Are you unable to work due to chronic pain? Does your chronic pain keep you from gaining or maintaining full-time employment? Are you considering the idea or in the process of getting disability benefits for chronic pain?
If you answered yes to any of these questions and need an answer to “Is chronic pain a disability in Canada?” you are in the right place.
Applying for and winning long-term disability benefits for chronic pain in Canada can be an exhausting process. It can feel like benefit providers are purposely trying to make it harder for you to win the benefits you deserve — and unfortunately, sometimes they are.
But that’s where we come in — we will address the difficulties of applying for disability benefits for chronic pain, further explaining how to navigate the long road to receiving the compensation you desperately need and deserve.
Is chronic pain a disability in Canada?
First things first, we need to address the question of “Is chronic pain considered a disability in Canada?”
Yes, chronic pain is a disability in Canada — this recognition is based on its significant impact on an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and engage in employment, reflecting the acknowledgment within the Canadian disability framework that chronic pain can substantially limit a person’s functioning and qualify them for disability-related benefits and support.
Understanding that chronic pain can also lead to depression is crucial, as this invisible illness may not always have easily identifiable symptoms. Individuals experiencing chronic pain are encouraged to seek treatment and undergo a medical assessment to provide much-needed evidence for their disability claim.
In the context of group insurance, the amount of income disability available may differ, and getting approved often requires much evidence to substantiate the impact of chronic pain on an individual’s ability to work. It’s important to recognize that triggers for chronic pain can be diverse, and seeking appropriate treatment is essential for managing this complex condition.
Some examples of chronic pain are:
- Arthritis, indicating pain in the joints.
- Chronic back pain.
- Persistent neck pain.
- Pain associated with tumours in cancer patients.
- Headaches, including migraines.
- Testicular pain (orchialgia).
- Prolonged pain in scar tissue.
- Generalized muscle pain, as seen in conditions like fibromyalgia.
- Neurogenic pain resulting from damage to nerves or other components of the nervous system.
If any of the above apply to you, get in touch with our team today for a free consultation and allow us to assist with your claim so you can focus on your well-being.
To get more information about disability benefits and qualifying conditions, see our article on what conditions qualify for disability in Canada or review the articles below:
Diagnosing chronic pain for a disability case
Since chronic pain is an invisible illness, it is imperative to seek a diagnosis and medical attention as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance at winning disability benefits for chronic pain.
There are a few ways to do this; however, it will depend on your situation and the cause of your chronic pain.
One possible direction is to obtain a diagnosis for a pain-related impairment. These impairments could include but aren’t limited to:
- Arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gout
- Crohn’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neurological and spinal disorders
To do this, you must prove that your pain is caused by a medical condition or trauma that is already known to cause pain.
In this situation, you need to show you have undergone medical testing to determine the cause of the pain. If the problem is easily diagnosable, such as back trauma as a result of an accident, the cause of your chronic pain will be visible on an x-ray. However, the causes of chronic pain are frequently vague and hard to understand, even for those in the medical field.
Chronic pain sufferers must also prove that they have completed all available treatments necessary to relieve the pain. These treatments may include taking appropriate medications, getting injections, doing physiotherapy or massage therapy, seeing a chiropractor, and looking for help at pain clinics.
During the disability claims process, a judge will be more likely to believe the pain is serious if a person has received treatment and it is ongoing.
If you are a victim of chronic pain, please do not be afraid to get the support you need. Seeing a doctor, exploring various avenues of treatment, and actively taking steps to get treatment will not only benefit your health but can also be a big help in securing disability benefits.
Further effects of chronic pain
In most cases, chronic pain co-occurs with other conditions, such as mental health problems and sleep disorders, so let’s go into these in more detail to see how they can affect your claim.
Mental health and chronic pain
Chronic pain is more than a physical disorder. The medical field has accepted that living with chronic pain also results in many psychological problems. So, when dealing with a chronic pain disability claim, you must also take your mental health into consideration.
