What is the Most Approved Disability?

Handling a long term disability (LTD) claim is intimidating, especially when your financial future is on the line. One of the most common questions from claimants regarding LTD benefits is: “What is the most approved disability in Canada?” Many also ask, “What is the easiest disability to get approved for?”

Among the most commonly approved conditions are mental illness and musculoskeletal disorders.
The short version: Mental illness and musculoskeletal conditions, particularly musculoskeletal disorders of the musculoskeletal system, are two of the most frequently approved disabilities within Canada. These ailments always lead the pack when it comes to approved long term disability claims from insurers, primarily because of their prevalence and effect on a person’s capacity to carry out day-to-day job tasks.

Knowing which disabilities most often get accepted and understanding how each condition affects your claim can assist you in starting your own claim and improving your capacity for daily living while steering you clear of pitfalls that cause denial.

The List of Most Commonly Approved Disabilities in Canada

Insurance companies and government disability programs, including private long-term disability (LTD) insurers and the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD), tend to follow similar patterns when it comes to assessing and approving disability claims.

These patterns are shaped by the prevalence of certain conditions, the availability of medical evidence, and the impact of each condition on a person’s ability to carry out daily and occupational tasks.

The most frequently approved disabilities in Canada for LTD benefits and long-term disability coverage are those that present ongoing, medically documented impairments that significantly interfere with a person’s capacity to work or engage in normal life activities. These include chronic physical conditions, such as musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disorders, as well as psychological and neurological illnesses that can cause both cognitive and functional limitations.

Understanding which disabilities are most commonly approved can help claimants prepare more complete applications and avoid common pitfalls that lead to delays or denials.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic lower back pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

These connective tissue disorders introduce ongoing pain, inflammation, and mobility issues that make even the most basic work tasks, such as sitting, lifting, or typing, impossible.

Mental Health Disorders

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Panic disorder

Mental illness is apt to interfere with cognitive functioning, emotional control, and social interaction, inalterable aspects of on-the-job productivity.

Though they are potentially harder to prove than illnesses that are physical, mental health claims and other mental disorders are increasingly being recognized in approved claims for disability.

Neurological Conditions

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Migraines (disabling and chronic)

These disorders damage the brain and nervous system, making it impossible to continue working due to coordination problems, fatigue, tremors, or seizures.

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Heart disease
• Stroke aftermath
• Severe hypertension
• Congestive heart failure

Major cardiac illnesses can considerably reduce energy levels and render one susceptible to unforeseen medical incidents at work. These illnesses are usually associated with strict medical restrictions.

Cancers and Terminal Diseases

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Leukemia
• Other metastatic cancers

Cancer-related claims are usually accepted based on the disabling disease and its treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) impacting functional capacity profoundly, even on a temporary level.

If cancer has affected your ability to work, along with chronic pain conditions, our disability insurance lawyers can assist you in understanding how to qualify for disability and help you submit or appeal your LTD claim.

Chronic Pain & Fatigue Syndromes

Disabling chronic pain and fatigue conditions are increasingly recognized in long-term disability (LTD) claims, although they can be among the most challenging to prove due to their often “invisible” nature.

These conditions do not always show up on standard diagnostic tests, making it essential to provide thorough and consistent documentation over time. When supported by specialist care, functional assessments, and detailed symptom tracking, these conditions can form the basis for a successful disability claim.

These include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Though more difficult to diagnose, these diseases are more understood when documented over time and supported by specialist treatment.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders and common neurological disorders, along with spinal cord injuries, are the most frequent category of disability benefits sanctioned in Canada. Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, causing chronic pain, limited mobility, and inability to do even sedentary work.

Classic examples are:

• Degenerative disc disease causing severe back pain
• Osteoarthritis limiting hand or leg movement
• Herniated discs that impair walking or sitting

These illnesses are easier to confirm with objective evidence like MRIs, X-rays, or physical therapy reports, thus making them more likely to be approved.

Cancers

Cancer is likely one of the simplest disabilities to qualify for disability benefits, both with private LTD insurance and Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) claims.

The incapacitating effects of cancer itself, and the intense treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, can significantly impair an individual’s functioning.

