
