Invisible Illness LTD Claims in BC

Invisible Illness LTD Claims in BC (2025): Why They Are Denied (and How to Win)

by: Tim Louis, Long Term Disability Lawyer — Vancouver LTD Lawyer

Updated: 2025-09

You may look fine to the outside world, but inside, you’re living with pain, fatigue, or symptoms that make working impossible. For many people in Vancouver and across BC, invisible illnesses such as fibromyalgia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, PTSD, or autoimmune conditions are life-changing. Yet when it comes time to file a long-term disability (LTD) claim, insurers often treat these conditions with deep skepticism.

The reality is this: invisible illness LTD claims are denied more often than almost any other type of claim. Insurers argue there isn’t “enough objective evidence.” They send claimants to doctors who barely listen, scour their social media accounts, and seize on any gap in treatment as proof that the illness isn’t “serious.”

But here’s the truth that claimants need to hear: Canadian courts have recognized that invisible illnesses are real, valid, and disabling. In fact, in the landmark case Fidler v. Sun Life (2006), the Supreme Court of Canada held that conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can support LTD claims even without an MRI or blood test.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through:

The most common denial tactics used against people with invisible illnesses in BC.
The types of evidence that actually win cases — including medical records, daily journals, and testimony from those closest to you.
Practical steps you can take if your claim is denied, and why working with an experienced LTD lawyer can make all the difference.

If your LTD claim has been denied, know this: your pain is valid, your story matters, and you are not alone. I’ve spent decades helping people in Vancouver and across BC fight back against unfair denials. And in this guide, I’ll share strategies that have helped my clients move from rejection to approval — and regain the peace of mind they deserve.

Download our free Invisible Illness LTD Checklist (PDF) to get started or reach out today to speak with me directly about your situation at (604) 732-7678.

What Is an Invisible Illness (BC Context)

When most people think about disability, they picture visible injuries — a broken leg, a wheelchair, or a serious surgery. But some of the most disabling conditions are the ones you can’t see. These are called invisible illnesses.

Invisible illnesses include:

Fibromyalgia — widespread pain and fatigue that can make daily tasks exhausting.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — an often hidden but devastating psychological injury.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) — extreme exhaustion not improved by rest.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders — mental health conditions that affect focus, memory, and the ability to work consistently.
Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or Crohn’s disease.

What makes these illnesses “invisible” is that they don’t always show up on scans, X-rays, or blood tests. You can look fine to co-workers or friends yet be struggling every moment to get through the day. This disconnect between appearance and lived reality is one of the biggest reasons insurers challenge LTD claims.

Why This Matters in BC

Living with an invisible illness in British Columbia comes with unique challenges:

Workplace stress is amplified in Vancouver’s high-pressure job market.
Housing costs and financial pressures can worsen anxiety and depression.
Provincial medical coverage often doesn’t fully fund the specialist care or therapies invisible illness patients need — leaving gaps that insurers exploit.

For many people, these illnesses don’t just make working difficult — they make it impossible. Yet proving that reality to an insurance company takes strategy, persistence, and often legal support.

If your condition is mental health–related, read our dedicated guide: Mental Health and Long-Term Disability in BC

And for broader resources, visit Disability Alliance BC — a respected advocacy group that supports people with disabilities across the province.

Why Invisible Illness LTD Claims Get Denied in BC

It’s frustrating and disheartening to be told your illness isn’t “real enough” to qualify for long-term disability. Unfortunately, invisible illness claims are among the most frequently denied in BC.

Here are the most common reasons and how the law views them:

“Lack of Objective Evidence”

Insurers often argue that because conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or depression don’t show up on MRIs or blood tests, they can’t be proven.

But the Supreme Court of Canada disagrees. In Fidler v. Sun Life (2006 SCC 30), the Court ruled that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are real and disabling, even without objective lab results. What matters is credible medical evidence, consistent patient reporting, and third-party observations.

If your claim has been denied on this basis, know that the highest court in Canada has already recognized invisible illnesses as legitimate.

Missed BC Deadlines

Under BC Regulation 409/97, claimants have just 4 weeks from the onset of disability to notify their insurer. Missing this window can give insurers an excuse to deny benefits — even if the illness is genuine.

That’s why it’s critical to seek legal help as soon as your condition prevents you from working. Acting quickly preserves your rights.