The Canadian Pain Society supplies us with this devastating and frightening statistic: those who suffer from chronic pain are 50 percent more likely to commit suicide than those who do not.
Additionally, the Canadian Mental Health Association reports chronic pain typically affects every aspect of the sufferer’s life. The physical pain not only limits your ability to work but also inhibits your ability to enjoy the world around you.
Trying to avoid or prevent chronic pain can seriously limit your usual activities, such as personal care and grooming, as well as social and leisure activities. It even encroaches on time spent with your family. You can become a prisoner, trapped in your own pain, which only enhances feelings of depression and isolation.
The stress associated with chronic pain is difficult enough to deal with on its own. However, navigating the proper channels to ensure you will receive benefits may also cause anxiety or feelings of hopelessness.
You should document and include any mental health issues in your claim. It is also important to provide documentation that shows you are seeking treatment for any psychological aspects of chronic pain. Failing to get this type of treatment can be fatal to you and your disability case.
Sleep disorders and chronic pain
According to the Sleep Foundation, chronic pain and insomnia are frighteningly intertwined in a vicious cycle. A lack of sleep can change the way your body processes pain, and sleep deprivation can cause hypersensitivity that can enhance your pain. At the same time, pain usually makes it difficult to sleep or reduces your sleep quality. This creates the perfect concoction to worsen both your pain and sleep quality.
When applying for long-term disability benefits for chronic pain, you should also include that you are suffering from insomnia or other sleep-related issues. Lack of sleep inhibits your ability to function in the workplace and directly relates to an inability to work the way you did before you became a victim of chronic pain.
If you need assistance with progressing a chronic pain disability claim related to mental health and/or sleep disorders, contact our team today.
Chronic pain disability 2024 Canada employment rights
Chronic Pain Canada guidelines encompass varying employment rights and accommodations, subject to legislative or policy changes.
Typically, individuals in Canada experiencing chronic pain may find protection under disability rights laws. Employers are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations, such as modifying the work environment, offering flexible hours, or adjusting duties to support employees with disabilities.
It’s important to note that the amount differs in terms of accommodation needs, as the impact of chronic pain varies among individuals.
Chronic pain disability Canada 2024
While understanding what conditions qualify for disability in Canada is helpful, when it comes to the different disability benefits for chronic pain in Canada, the following may apply, which we’ll cover each in turn:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Long-term disability insurance
- Short-term disability benefits
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Workers’ compensation
- Disability tax credit
- Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
- VA disability benefits
Chronic pain Canada pension plan disability (CPP)
The CPP was designed to support Canadians after retirement. However, it also covers disability benefits, including CPP disability benefits for chronic pain, that start once you become disabled and last until you are 65. After that, these disability benefits get converted into regular pensions.
To be eligible for the CPP disability payments, you need to have worked for four out of the past six years and paid payroll taxes. The CPP requires you to prove that your disability, such as chronic pain, is both prolonged and severe, leaving you unable to work.
It is important to know how to apply for CPP disability, which will include benefits for chronic pain, by filling out the forms. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will have to fill out the medical report. Then, you send your application to a designated Service Canada office for your province.
If Service Canada denies your CPP disability claim for chronic pain, you can appeal on two levels:
- Reconsideration appeal: You must request a reconsideration appeal within 90 days of the denial
- Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal: If denied after the reconsideration appeal, you can appeal to this tribunal within 90 days as well.
Once you appeal to the tribunal, a judge or a three-person panel will decide your claim, including CPP disability benefits for chronic pain. You can attend the hearing to give evidence and answer questions.
Our CPP lawyers are able to guide you further through this process.
Chronic pain long term disability
Group disability insurance is the most common type of disability benefit in Canada. If your employer has insured you as part of a group, you are receiving your disability insurance through your job. These group disability insurance policies often provide both long-term and short-term disability benefits.
