“It’s Infuriating”: DRPS Officers Struggle with Employer Over PTSD Claims

What’s Happening?

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is allegedly making it difficult for officers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to access workplace mental health benefits.

According to a 6-year report by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, the service “vigorously opposed virtually every” officers’ PTSD application to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB).

“It makes you feel worthless when you’ve poured so much into your employer and you’ve been so faithful,” one officer, identified as Stephen by CBC News, said.

“It’s unreal. It’s infuriating.”

DRPS Chief Peter Moreira told the news outlet that the service challenges very few WSIB claims — adding it only does so to get more details about the worker’s case. However, a WSIB spokesperson said there are several ways employers can get information about a claim that don’t require challenging it.

SEE ALSO
• Ontario Postman with PTSD Reinstated, Fired for Hoarding 6,000 Pieces of Mail
• Duty to Accommodate in Ontario: Employee Guide

Outside of WSIB: Disability Benefits for PTSD in Ontario

PTSD can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

In addition to WSIB claims, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can also provide financial peace of mind to Ontarians who can’t work due to this debilitating condition.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving PTSD — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

SEE ALSO
• Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability in Canada
• Denied LTD? Seek Legal Advice Before Appealing the Decision
• Canada Post Worker Denied LTD During Cancer Battle
• Pocket Disability Lawyer: Real-Time Insights on Your Rights

📺 WATCH: Next Steps After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied in Ontario? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevents you from accessing disability benefits for PTSD, or another medical condition, connect with an experienced Ontario disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims across the province.

We’ve helped thousands of Ontarians, including Julie Austin and Sandra Bullock, secure the compensation they’re owed.

Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.