Insurer Surveillance & Social Media

It’s common for insurers to hire investigators or scan your Facebook and Instagram profiles. A single photo of you at a family event can be twisted to suggest you’re “healthy enough to work.”

Courts know that surveillance provides only a snapshot, not the full reality of an illness. But insurers use it aggressively. Be mindful of what you share online, and don’t let an investigator’s tactics intimidate you.

Treatment Gaps or “Non-Compliance”

Insurers may argue that if you’ve missed appointments or stopped medication, you’re not truly disabled. In reality, many people with invisible illnesses struggle with side effects, access issues, or burnout from endless treatment cycles.

BC courts often accept reasonable explanations — especially when documented — for why treatment isn’t consistent. Having a lawyer present your case helps ensure insurers don’t exploit these gaps unfairly.

Pre-Existing Condition Clauses

Many LTD policies contain clauses excluding conditions linked to previous health issues. Insurers sometimes misuse this, claiming your invisible illness “already existed.”

But the law recognizes that a condition can worsen significantly over time and still qualify for benefits. Legal strategies can overcome these exclusions.

Q: Why are LTD claims for invisible illnesses often denied in BC?
A: Because insurers say there’s no “objective proof,” or they use tactics like strict deadlines, surveillance, or pre-existing condition clauses. But Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court in Fidler v. Sun Life, have recognized that invisible illnesses are real and disabling.

Evidence That Wins These Claims

The good news is that invisible illness claims can be won — if the right evidence is gathered and presented properly. Courts in BC and across Canada have made it clear: your experience matters, even if your illness doesn’t show up on a lab test.

Here are the most important types of evidence that can turn a denial into an approval:

1. Medical Reports & Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)

Specialist reports from rheumatologists, psychologists, or chronic pain clinics carry weight. Even if there’s no MRI result, a well-documented medical report describing your limitations is powerful.

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) can also provide objective measurements of what you can and cannot do. These tests measure endurance, strength, and ability to perform work-like tasks. For many invisible illness claimants, FCEs are decisive.

2. Symptom Journals

Keeping a daily record of your pain levels, fatigue, and activity limitations shows insurers and courts how your illness affects your real life. A simple journal can illustrate the unpredictability of conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

3. Third-Party Statements

Letters or testimony from family members, co-workers, or caregivers provide crucial outside perspective. They confirm that your limitations are real and visible to those closest to you. Courts often accept this “lay evidence” as reliable when medical tests fall short.

4. Case Law Anchors

In Fidler v. Sun Life (2006 SCC 30), the Supreme Court confirmed that conditions like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia are disabling, even without lab results.
Courts also recognize the burden of proof principle — meaning claimants can rely on credible personal testimony and witness accounts when objective evidence is limited.

Together, these rulings establish that invisible illnesses are not only real but also legally valid grounds for LTD benefits.

Appeal Strategies: How to Fight Back in BC

Being denied LTD benefits doesn’t have to be the end of the story. In fact, many people in BC win their claims after appeal — but only if they act quickly and strategically. Here’s how to fight back:

Step 1: Request the Insurer’s Denial Rationale

Start by asking for the insurer’s decision in writing. This forces them to clearly state their reasons, whether it’s “lack of objective evidence,” missed deadlines, or surveillance. Having their rationale documented sets the foundation for your appeal.

Step 2: Gather Missing Evidence

Review what the insurer says is “lacking,” then fill the gaps. That could mean:

A new report from a rheumatologist or psychologist.
Results from a Functional Capacity Evaluation.
Updated symptom journals or third-party statements.

This isn’t about proving your worthiness but rather it’s about creating a record that even an insurer can’t ignore.

Step 3: Internal Appeal — But Prepare for Litigation

Most LTD policies allow an internal appeal. While this step can be worthwhile, you should also prepare for the possibility that the insurer won’t change its decision. Keep copies of all correspondence, timelines, and evidence so you’re ready to escalate if needed.

Step 4: Legal Intervention

If the insurer refuses to reverse its denial, that’s when legal action becomes necessary. Having a lawyer with experience in invisible illness claims can make the difference between years of stress and a fair resolution.

I’ve represented countless Vancouver and BC residents who were told “there’s no proof” of their disability. The reality? With the right evidence and legal guidance, many of those same clients went on to win their LTD benefits.

Q: Do I need objective proof to win an LTD claim in BC?
A: No. In Fidler v. Sun Life (2006), the Supreme Court of Canada recognized that invisible illnesses like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can support LTD claims even without “objective tests.”