You may also have an individual insurance policy. These policies are common with those who are self-employed or underinsured. With private policies, the payment is usually a fixed amount. However, it might also be a percentage of your earnings.
If you are suffering from chronic pain, you can apply for the long-term disability benefits if eligible. If your application is approved, these benefits will provide you with monthly income payments during long absences from work to relieve some financial strain and pressure.
You apply for LTD by filling out forms and sending them to the insurer. You will probably have to complete three forms, one each for:
- You
- Your employer (if applicable)
- Your doctor
Again, it’s on you to get those forms back in. You will not get a decision until the insurer receives all the forms.
If you had your LTD claim denied, your LTD plan may allow two to three internal appeals. If those fail, you will have an appeal hearing with an outside arbitrator or judge.
Chronic pain short term disability
Short-term disability (STD) benefits are another temporary disability payment. They pay 50-67% of your regular salary. You can usually get them for 15-17 weeks, but sometimes longer. You’ll typically receive payments weekly, and it is important to understand what qualifies for short-term disability.
Employers offer these benefits through the company or a group insurance policy. In both cases, employers hire an outside agency to run the program for them.
You only qualify if your employer has one of these plans. Not all jobs offer this option. If your job doesn’t, then you may be eligible for EI sickness benefits.
You apply by getting the forms from your employer or the right insurance company. As with a long-term disability claim, there are three separate forms for you, your doctor, and one for your employer. It’s your job to get all the forms filled and back to the insurer.
If you had your short-term disability denied, you could ask for an appeal, and having a short-term disability lawyer by your side will make the process easier:
- First, someone else in the company reviews your claim. This is called an internal appeal. You may have multiple of these appeals — up to three or four.
- If you aren’t successful with the internal appeals, you may have to appeal outside of the company. Your options will depend on your situation, and you may have to go to an arbitrator or judge.
Additional reading: what qualifies for short-term disability
Chronic pain Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits
EI sickness benefits are temporary disability benefits paid through the federal government’s employment insurance program. EI pays 55% of your salary for up to 45 weeks. As of January 1, 2024, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $63,200, which is the equivalent of $668 per week.
To qualify, you must have recently paid into the EI program. You pay through automatic deductions from your paycheque. So, if you got an official paycheque, you paid into the EI program.
You apply for EI benefits online through Service Canada, from home or at any Service Canada office. You also need your doctor to fill out a form that confirms your inability to work for 45 weeks. Finally, your employer has to issue a Record of Employment (ROE) to verify your sick leave.
Chronic pain worker’s compensation
Worker’s compensation pays short- and long-term benefits to people injured on the job.
Each province has its own compensation program, and to qualify, you must suffer a workplace injury or illness and work for a covered employer. That’s right; not all employers have coverage.
It’s possible to prove a workplace injury caused or worsened your chronic pain and to succeed in this claim; you need a medical doctor to support your belief that the workplace injury or illness is the direct cause of your chronic pain.
Workers’ compensation benefits can overlap with EI, CPP, and short- and long-term disability, and you should seek legal advice for any concerns about payments. Depending on your province, you may keep some (or all) of your CPP disability and the workers’ compensation.
If workers’ compensation denies your claim, you should follow the appeal procedures for your province. However, these programs also have two levels of appeal: internal reconsideration and outside tribunal. In most provinces, this tribunal is called the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT).
Chronic pain disability tax credit
So, does chronic pain qualify for disability tax credit in Canada?
Yes, chronic pain does qualify for the disability tax credit in Canada, enabling you to potentially receive refunds on some of your previous taxes, depending on your condition’s timeline. You apply by filling out a T2201 form and sending it to Revenue Canada.
Note that the disability tax credit in Canada is a type of benefit that lowers your taxable income. To qualify, you must have a severe and prolonged impairment as defined by the program. However, this benefit has a higher standard than the others.
If Revenue Canada denies your claim, you can request an internal appeal. If that appeal fails, then you must go to the Tax Court of Canada to appeal again.
