What Conditions Qualify for Disability in BC?

If you live in British Columbia and can’t work due to an illness or injury, you may qualify for short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) benefits through your employer or a private insurance policy.

So, what conditions qualify for disability in BC?

👉 There is no approved list of medical conditions.
What matters is whether your condition prevents you from doing your job, based on your insurance policy’s definition of “disabled.”

The Key Rule for Disability Benefits in BC

Insurance companies approve disability claims when both of the following are true:

• You have a diagnosed medical condition, and
• That condition stops you from performing the essential duties of your job

For LTD claims, most policies apply an “own occupation” test for the first two years. After that, the test usually changes to “any occupation”, meaning the insurer may argue you can work in some other job.

Common Conditions That May Qualify for Disability in BC

Because disability is based on functional limitations, many physical and mental health conditions may qualify — if supported by strong medical evidence.

Musculoskeletal & Chronic Pain Disorders

• Arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis)
• Fibromyalgia
• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic pain syndrome

Mental Health Conditions

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder

Neurological Conditions

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Epilepsy
• Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
• Chronic Migraines

Cardiovascular & Respiratory Conditions

• Heart disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Severe asthma

Autoimmune & Systemic Illness

• Lupus
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Important: A diagnosis alone is not enough. Insurers focus on how your symptoms limit your ability to work, not just the name of the condition.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability in BC

• Short-term disability benefits in BC covers temporary conditions (weeks to months), such as post-surgical recovery or acute mental health episodes.
• Long-term disability benefits in BC applies when a condition is expected to last longer than 90 days and may pay benefits for years — sometimes until age 65.

How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in BC

To strengthen an STD or LTD claim, you should:

• Obtain a clear medical diagnosis
• Provide detailed medical documentation
• Clearly explain functional limitations (what you cannot do at work)
• Follow and document recommended treatment plans

Why Disability Claims Are Denied in BC

Even when a condition qualifies, insurers often deny claims due to:

• Vague or insufficient medical evidence
• Disputes over the policy’s definition of “disabled”
• Claims that you could work in a different role
• Missed deadlines or incomplete forms

If your claim is denied, relying only on an internal appeal often leads to the same result. Many people only succeed after getting legal help.

What to Do If Your Condition Qualifies but Your Claim Is Denied

If your medical condition prevents you from working but your insurer refuses benefits, you may still have strong legal options.

For people in the Lower Mainland, speaking with a long-term disability lawyer in Vancouver can help determine whether the insurer applied the policy correctly and what steps to take next

Key Takeaways: Disability Conditions in BC

• There is no fixed list of qualifying conditions
• Any illness or injury may qualify if it prevents you from working
• Medical evidence and functional limitations matter more than diagnosis
• Disability claims are often denied even when the condition clearly qualifies
• Legal advice can make a decisive difference after a denial

Free Consultation With a BC Disability Lawyer

If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies — or your claim has been denied — your insurer’s decision is not final.