Can you win LTD for fibromyalgia or depression in BC?

Yes. Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada in Fidler v. Sun Life (2006), have confirmed that conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and depression can be disabling even without “objective” tests. With strong medical reports and legal support, these claims can succeed.

Will social media hurt my claim?

It can. Insurers often hire investigators or monitor Facebook and Instagram accounts for any photos or posts they can twist against you. A single image of you smiling at a wedding may be used to argue you aren’t disabled — even if it doesn’t reflect your daily reality. Courts know this evidence is limited, but it’s still best to be careful about what you share.

What if my doctor can’t “prove” my illness?

Not every illness shows up on a scan or test. That doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Courts accept symptom journals, third-party statements, and specialist assessments as valid forms of proof. Lay evidence from people who know you well can be just as powerful as lab results.

When should I hire a lawyer?

The earlier, the better. Having a lawyer involved at the start of your claim or right after a denial ensures deadlines are met, evidence is gathered properly, and insurers are held accountable. I’ve seen many claims succeed because the right steps were taken early.

Key Takeaways: Invisible Illness LTD Claims in BC

Invisible illnesses are real and recognized — Conditions like fibromyalgia, depression, and chronic fatigue have been confirmed by Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Insurers deny these claims frequently — Common tactics include saying there’s “no objective evidence,” using surveillance, pointing to treatment gaps, or citing strict BC deadlines.
Strong evidence wins — Specialist medical reports, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), daily symptom journals, and third-party statements often make the difference.
Case law is on your side — In Fidler v. Sun Life (2006), the Supreme Court ruled that invisible illnesses can support LTD claims even without lab results or scans.
Act early, act wisely — Notifying your insurer within 4 weeks and getting legal help early significantly improves your chances of success.

If your LTD claim has been denied, download our Invisible Illness LTD Checklist (PDF) or contact Tim Louis & Company today for guidance.

Conclusion

Living with an invisible illness is hard enough. Fighting with an insurance company shouldn’t add to your burden. The truth is clear: Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, have recognized that conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and depression are real, disabling, and valid grounds for LTD benefits.

If your claim has been denied, don’t give up hope. With the right evidence, persistence, and legal support, many people in Vancouver and across BC have successfully turned their LTD denials into approvals.

At Tim Louis & Company, we’ve been helping clients for decades to win LTD claims and regain the stability they deserve. I understand how overwhelming this process can feel, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Take the first step today:

Download our free Invisible Illness LTD Checklist (PDF) to start organizing your evidence.
Visit our LTD Service Page to learn more.
Explore our FAQ Hub for answers to the most common LTD questions.

⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Client Testimonial

“Tim treated me with compassion and respect when no one else believed my invisible illness was real. With his help, I finally received my LTD benefits. I’ll always be grateful.”

Denied LTD in BC

Denied LTD in BC? Here’s What Happens Next By Long-Term Disability Lawyer Tim Louis Being denied long-term disability can feel like losing your footing twice: once to illness, and again to disbelief. In British Columbia, you still have rights, and you still have time to act. When an insurer tells

November 14, 2025

Employment Law

Fired Without Cause in BC

Fired Without Cause in BC? Here’s What Happens Next By Vancouver Employment Lawyer Tim Louis Losing your job can feel like the ground dropped out from under you. In British Columbia, the law gives you real protections and time to breathe before you sign anything. You may be shocked, confused,

November 13, 2025

Mental Health & Long-Term Disability in BC

Mental Health & Long-Term Disability in BC: Your Complete Legal & Claim Success Guide

By Tim Louis

Nearly four in ten long-term disability (LTD) claims in Canada are for mental health conditions — yet many are denied before they even begin. That figure comes from Sun Life, and it mirrors what I’ve seen in my own practice here in British Columbia.

For more than forty years, I’ve been helping people in BC fight for their LTD benefits. Over that time, I’ve met with clients in their homes, in hospital rooms, and across the table in our Vancouver office. I know the legal side inside out, but I also understand how difficult it is to translate the reality of living with a mental health condition into “acceptable” evidence for an insurance company.

How can you win a mental health LTD claim in BC?

By keeping consistent, thorough records from your doctors and counsellors, making sure they align with how your policy defines disability, and working with someone who has years of experience handling these appeals.