Chronic pain Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
The Canada Disability Benefit “CDB” represents a recent addition to federal benefits aimed at providing support to Canadians with disabilities who fall within the lower-income bracket.
The government specifically states the purpose of the CDB is to “reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities.”
VA disability for chronic pain
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes that veterans may suffer from chronic pain, understanding it as a potential disability arising from various service-related injuries or conditions like musculoskeletal injuries, nerve damage, or other health issues.
To initiate a chronic pain VA claim, veterans typically need to provide compelling evidence establishing a direct link between their chronic pain and military service. This involves presenting thorough medical documentation, diagnoses, and a clear connection between the current chronic pain and incidents during their time in service.
As policies and regulations may evolve, individuals seeking accurate and current information on VA disability benefits for chronic pain are advised to refer to the official VA website or consult with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for guidance and assistance throughout the application process.
If you need assistance with any of the disability benefits we’ve covered, contact us today for a free consultation.
Provincial government assistance for chronic pain in Canada
Each province in Canada pays income support benefits to people who can’t work because of disability. If you qualify, you can receive fixed payments for life.
You can qualify for provincial benefits even if you’ve never worked. However, they only apply if your total family income falls below a certain amount. This amount differs from province to province. Keep in mind, family income doesn’t affect the approval process for other types of disability benefits.
You apply for provincial disability benefits with your local agency or program. As usual, your doctor will need to provide a report or certificate confirming you cannot work because of your medical condition.
For denials, you can appeal internally within the agency or program. In some provinces, you can also appeal to an outside tribunal for a final decision. Check with your province for the proper procedures.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
If you are wondering, “Can you get ODSP for chronic pain?” the answer is yes! ODSP offers income and employment support to eligible residents with disabilities, including those experiencing chronic pain.
To qualify for ODSP, an individual must have:
- A substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and is expected to last one year or more.
- The impairment must result in a substantial restriction on the person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or participate in community life.
It’s important to note that each case is assessed individually, and eligibility depends on the specific circumstances and medical documentation provided.
If you or someone you know is considering applying for ODSP due to chronic pain, it’s advisable to contact the local ODSP office or consult with a social worker or legal professional familiar with the program for guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria.
Alberta
The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is a comprehensive program in Alberta that extends both financial and health-related aid to eligible individuals.
Beyond addressing financial challenges, AISH recognizes the impact of chronic pain on overall well-being, making it an essential resource for Albertans with disabilities.
British Columbia
BC’s disabilities assistance program is designed to provide more than just income support. It recognizes the multifaceted needs of residents with disabilities, including those grappling with chronic pain. The inclusion of health benefits enhances the support available, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being.
Manitoba
Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) in Manitoba stands as a crucial lifeline, offering financial assistance to individuals and families in need. For those navigating the challenges of chronic pain, EIA aims to alleviate financial burdens, promoting stability and support during difficult times.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s Social Assistance Program encompasses a range of support services, potentially extending aid to individuals managing chronic pain. By addressing both financial and social needs, these programs aim to enhance the overall quality of life for recipients.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Income Support Program recognizes the financial strain experienced by individuals with chronic pain.
By offering assistance tailored to specific circumstances, the program aims to ease the economic burden, allowing individuals to focus on managing their health.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s Income Assistance program goes beyond financial support, potentially assisting individuals and families affected by chronic pain. It acknowledges the broader impact of health challenges, aiming to provide comprehensive assistance to enhance overall well-being.
Prince Edward Island
PEI’s Social Assistance extends support to individuals dealing with chronic pain and financial difficulties. By combining financial aid with other forms of assistance, the program aims to address various aspects of individuals’ needs, fostering a more supportive environment.
Quebec
Quebec’s Social Assistance and Social Solidarity program recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals affected by chronic pain. By offering a range of support services, including financial assistance, Quebec aims to provide a comprehensive safety net for its residents.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) stands as a targeted initiative to provide income support to eligible individuals with disabilities, potentially including those coping with chronic pain.
