What to do next
Focus the evidence on function, not diagnosis
Document what you cannot do and for how long — sitting, standing, concentrating, sustaining a work day. Functional capacity evaluations and detailed treating reports carry more weight than a label.
Build consistency across the record
Consistency between what you report to each physician, your treatment history and your daily activity is the single strongest factor. Inconsistency is what insurers use.
Keep treating, and get advice
Gaps in treatment are read as improvement. Continue care and follow recommendations. Where a denial rests on 'no objective evidence', that is a contestable position — get legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be disabled without abnormal test results?
Yes. Canadian courts have accepted that conditions need not be objectively verifiable to be disabling; credible evidence of functional limitation is what matters.
What is a functional capacity evaluation?
A structured assessment of what you can physically sustain. It converts subjective complaint into measured function, which is why it is often decisive in these claims.
Does a mental health component help or hurt?
It is common alongside chronic pain and is compensable, but check whether your policy limits the benefit period for mental health conditions.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by location and every situation is different — speak with a qualified lawyer about your specific circumstances.