I often explain to clients that a mental health LTD claim is like building a bridge. One side is your lived experience. The other is the kind of proof an insurer will accept. My role is to help you construct that bridge so it’s strong enough to carry your story all the way across.

Why Mental Health Leads LTD Claims in BC

Across Canada, mental health is now the single largest driver of long-term disability claims. Sun Life’s data puts it at close to 40% of all LTD cases. The Mental Health Commission of Canada echoes that figure, pointing to a steady rise over the last decade.

In British Columbia, the picture is the same — whether you’re in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, or Kelowna, the reality is that mental health conditions are taking more people out of the workforce than any other illness or injury. The list is long: depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic stress, burnout. While the symptoms vary, the result is often the same — the need for time away from work to recover, coupled with the challenge of getting benefits approved.

In my own work, I’ve seen the shift firsthand. Fifteen or twenty years ago, most LTD claims I handled involved physical injuries or illnesses. Now, it’s not unusual for my caseload to be half — or more — mental health related. That change hasn’t been matched by a change in insurer attitudes. Many still want the kind of evidence that fits a physical condition, not the more complex, often less visible nature of a mental health diagnosis.

If you or someone you know is facing this, it’s worth knowing your rights. The BC Human Rights Tribunal has clear guidance on mental health and disability protections. And if your condition falls into what’s sometimes called an invisible illness, I’ve written more about how these cases work in LTD for Invisible Illnesses in BC.

Common Reasons Mental Health LTD Claims Are Denied in BC

When I look at denied claims for mental health conditions in BC, the same patterns keep showing up. The language in the letters may vary, but the reasons are remarkably consistent:

Lack of “objective” medical proof
Insurers often want test results or scans you simply can’t produce for depression, PTSD, or anxiety. This isn’t a dead end — it means we shift the focus to thorough treatment notes, detailed symptom tracking, and specialist reports that explain the impact in real terms.
Pre-existing condition clauses
If a policy defines a mental health condition as “pre-existing,” they may use it to justify a denial. The term pre-existing condition can be complicated, and not all definitions are fair. With the right evidence and legal argument, these clauses can be challenged.
Gaps in treatment records
Missed appointments or breaks in therapy can look like you’re “better” when you’re not. Sometimes life — or the condition itself — gets in the way. We work on explaining those gaps so they’re understood in context.
Insurer surveillance tactics
In some cases, insurers hire investigators to watch you, take photos, or monitor your social media. Even everyday activities — a short walk, a grocery trip — can be misinterpreted. When that happens, it’s about showing the full picture, not just the snapshot they’ve taken.

BC insurers often demand more proof for invisible conditions than for visible injuries.

Each of these hurdles is frustrating, but none of them is final. The key is to treat every denial reason as a puzzle with an answer — and to make sure the answer is supported by both your medical team and the law.

How to Build a Strong Mental Health LTD Claim in BC

Winning a mental health LTD claim isn’t about flooding the insurer with paperwork. It’s about sending the right documents, in the right way, and making sure they tell a clear, consistent story.

Here’s a core documentation checklist that forms the backbone of a strong claim:

Psychiatrist or psychologist reports – Detailed evaluations from mental health specialists carry significant weight. They should describe not just your diagnosis, but how it affects your daily functioning.
Functional capacity evaluations – These can translate your symptoms into measurable limitations, helping insurers understand what you can and can’t do in practical terms.
Symptom journals – A day-to-day record of how your condition impacts you. This might sound simple, but insurers often find real-time tracking more convincing than retrospective summaries.
Workplace incapacity statements – From employers or colleagues, confirming changes in your ability to perform your role and why accommodations weren’t enough.

Insider tip: Insurers value steady, consistent treatment notes far more than generic “fit to work” letters. If your care provider updates their notes regularly, those records become one of your most persuasive tools.

Mental health conditions may not show up on an X-ray, but with the right documentation, you can build an evidence base that’s every bit as strong as for a physical injury.

Q: What documents do I need for a mental health LTD claim in BC?
A: Reports from your mental health specialists, functional assessments, a detailed symptom journal, and statements from your workplace — all kept consistent over time.

What to Do if Your Mental Health LTD Claim Is Denied

A denial letter can knock the wind out of you, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your claim. In BC, you have the right to challenge that decision — and in many cases, a strong appeal can turn things around.