The program focuses on understanding and addressing the specific needs arising from enduring health challenges.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories’ Income Assistance Program offers vital financial support to residents in need, including those dealing with chronic pain. By recognizing the diverse needs of its population, the program contributes to a more inclusive and supportive community.
Nunavut
Nunavut’s Income Assistance Benefits acknowledges the financial challenges faced by individuals and families, potentially including those managing chronic pain. In providing income support, the program aims to improve overall financial stability for its residents.
Yukon
Yukon’s Income Support Benefits are there for individuals facing financial challenges due to chronic pain, offering financial assistance for basic living needs and engaging participants in culturally based programming, relevant KDFN services and other supports.
Don’t forget that we have a disability attorney ready to help you with your disability benefits claims. Contact us today so we can discuss your situation in further detail.
How can I get disability for chronic pain?
Since chronic pain is a disease that is misunderstood and frequently dismissed, you must be extra diligent in your claim.
Here are some things you can do to improve your chances of winning disability benefits for chronic pain.
Get a diagnosis
Securing a diagnosis of chronic pain can be challenging, but having a diagnosis will vastly improve your chances of winning disability benefits. Without one, you are significantly less likely to get approved.
If you haven’t already, book an appointment with your doctor to start your journey to getting diagnosed.
Get the appropriate treatment and document it
When assessing your claim, disability benefits providers will examine whether you’ve received suitable treatment for your condition. Failure to obtain the correct treatment is a prevalent cause for denial.
This criterion extends to all other medical conditions. For instance, if you also suffer from another condition alongside chronic pain, it’s essential to seek treatment for each condition. This may involve medications, consultations with psychiatrists, or psychological therapy.
Multidisciplinary pain clinics now count as an appropriate treatment option as well, but ensure your doctor is accurately documenting all of this. Benefit providers base their decisions on the medical documents they have received. Even if you received world-class treatment for chronic pain without the proper documentation, you received no treatment from the insurer’s standpoint.
Document pain from sustained sitting or standing
Chronic pain can limit you from sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, which is some of the best evidence of disability from work. Many jobs require you to sit at a desk for an extended time, so if your pain seriously prevents you from doing this type of work, you have a good chance of getting approved for disability benefits.
You must document movements throughout the day to present as evidence. You have to prove that you cannot sit or stand for a long time without experiencing severe pain, and the pain must prevent you from performing your job duties.
If you can sit for more than two hours, your pain might not be as severe as it seems. However, if you are unable to do that, you have a strong case for winning disability benefits for chronic pain.
Evidence of work-related limitations
Additionally, it’s advisable to document all the adjustments made to your work routine to sustain employment while managing chronic pain.
Before seeking disability benefits, consider exploring less demanding roles within your current workplace. Until you take this step, providers of disability benefits may harbour doubts about your situation. For instance, you could demonstrate that although your job description outlined medium-level duties, your employer accommodated your tasks to be categorized as light.
If you’ve been compelled to change jobs due to chronic pain, it’s essential to make a note of this as well.
Credibility is key
It is vital that a person seeking disability benefits for chronic pain maintains a level of total honesty throughout the process. When it comes to making a legal claim for disability benefits associated with chronic pain, credibility is intensely important.
Because chronic pain cannot be objectively and exactly measured through traditional medical avenues such as blood tests or x-rays, it is important that the chronic pain sufferer does not pursue any activities that could undermine believability in regards to his or her status as a chronic pain sufferer.
Any exaggerations or inconsistencies in descriptions of pain or disability can hurt credibility, even if the inconsistency is an honest mistake.
