Chronic Pain & Disability Insurance — Why Claims Get Rejected
Chronic pain can be life-altering. It can rob you of your mobility, focus, and energy — yet leave you looking "normal" on the outside. For thousands of Albertans, chronic pain after an accident, injury, or illness makes full-time work impossible.
Unfortunately, disability insurers often reject chronic pain claims, arguing there's "no objective proof" of disability. They may suggest that pain is exaggerated, psychological, or unrelated to the accident. But chronic pain is a medically recognized condition — and under Alberta law, it's compensable.
As Alberta disability lawyers who once defended insurance companies, we understand exactly why chronic pain claims are denied — and how to prove them.
This article explains why chronic pain disability claims are rejected, what medical evidence insurers demand, and how to build a strong case for benefits or settlement.
This guide covers:
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain refers to pain that lasts longer than three months and persists beyond the normal healing period. It's recognized by the World Health Organization and Alberta courts as a legitimate disability.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain:
What Is a Disability Claim?
Disability insurance pays monthly benefits when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. In Alberta, you may have one or more of these coverage types:
Short-Term Disability (STD)
Provides income replacement for a few weeks or months. Typically managed by your employer or insurer.
Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Begins after STD ends (or after an "elimination period"). Can last until age 65 if you remain disabled.
Private or Individual Disability Policies
Purchased directly by professionals, contractors, or business owners. Usually provide stronger protection but require detailed evidence.
Key point: Chronic pain can qualify for any of these disability benefit types if it prevents you from performing your job duties.
Steps to Take If Your Chronic Pain Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied, strategic steps can turn the case around:
Request the Denial Letter
Request the denial letter. It must explain the reasons and cite policy terms.
Obtain Your Full Claim File
Obtain your full claim file. You're entitled to all medical reviews and correspondence.
Meet with Your Doctor
Meet with your doctor. Ask them to document work-related limitations, not just pain levels.
Request Specialist Assessments
Request specialist assessments. Pain specialists, physiatrists, and occupational therapists provide stronger evidence.
Document Your Symptoms Daily
Document your symptoms daily. Journals showing pain patterns strengthen credibility.
Consult an Alberta Disability Lawyer
Consult an Alberta disability lawyer. We can coordinate medical reports, arrange functional testing, and negotiate or litigate with the insurer.
How a Lawyer Strengthens Chronic Pain Claims
Chronic pain claims require a blend of medical coordination, legal strategy, and persistence. Here's how we help:
Gather and Organize Medical Evidence
We work directly with your doctors to ensure reports meet insurer criteria.
Coordinate Independent Assessments
FCEs, pain-clinic evaluations, or vocational reports.
Challenge Biased Insurer Evidence
Cross-examining IME reports and internal reviews.
Calculate Damages
Including back pay, interest, and future benefits.
Negotiate or Litigate
Most chronic pain cases settle once strong evidence is presented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Chronic pain disability claims face unique challenges, but they are worth fighting. With the right medical evidence, legal strategy, and persistence, you can secure the benefits you deserve.
Chronic pain is a medically recognized and compensable condition
Lack of objective imaging does not mean lack of disability
Specialist reports and functional assessments are crucial
Legal representation can expose insurer tactics and secure fair compensation
Still have questions? Contact us today — your consultation is free.
Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.