What is a Psychotraumatic Disability (Beyond WSIB)

If you’ve suffered a serious injury at work or outside of work, you might later develop emotional or psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. When those mental-health effects stem directly from a physical injury, they may be referred to as a psychotraumatic disability.

But does this term only apply to WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) claims in Ontario — or can it also affect short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), or CPP Disability benefits?

Let’s break it down.

What is a Psychotraumatic Disability?

A psychotraumatic disability is a psychological condition that develops because of a physical injury or accident. It’s recognized in Ontario under WSIB’s policy Operational Policy Manual 15-04-02, which defines it as:

“A psychological impairment resulting from, or secondary to, a physical injury by accident.”

In simpler terms, this means:

• You were physically injured (for example, in a workplace accident).
• That injury or its treatment led to lasting mental-health effects — such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.
• The psychological symptoms significantly affect your ability to function or return to work.

Under WSIB, psychotraumatic disabilities must usually appear within five years of the injury or the last surgery related to it.

Examples of Psychotraumatic Disabilities

Some common examples include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a severe accident or injury
• Depression linked to chronic pain or reduced mobility
• Anxiety caused by long recovery periods or permanent impairment
• Emotional distress tied to visible scarring or disfigurement

WSIB vs. Other Disability Claims

While the term “psychotraumatic disability” is unique to WSIB law, the concept behind it — a mental illness caused by a physical injury — can appear in other types of disability claims your insurer or the government handles.

Here’s how it translates to the benefit systems that Samfiru Tumarkin LLP actually deals with.

1. Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Private or group disability insurance policies typically cover disabilities caused by illness or injury, including psychological conditions.

Even though they may not use the phrase “psychotraumatic disability,” many policies do recognize mental-health conditions — provided you can prove that:

• Your psychological symptoms were caused by or directly linked to a physical injury.
• The symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from performing your job duties.
• You’re receiving ongoing medical treatment from a licensed professional.

The same logic applies. What matters is causation and impact, not the label your insurer uses.

2. CPP Disability (CPPD)

The Canada Pension Plan Disability program doesn’t use the term “psychotraumatic,” but it accepts both physical and mental conditions — as long as they are severe and prolonged.

If your mental-health condition developed because of a physical injury, that connection can strengthen your claim. For example:

• Chronic pain led to major depression
• An injury outside the workplace caused trauma that makes you unable to concentrate or leave home

CPP Disability focuses on whether your condition prevents you from working regularly at any job, not on how the disability started.

Psychotraumatic conditions can qualify for CPP Disability, as long as they meet the “severe and prolonged” test.

3. Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

The Disability Tax Credit doesn’t categorize disabilities by cause. Instead, it looks at how your condition affects your daily living activities and whether the impairment has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months.

If your psychological symptoms stemming from a physical injury make it difficult to function day-to-day, you could still qualify for the DTC. Medical practitioners can certify the mental-health component of your disability, even if it originated from a physical trauma.

You don’t need to prove a “psychotraumatic disability” — just a marked or significant restriction in daily life caused by your mental-health condition.

Can You Receive Both WSIB and LTD or CPP Disability?

In most cases, you can’t collect WSIB and LTD at the same time for the same injury, since WSIB covers work-related incidents and LTD policies cover non-work injuries or illnesses. However, many workers who are denied WSIB or don’t qualify for it can still pursue LTD or CPP Disability benefits — especially if the psychological injury has become disabling on its own.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Psychotraumatic Disability

If your physical injury has led to depression, anxiety, or PTSD, you should:

1. Get medical documentation early.
   Ask your doctor or therapist to clearly note the link between your physical and psychological symptoms.
2. Keep records of your symptoms, treatments, and how your condition affects work or daily life.
3. Check your disability coverage.
   Review your STD/LTD policy or talk to a lawyer to understand what is and isn’t covered.
4. Apply for benefits promptly — delay can raise red flags with insurers.
5. Get legal advice before appealing a denial.
   Insurers often reject mental-health–related claims. a disability lawyer at our firm can ensure your rights are protected.

Why Speak to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

Our disability lawyers help Canadians across the country (outside Quebec) secure benefits from major insurers, including Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Desjardins, and others.

We handle cases where people develop serious psychological conditions after physical injuries, even if the insurer calls it a “mental health limitation” instead of a psychotraumatic disability.

You don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Final Takeaway

While “psychotraumatic disability” is a WSIB term, the underlying reality — mental-health challenges caused by a physical injury — affects people in many types of disability claims.

If your insurer or the government has denied or cut off your benefits after an accident or injury, you still have options.

Our team can review your claim and determine whether your psychological symptoms qualify for LTD, STD, CPP Disability, or the Disability Tax Credit.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

You’re not alone in this journey.

Coping with trauma after a serious injujry is difficult enough — securing your benefits shouldn’t add to your burden.

Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today at 1-855-821-5900 or fill out a short online form to speak with an experienced disability lawyer who understands both the physical and psychological sides of disability claims. We’ve helped thousands of Canadians secure disability benefits through:

• 💰 No Win, No Fee — Free consultations and you don’t pay unless we succeed
• 👥 Personalized legal support throughout your case
• 🏆 Proven track record of winning LTD, CPP Disability, and DTC benefit claims
• ⭐ Thousands of 5-star reviews from disability, injury, and employment law clients
• 🗺️ Serving clients across Ontario in-person and virtually, wherever you’re located