Credibility killers
- Inconsistencies between medical records or prior statements
- Providing excuses or attributing blame to others for problems
- Critiquing parties involved in the claim, irrespective of their responsibility
- Submitting complaints against professionals seen as negative, biased, or unprofessional
- Using aggressive, sarcastic, or confrontational language in your claim or testimony
- Refusing or delaying reasonable requests for information
- Entangling in disagreements with doctors about your diagnosis instead of concentrating on the disability
- Pretending to be a medical expert
Credibility boosters
- Being respectful to all who are involved in your claim
- Not blaming others for mistakes or problems with your case
- Aligning statements with medical records
- Trying to stay at job
- Following reasonable advice even if you aren’t fully aligned with it
Reasons for insurance claim denial for chronic pain
The following are the most common reasons an insurance company will deny disability benefits for chronic pain…
Insufficient medical evidence
Insurance companies require comprehensive documentation that vividly illustrates the severity and impact of chronic pain on an individual’s ability to work. When this evidence is lacking or deemed inadequate, it can be a primary cause for the denial of disability benefits.
To successfully navigate this aspect of the claims process, individuals must ensure that their medical records thoroughly and accurately portray the extent of their chronic pain. This may involve detailed reports from healthcare providers, diagnostic tests, and other objective findings that substantiate the existence and impact of the condition.
Additionally, effective communication between the claimant, medical professionals, and insurance representatives is crucial to address any gaps in understanding and present a compelling case for the approval of disability benefits.
Lack of objective findings
Insurance companies typically seek verifiable evidence, such as diagnostic tests or imaging results, to substantiate the legitimacy of claims arising from a medical condition causing chronic pain.
To overcome this obstacle, individuals should collaborate closely with their healthcare providers, ensuring thorough and objective assessments specifically addressing the causes of chronic pain. Diagnostic tests and medical imaging play a crucial role in objectively portraying the existence and severity of pain that persists.
Effective communication with medical professionals, along with the timely incorporation of these objective findings into the claims process, enhances the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Failure to meet policy criteria
Individuals in Canada suffering from chronic pain must meticulously review their insurance policy to understand the specific criteria outlined for disability claims.
Failing to meet these criteria can endanger the approval of benefits, underscoring the importance of a thorough understanding of the policy and careful adherence to its specified conditions.
Pre-existing conditions
When individuals with pre-existing conditions causing chronic pain seek disability benefits, careful examination by insurance companies is inevitable. This scrutiny is especially pertinent when chronic pain renders individuals unable to work.
For Canadians navigating the complexities of long-term disability coverage, it is imperative to disclose pre-existing conditions during the application process. Failure to do so may result in claim denials, as insurance companies assess the impact of pre-existing conditions on the current state of health.
Inconsistent medical records
When medical documentation fails to provide a cohesive and accurate picture of the cause and impact of chronic pain, individuals may face hurdles in their quest for eligibility.
In cases where medical records are inconsistent, individuals seeking disability benefits due to chronic pain may encounter difficulties in establishing a clear understanding of the source of the pain. Adequate and consistent documentation becomes pivotal in demonstrating not only the existence and persistence of the pain but also its impact on the individual’s ability to work.
It’s crucial for individuals to ensure that their medical records align seamlessly with the nature and duration of chronic pain.
Non-compliance with treatment
Non-compliance with prescribed treatments poses a significant challenge for adults in Canada suffering from chronic pain, particularly those seeking long-term disability insurance.
Failure to adhere to prescribed treatments not only affects the well-being of chronic pain sufferers but can also become a factor that insurance companies consider during the evaluation of disability claims.
In the context of long-term disability insurance, chronic and persistent pain sufferers must recognize the importance of actively participating in recommended treatments.
Unsubstantiated impact on workability
When the impact on workability remains unsubstantiated, individuals may face challenges in securing the benefits that will provide much-needed support. Providing clear and detailed documentation that outlines the correlation between chronic pain and its impediment to work-related tasks is vital.
This substantiation, endorsed by the pain society, strengthens the credibility of the claim, emphasizing the genuine and debilitating nature of the physical pain experienced.
