Denied Long-Term Disability for Depression, PTSD, or Anxiety?
You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.
Tim Louis has been fighting for clients with invisible illnesses for over 40 years. We understand the stigma—and we know how to win.
If You’re Facing a Denied LTD Claim for Anxiety, Depression, or PTSD—This Page Is for You
You’ve done everything right.
You’ve seen your doctor. You’ve followed the treatment plan.
But your insurance company still doesn’t believe you.
If your long-term disability (LTD) claim has been denied because of a mental health condition, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things.
We’ve helped clients in British Columbia who:
- Have been denied LTD despite clear medical support
- Feel disbelieved, dismissed, or exhausted by the system
- Can’t work due to anxiety, depression, PTSD—or all three
- Were told “you’re fine” by an insurance-appointed assessor they met once
- Are still waiting after months of silence or unreasonable demands
You are not a case file. You are a person—and your experience is valid.
“Can I get LTD for anxiety or depression in BC?”
Yes. And we can help you fight for what you’re entitled to.
Why Are Mental Health LTD Claims So Often Denied?
Invisible conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD are among the most frequently rejected LTD claims in British Columbia. Not because they aren’t real—but because insurers often rely on outdated assumptions and biased systems.
Here’s why your claim might have been denied—even if your doctor fully supports you:
❌ There’s No “Objective Test” for Mental Health Conditions
Unlike a broken bone or a blood test, depression and anxiety don’t show up on scans. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t disabling.
Insurers often exploit this grey area to claim there’s “not enough evidence.”
❌ Symptoms Are Dismissed as Temporary Stress
Mental health struggles are sometimes minimized as “just a rough patch.” If you seemed okay during one phone call or assessment, they may decide you’re fine—regardless of your clinical history.
❌ They May Be Watching You
Many claimants are surveilled without their knowledge—through social media, video surveillance, or online activity. A single photo of you smiling at a family event can be used to suggest you’re not truly suffering.
❌ Their Own Assessors May Override Your Doctor
Even if your psychiatrist, psychologist, or GP agrees you’re unable to work, insurers often rely on brief, impersonal evaluations by doctors they’ve hired—sometimes after just one interview.
But Here’s the Truth (Backed by BC Law):
Insurers cannot legally demand “objective” proof of a mental health condition if it is supported by a credible medical professional.
In Clarke v. Sun Life and other BC cases, the courts have sided with claimants, ruling that clinical notes and professional medical opinion are valid evidence—even without scans or lab results.
“Why do LTD claims for anxiety or PTSD get denied?”
Because insurers rely on skepticism. But the law is on your side—if you have someone who knows how to use it.
Our Process: Legal Care with Compassion
Every LTD claim is different. Every person is, too. That’s why we take a deeply personalized, hands-on approach—especially for claims involving anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
You’re not just another case file.
You’re a human being navigating a system that often makes people feel invisible.
Here’s how we help:
We Review Your Denial Letter and Policy Line by Line
We dig into the fine print, looking for misapplied rules, vague definitions, or deadlines they hope you’ll miss.
We Work with Your Doctor and Therapist—Not Against Them
Insurers often ignore the professionals who know you best. We don’t. We collaborate with your treatment team to support your legal case with real medical insight.
We Build an Appeal Strategy That Fits Your Condition
Depression isn’t the same as PTSD. Anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. We tailor our legal argument to reflect your lived experience and the realities of your health.
We Keep You Informed—Always
You’ll never be left wondering what’s going on. We communicate often, clearly, and compassionately—because uncertainty is the last thing you need.
What Makes Us Different?
We don’t just build a case.
We restore your dignity.
Why People in BC Trust Tim Louis with Their Mental Health LTD Claims
When you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or PTSD, the last thing you need is a law firm that treats you like a file number.
At Tim Louis & Company, we lead with compassion—and we back it up with over four decades of experience holding insurers accountable.
Here’s what sets us apart:
40+ Years of Fighting Insurance Companies
We’ve been pushing back against unfair denials since long before mental health was openly discussed. We know every tactic—and how to counter them.
Specialists in Mental Health and Invisible Disability Claims
We focus on the conditions most often ignored by insurance companies: depression, PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and other non-visible illnesses.
You Work with a Real Lawyer—Not a Call Centre
When you call us, you speak with someone who knows your file. Often, you’ll speak directly with Tim. No passing around. No voicemail mazes.