The most common cancers that can receive disability benefits: Breast cancer, Lung cancer, Colon and rectal cancer, Lymphomas and leukemia, and Metastatic cancers (cancer that has spread).

Even for those in remission, lingering side effects like fatigue, neuropathy, and psychic trauma may justify long-term LTD coverage.

Mental Health Conditions

Mental illnesses are increasingly diagnosed in accepted claims for disability, but remain among the most denied due to stigma and difficulty in proving impairment.

Commonly accepted mental health disabilities:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Bipolar disorder
• Panic disorder

Insurers typically demand:

• Psychiatric or psychological examinations
• Structured therapy from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist
• Documentation of how the illness impacts daily functioning and job

Cardiovascular and Circulatory Disorders

Stamina, concentration, and physical strength are severely impacted by heart disease and heart issues, rendering full-time work impossible in most cases.

Disabilities involve:

• Coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Recovery from stroke or coronary surgery

Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and respiratory conditions such as chest pain may justify time off work or long leave when medically indicated.

Neurological Disorders

Neurological diseases typically qualify for long disability and are seen as a significant limitation because they are progressive and unpredictable. Neurological disorders may impact movement, communication, memory, or sensation.

Examples:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Epilepsy
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Such disorders typically require evaluations by neurologists, MRIs, and ongoing medical follow-up.

If you’re suffering from a neurological illness that affects your daily living and struggling with LTD, speak to our disability insurance lawyers at Grillo Law.

Skin Disorders

While less common, certain severe skin disorders may also qualify for disability benefits, particularly when they impact mobility, cause chronic pain, or require frequent treatment.

Examples:

• Psoriasis (severe cases)
• Eczema with open sores
• Chronic skin infections
• Skin cancer

Dermatologists’ records, flare-up records, and effects of treatment are most relevant to determining severity.

Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disabilities have the potential to completely restrict your ability to perform even sedentary employment, especially if the condition is progressive or chronic.

Qualifying conditions:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• Heart disease,
• Cystic fibrosis,
• Chronic asthma (severe, uncontrolled),
• And Pulmonary fibrosis.

Limitations on the job are likely to arise from diminished endurance, dependence on oxygen, and susceptibility to infections.

Commonly Approved Conditions Among Disabled Children

Disabled children are evaluated differently but could be entitled to government and insurance benefits under some plans.

Among the most commonly approved impairments are:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Severe developmental delay
• Muscular dystrophy
• Hearing and vision loss

Although LTD usually insures working adults, these disabilities often qualify for child disability benefits and can affect parental leave or private family insurance policies.

Why Does It Take Longer to Approve Some Disability Claims?

Even if your condition is one of the most commonly approved, that does not always guarantee your claim approved or a smooth process. Many legitimate claims are held back, or denied altogether, over procedural or evidentiary issues.

Lengthy reasons for delays:

• Poor or unclear medical records
• Inadequate ongoing treatment
• Disputes over functional capacity
• Inconsistent doctor reports
• Subjective complaints (e.g., fatigue, chronic pain)

Your insurance company will request additional forms, Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), or surveillance. These tactics can delay the claim for several months.

Signs You’re Likely to Be Approved for Disability

Want to know if you’re on the right track?

These are some green flags that your claim will be approved:

• You have a clear diagnosis by a competent medical specialist
• You’ve adhered to recommended treatments and visited regularly
• Your doctor has placed clear work restrictions
• You’ve submitted complete documentation, including test results and symptom logs
• Your condition has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months
• Your insurer has not requested further clarification

Importance of Hiring a Disability Denial Lawyer

Even the best-documented claim is subject to denial for company prejudice, in-house quotas, or obscure policy language. If your claim is denied or improperly held up, long term disability insurance legal assistance can mean the difference between financial ruin and fair compensation.

Grillo Law disability lawyers can:

• Review and strengthen your proof
• Overturn denials within the court period
• Champion you during negotiations or lawsuits
• Hold your insurer to policy and legal standards

Learn more about your rights and arrange a free consultation with our team today.

Understanding the most widely accepted disabilities in Canada is only the first step in securing long-term social security administration disability insurance benefits. Each case is unique, and success depends on documentation, legal know-how, and tireless advocacy. If you suffer from cancer, depression, back pain, or other chronic diseases, you are entitled to the financial protection your policy promises.