It’s crucial for individuals seeking disability benefits for chronic pain to thoroughly understand their insurance policy, provide comprehensive medical documentation, and seek legal advice if their claim is denied. Policies and regulations can vary, so consulting with professionals knowledgeable about Canadian disability law is advisable.
If you’re in this situation, get in touch with our team today so we can offer tailored advice depending on your current situation.
Insufficient objective evidence of disability
The adequacy of objective evidence plays a pivotal role in determining eligibility for disability benefits, which are crucial for individuals experiencing psychogenic or psychosomatic pain. When the impact of such pain is not adequately supported by measurable and objective evidence, individuals may face challenges in securing the benefits that will provide essential support.
For those who have experienced disability due to psychogenic pain, demonstrating the persistence of pain becomes vital. Unlike conditions with visible signs on an X-ray, psychogenic pain requires careful documentation and attention to subjective experiences. Seeking appropriate medical attention and thorough documentation is essential to establish a credible link between the experienced disability and the ongoing psychosomatic pain.
In cases where objective evidence is insufficient, individuals may encounter difficulties in convincing insurers of the genuine and debilitating nature of their condition. Clear and comprehensive documentation that substantiates the persistence of pain and its impact is crucial for a successful disability claim.
Incorrect treatment
Inadequate or incorrect treatments can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals as pain persists, potentially rendering them unable to work due to conditions affecting various parts of the body, such as back and neck pain.
Engaging in a free consultation with healthcare professionals to discuss the most suitable and effective treatment options can significantly improve your chances of managing chronic pain successfully.
Back and neck pain, often the result of accidents, is one of the most common forms of chronic pain. Employing incorrect treatment approaches in these cases may hinder recovery and complicate disability claims.
Insufficient work effort
A lack of effort may stem from various factors, including the pain’s origin as a result of an accident, illness, or injury.
The persistence of pain can affect any part of the body, limiting the ability to function effectively in both professional and personal spheres. Finding it difficult to maintain sufficient work effort due to chronic pain is not uncommon and may lead to a cycle of hardship, especially when the pain is caused by psychological factors, potentially resulting in depression.
Those who have sought medical attention for chronic pain should also explain the impact on their ability to work, acknowledging that managing such conditions may include taking various measures over weeks, months, or even years.
What to do after a denial of disability benefits for chronic pain
You’ve filled out the forms, and you’ve compiled as much evidence as you could, and yet, the letter you get in the post informs you that you have been denied disability benefits for chronic pain.
Despite the pain, you find yourself forced back into the working world to provide for yourself and your family.
This is a tough time. I’ve seen it over and over again with my clients. Being told that your condition doesn’t warrant financial support only adds humiliation and frustration to the chronic pain. On top of that, forcing yourself back to work can have devastating consequences on your physical and mental health.
The good news is that you don’t have to simply accept this as a harsh reality. You can appeal the insurance company’s decision instead.
I have years of experience with disability benefits claims, including many cases of chronic pain. I know what you are going through, and I’m confident I can help you. You have a choice. You don’t have to let the insurance company deny you the support you are entitled to by law.
Book a free consultation today by hitting the button below or calling (888) 480-9050.
How Resolute Legal can help with your chronic pain case
Here at Resolute Legal, we focus exclusively on disability claims and represent clients in CPP disability, long and short-term disability, workers’ compensation, the disability tax credit and disability-related wrongful terminations.
We have represented several clients with pain-related conditions. In one case we worked on, the client suffered a severe puncture injury, which resulted in ongoing pain, leg weakness and poor balance. He was denied CPP disability despite all his efforts to stay in the workforce as well as his clear inability to do work. We were able to present the evidence in a way that highlighted his credibility. We also focused on how hard he tried to stay in the workforce and provided strong medical records. In the end, we won the case, and the client was approved for benefits.
Want to learn more about how we can assist you with your case? Click on the button below to schedule your free consultation.
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