Understanding Invisible Illnesses and Long-Term Disability

By Tim Louis

Not every disability can be seen—and that’s often where the challenges begin.

If you live with a condition like fibromyalgia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, or PTSD, you already know how real and life-altering it can be. But because these conditions don’t show up on an X-ray or cast a visible shadow, they’re often misunderstood—not only by the public but, more importantly, by insurance companies.

In the world of long-term disability (LTD) claims, these are called “invisible illnesses.” They can affect every part of your life—your energy, your memory, your ability to concentrate or work—but they often get dismissed as “not serious enough” or “not medically proven.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Over the years, I’ve spoken with countless individuals in British Columbia who feel defeated—not only by their illness, but by a system that refuses to recognize it. Many clients come to me after their LTD claim has been denied, often with little explanation beyond a vague statement like “insufficient medical evidence.”

But here’s the reality: invisible illnesses are real—and so is your right to support. With the right legal strategy, you can challenge an unfair denial and get the benefits you’re entitled to.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what you need to know before filing an LTD claim for an invisible illness in BC—including why these claims are denied, how the law protects you, and how to build a strong case that stands up to scrutiny.

Why LTD Claims for Invisible Conditions Are Often Denied

If you’ve already applied for long-term disability and received a denial letter, you’re not alone. In fact, claims involving invisible illnesses are some of the most commonly denied in British Columbia.

Why? The truth is, insurers often look for objective, visible proof of disability—things like scans, blood tests, or physical injuries. When your condition doesn’t show up on a lab result, they may question whether you’re “really” disabled. This bias is not only unfair—it’s out of step with modern medical understanding.

Common Denial Tactics Used by Insurers:

✔ “Lack of objective medical evidence”
✔ “Condition not considered disabling under the policy”
✔ “Insufficient documentation of functional limitations”
✔ “Pre-existing condition exclusion”
✔ “You can still work in some capacity”

One client I worked with suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). She had been employed full-time in a demanding administrative role but could no longer manage even basic tasks due to relentless exhaustion, pain, and cognitive fog. Despite years of medical appointments, testing, and specialist reports, her LTD claim was denied—twice.

What turned her case around wasn’t just more medical paperwork. It was a strategic legal approach—demonstrating how her symptoms affected her ability to function in daily life and at work and proving that the insurance company had not followed their own duty to fairly assess her claim.

It’s important to understand that insurance providers are not neutral. They are businesses—and denying claims saves them money. That’s why many invisible illness claims are denied not based on merit but based on systemic bias and financial incentive.

The good news? You don’t have to accept that denial. With the right legal advocacy and a personalized strategy, you can fight back—and win.

What the Law Says in British Columbia

British Columbia law recognizes that disabilities come in many forms—not all of them visible. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic pain condition, a psychiatric illness, or a neurological disorder, your long-term disability claim deserves a fair, unbiased evaluation.

But fairness isn’t always what happens. That’s where knowing your legal rights—and having a strong advocate—can make all the difference.

Your Rights Under Canadian & BC Law

In BC, most long-term disability claims fall under group insurance policies through an employer. These are governed by your insurance contract, but also shaped by broader legal principles:

✔ The BC Insurance Act requires insurers to act in good faith. They must assess your claim fairly and reasonably—not simply look for reasons to deny it.
✔ The Human Rights Code of British Columbia protects individuals from discrimination based on physical or mental disability, including depression, PTSD, and chronic illnesses.
✔ The common law duty of fairness means insurers can’t unreasonably demand proof that doesn’t exist—such as expecting MRI scans for fibromyalgia, which doesn’t show on imaging.

In my 40+ years of legal practice, I’ve helped many clients reverse unfair denials by showing how their insurer ignored clear medical evidence or misapplied the terms of the policy. Sometimes, all it takes is a letter from a disability lawyer to change the conversation. Other times, we go to court—and win.

If your illness prevents you from doing your job—or any job for which you are reasonably suited—you may qualify for LTD benefits. But proving that isn’t always straightforward, especially with invisible illnesses.

That’s why understanding the legal framework is just the first step. The next is knowing how to build your case.

How to Build a Strong LTD Claim for an Invisible Illness

Filing a long-term disability claim when you’re dealing with an invisible illness—like fibromyalgia, major depression, PTSD, or chronic fatigue—can feel like fighting an uphill battle. But with the right approach, you can give your claim the strength it needs to succeed.