We Believe You—and We Prove Your Case
Insurers may question your truth. We don’t.
Our job is to build the strongest legal case possible based on your story, your doctor’s opinion, and your reality.
“Every client I’ve helped with a mental health LTD claim felt unheard by their insurer.
My job is to make sure they’re not unheard by the law.”
— Tim Louis, Lawyer & Advocate, Vancouver
What You’re Entitled to After a Mental Health LTD Denial
When insurance companies deny your long-term disability claim, they count on one thing:
That you won’t fight back.
But here’s the truth—if your claim is valid and the denial was unfair; you may be entitled to far more than you realize.
Retroactive LTD Payments
If your claim was wrongfully denied months (or even years) ago, you may be entitled to back pay for every missed monthly benefit since the denial date.
Ongoing Monthly Benefits
Once your claim is reinstated or approved through appeal, you could receive ongoing LTD payments—often up to age 65, depending on your policy.
Interest on Unpaid Amounts
Delayed benefits mean lost time and financial stress. Many policies—and BC courts—recognize this by including interest on retroactive payments.
Legal Fees (In Many Cases)
In successful cases, legal fees may be covered or reimbursed by the insurer—either through court order or negotiation.
You don’t have to choose between legal help and financial survival.
Don’t give up.
Insurers rely on you not knowing your rights—but that ends here.
Frequently Asked Questions – Mental Health LTD Claims in BC
Q1: Can you get LTD for anxiety or depression in Canada?
Yes. Long-term disability insurance in Canada covers mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other invisible illnesses—as long as they prevent you from working.
Insurers may deny these claims, but courts in BC have ruled that credible medical evidence is enough—even without a blood test or scan.
Q2: What if my doctor supports me but my claim was denied?
You’re not alone. It’s common for insurers to override your doctor’s opinion using their own hired medical reviewers.
But in BC, the law says your treating physician’s opinion matters—and we build your appeal around that.
Q3: How long does it take to appeal a mental health LTD denial?
It depends on your case and the stage of denial. Internal appeals may take 60–90 days. Legal appeals through negotiation or court can take several months.
We move quickly to preserve your rights and income.
Q4: What evidence do I need for a PTSD claim?
You don’t need a police report or hospitalization. PTSD claims are valid with:
- Diagnosis from a medical professional
- Treatment history (e.g., therapy notes, prescriptions)
- Work impact statements or employer documentation
We’ll help you gather everything needed.
“What should I do if my LTD claim for depression is denied?”
→ Get legal advice right away. Insurers rely on delays. We’ll review your letter, explain your rights, and help you appeal—at no upfront cost.
Further Reading & Conditions We Handle
Explore related conditions and claims we handle at Tim Louis & Company:
- Depression and Long-Term Disability
Learn how to build a strong LTD claim for depression, even if insurers question its severity.
https://timlouislaw.com/depression-and-long-term-disability-claims/ - PTSD and Disability Claims
See how we approach trauma-based claims and why PTSD deserves full legal recognition.
https://timlouislaw.com/ptsd-long-term-disability-claims/ - Chronic Pain & Invisible Illness Claims
Understand how we handle chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and other invisible conditions often doubted by insurers.
https://timlouislaw.com/chronic-pain-disability-claims/ - Autoimmune LTD Claims
When your body works against you, we step in to ensure your insurer doesn’t.
https://timlouislaw.com/autoimmune-disease/ - LTD Appeals – Vancouver
Denied your claim? Don’t start over. Learn how our appeal process can restore your benefits.
https://timlouislaw.com/ltd-appeals-vancouver/
Let’s Take This Burden Off Your Shoulders
You’ve been through enough already.
The denial letter. The confusion. The fear of not being believed.
Now it’s time for a different experience—one where you’re heard, supported, and protected by a lawyer who understands how mental health LTD claims really work in British Columbia.
If your claim has been denied or delayed, **we can help you fight back—**with care, experience, and real results.
Schedule a Free Confidential Consultation
Click below to speak with Tim Louis & Company.
Appointments are available by phone or video. No pressure. Just guidance.
https://timlouislaw.com/contact-us/
This page is part of a living legal resource. We update it regularly to reflect British Columbia case law, client realities, and the evolving digital landscape of legal search. Tim Louis & Company is committed to both accuracy and empathy.
🕒 Last reviewed: by Tim Louis, Long Term Disability Lawyer in Vancouver