Here’s the step-by-step approach I recommend:

Request the denial letter – Get it in writing if you haven’t already. This is your roadmap to what the insurer says is missing or insufficient.
Identify evidence gaps – Compare their reasons for denial with what’s in your file. Are they asking for specialist reports you don’t yet have? Do they misunderstand your diagnosis?
Engage legal counsel before re-submission – An experienced LTD lawyer can help you gather exactly what’s needed and present it in a way that aligns with policy definitions and legal standards.

A denial is not the end — it’s the insurer’s opening move.

Q: Can you appeal a mental health LTD denial in BC?
A: Yes. With the right evidence and legal strategy, many denied claims can be overturned through an appeal.

Why Working with an LTD Lawyer Makes a Difference

When it comes to mental health LTD claims, the right legal support can make the difference between a flat denial and a fair outcome. Over more than four decades of practice, I’ve worked on hundreds of disability cases across Metro Vancouver and throughout BC. Each one is different — but the patterns in how insurers handle mental health claims are easy to spot when you’ve been at this long enough.

Case Study — Depression Claim Win

A client came to me after being denied LTD for depression. The insurer claimed there wasn’t enough “objective” evidence. We gathered updated reports from their psychiatrist, detailed treatment notes from their counsellor, and a functional capacity evaluation. We also addressed gaps in their therapy record by explaining the legitimate reasons behind them. Within three months of submitting the appeal, the insurer reversed their decision and approved full benefits.

The truth is, insurers aren’t always wrong — but they are always thorough, and you need to be just as thorough in return. That’s where an experienced lawyer adds value: knowing what evidence to prioritize, how to present it, and when to push back.

Contact Tim Louis for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your mental health LTD claim. With the right plan, your case can move from uncertainty to resolution.

FAQs About Mental Health & LTD in BC

Is mental illness covered by long-term disability in BC?
Yes. Most LTD policies in BC cover mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Coverage depends on your policy terms, so it’s important to review those carefully.
What evidence do I need for a mental health LTD claim?
Specialist reports from a psychiatrist or psychologist, consistent treatment notes, functional capacity evaluations, and, when possible, symptom journals. The goal is to show how your condition affects your ability to work.
Can LTD be denied for depression or anxiety?
Yes, but denials can often be appealed. Common reasons include “lack of objective proof” or gaps in treatment. With the right evidence and strategy, many of these decisions can be overturned.
How long do mental health LTD benefits last in BC?
It depends on your policy. Some pay benefits for a set number of years; others continue until retirement age if you remain unable to work. Policies may also change their definition of “disability” after two years.
What happens if I start improving?
Improvement doesn’t automatically end your benefits, but insurers will review your claim. If you can return to some form of work, they may transition you to partial benefits or close the claim.
How can I give my LTD claim the best chance of success?
Stay in regular treatment, keep your medical records consistent, document your symptoms daily, and work with a lawyer who understands mental health claims in BC. Preparation and consistency are the strongest predictors of success.

Next Steps & Free Resources

If you’re dealing with a mental health LTD claim — or thinking about filing one — you don’t have to figure it out alone. The right information and a clear plan can make the process less overwhelming and far more effective.

Explore the full LTD FAQ Hub: https://timlouislaw.com/faq-hub/ for more answers and in-depth guidance on disability claims in BC.
Learn more from the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s LTD guidance page: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/ for additional resources and national context.

Contact Tim Louis for a free, no-obligation consultation to review your claim and discuss the next steps.

📞 Phone: (604) 732-7678
📧 Email: timlouis@timlouislaw.com

Serving clients across Metro Vancouver and all of BC, we’re here to make sure your voice — and your evidence — is impossible to ignore.

Trusted by Clients Across BC

“Tim Louis is not only an outstanding lawyer, but a compassionate and understanding human being. He handled my disability claim with expertise and empathy, and I felt supported every step of the way.” — R.M., Vancouver
“Tim and his team went above and beyond to ensure my LTD benefits were approved. They treated me like a person, not a case number, and I’ll always be grateful.” — J.L., Surrey

🔁 This page is part of our Living Content System™, a visibility architecture powered by the Total Visibility Architecture™ (TVA) and Aurascend™, continuously updated for accuracy, AI indexability, trust signals, and legal compliance.
🕒 Last reviewed: August 15, 2025 by Tim Louis, Long Term Disability Lawyer in Vancouver
🤝 Optimized with Fervid Solutions (Visibility · SEO · Marketing)

Disability Claim