At Tim Louis Law, we believe that what doesn’t show up on a scan still matters. And we know how to help you document it effectively.

Key Steps to Strengthen Your LTD Claim:

✔ Comprehensive Medical Evidence
Include detailed medical records, clinical notes, and letters from your family doctor and any specialists (e.g., psychiatrists, rheumatologists, neurologists). These letters should clearly explain how your condition affects your daily function—not just list diagnoses.

✔ Daily Function Journals
Keep a written or digital journal that tracks your symptoms, limitations, and how your condition impacts your ability to work or complete basic tasks. This firsthand account can offer powerful insight that medical charts often miss.

✔ Third-Party Statements
Ask your partner, co-workers, or close friends to write letters describing what they’ve witnessed. Their observations help paint a fuller picture of your limitations.

✔ Support from Therapists or Counsellors
Many invisible illnesses have psychological components. A letter from a licensed therapist, psychologist, or counsellor can be an essential part of your evidence.

✔ Don’t Go It Alone
Unfortunately, even strong claims are often denied on technicalities. That’s why it helps to speak to a disability lawyer before submitting—or appealing—a claim. At our firm, we help clients prepare claims with the goal of avoiding denial in the first place. And if you’ve already been denied, we’ll guide you through the appeal or legal action process step-by-step.

You don’t have to prove you’re “sick enough.” You just need to show how your condition makes you unable to work—and that starts with a strategy tailored to your situation.

Why Work with Tim Louis – Disability Lawyer Vancouver

When you’re struggling with an invisible illness, the last thing you need is to feel dismissed—by an insurance company or a lawyer. At Tim Louis Law, we understand that invisible conditions are just as real and life-altering as any visible injury.

For over 40 years, Tim Louis has been standing up to insurance providers who try to downplay or deny legitimate claims. He’s built a reputation across Vancouver and British Columbia for combining legal strength with empathy—because this isn’t just about policies and paperwork. It’s about your health, your future, and your peace of mind.

When you work with Tim, you’re not handed off to a junior associate or left waiting weeks for a callback. You speak with him directly—because that’s the level of care you deserve.

Whether your claim has been denied or you’re preparing to apply, Tim will help you navigate the system with clarity and confidence. His mission is simple: make sure you get the support you’re entitled to—without delay, without confusion, and without giving up.

What Clients Say About Tim Louis

“Mr. Tim Louis was on track when he said that appeals for disability tend to be unsuccessful on their own… With a legal career spanning 40 years, Tim knows how to deal with insurance companies and win. He handled my LTD appeal with precision and care. I’m so grateful I didn’t try to do it alone.”
— Kimberley L.

This is just one of many stories we’ve heard from clients across British Columbia who turned to us after feeling defeated by the system. We understand how frustrating it is to live with an invisible illness—and how discouraging it can be when your claim is dismissed.

With decades of experience behind us, we’ll guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Explore More on Long-Term Disability in BC

Living with an invisible illness is difficult enough—fighting with your insurance company shouldn’t be part of the burden. That’s why we’ve created a collection of helpful resources tailored to long-term disability (LTD) claims in British Columbia. Whether you’re just starting the application process or dealing with a denied claim, these trusted articles can guide you forward.

Long-Term Disability Claims in British Columbia: Know Your Rights and Protect Your Interests
Understand the foundations of LTD in BC, including how to protect your legal rights and what insurance companies don’t want you to know.

Denied Long-Term Disability? Vancouver’s Trusted LTD Lawyer Can Help
Learn how Tim Louis helps clients across British Columbia appeal denied or terminated disability claims—with empathy, strategy, and experience.

Long-Term Disability Claims for Mental Health in Canada
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions are legitimate grounds for LTD. Discover how to build a strong claim.

Fibromyalgia and Long-Term Disability Claims
Tim Louis explains how to prove the disabling effects of fibromyalgia and chronic pain, especially when symptoms aren’t visible.

Chronic Pain and Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know
A detailed look at how chronic pain sufferers can access LTD—and how to fight back if your claim is minimized or denied.

Every situation is different, and every claim deserves individual attention. These articles are a great place to begin—because when you know your rights, you’re empowered to stand up for them.