Yes. Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can qualify as a disability when its symptoms prevent you from working safely, reliably and consistently.
FND is a neurological condition that can cause real, involuntary symptoms such as weakness, tremors, movement problems, functional seizures, difficulty walking, sensory changes, speech problems, fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
For disability benefits, the diagnosis alone is not enough. The key question is how your symptoms affect your ability to do your job. If an insurer says your tests are normal, your symptoms fluctuate or there is not enough “objective” evidence, don’t assume that means you aren’t entitled to benefits.
On This Page:
- 1. Is FND a Disability?
- 2. What Is FND?
- 3. How FND Can Affect Work
- 4. Disability Benefits for FND
- 5. Medical Evidence for an FND Claim
- 6. What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
- 7. FND Disability FAQs
Is FND Considered a Disability?
FND can be considered a disability when its symptoms substantially interfere with your ability to work or carry out important daily functions.
For short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) benefits, eligibility depends on the definition of disability in your insurance policy and the medical evidence showing how FND limits you.
You do not have to be completely incapable of every activity. FND can prevent work if it causes problems with:
- Walking, standing or balance
- Using your hands consistently
- Driving or operating machinery
- Speaking or communicating reliably
- Concentrating or remembering information
- Maintaining a normal work pace
- Working predictable hours or attending consistently
FND is one of many neurological disorders that can support a disability claim.
What Is Functional Neurological Disorder?
Functional Neurological Disorder is a condition that affects how the nervous system functions rather than necessarily causing structural damage that appears on standard imaging.
FND can affect movement, sensation, awareness, speech, thinking and other neurological functions. Symptoms can include:
- Weakness or paralysis
- Tremors or involuntary movements
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Functional seizures
- Numbness or altered sensation
- Speech difficulties
- Dizziness, fatigue or pain
- Problems with memory or concentration
Can you have FND with a normal MRI?
Yes. A normal MRI or other structural scan does not rule out FND.
FND involves how the nervous system is functioning. A person can therefore experience serious neurological symptoms even when structural imaging does not show an injury or disease that explains them.
Is FND imaginary or “all in your head”?
No. FND symptoms are real and involuntary.
Some people with FND also have anxiety, depression or other health conditions, but that does not make their neurological symptoms voluntary or unreal. For a disability claim, the important issue is how the medically supported symptoms affect the person’s ability to function and work.
How Can FND Affect Your Ability to Work?
FND can prevent employment when its symptoms interfere with attendance, safety, concentration, physical ability or the capacity to work consistently.
For some employees, weakness, tremors, balance problems or functional seizures make physical work unsafe. For others, fatigue, pain, memory problems or poor concentration make sustained office work difficult.
Symptoms can also fluctuate. You might be able to perform an activity on one day but be unable to repeat it reliably throughout a normal workweek.
This distinction matters. Disability insurance is not just about whether you can do something once. It is about whether you can perform the important duties of your job safely and consistently over time.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for FND?
Yes. FND can qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits when your symptoms meet the disability test in your policy.
Short-term disability benefits
Short-term disability benefits can replace part of your income when FND temporarily prevents you from performing your job. The amount and duration depend on your specific plan.
Long-term disability benefits
If your symptoms continue beyond the short-term period or LTD waiting period, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits.
The insurer will look at whether your symptoms prevent you from meeting the definition of disability in your policy. In many policies, that initially means assessing whether you can perform your own occupation.
Can FND qualify for CPP Disability?
Yes, if your condition meets CPP Disability’s separate eligibility test. An FND diagnosis alone does not guarantee approval. Your disability must meet the program’s severe and prolonged requirements.
Learn more about CPP Disability benefits in Canada.
What Medical Evidence Helps an FND Disability Claim?
The strongest FND disability evidence explains your diagnosis, symptoms and the specific limitations that prevent you from doing your job.
Useful evidence can include:
- Reports from your neurologist and family doctor
- Clinical findings supporting the diagnosis
- The frequency and severity of your symptoms
- Details about functional seizures or other episodes
- Problems with movement, balance, weakness or coordination
- Cognitive symptoms, fatigue or pain
- Treatment and rehabilitation records
- Work restrictions recommended by your medical team
- Records of unsuccessful return-to-work attempts
A medical note that simply says you have FND may not be enough. Your insurer also needs to understand what the condition prevents you from doing.
For example, your doctor should explain relevant problems with attendance, concentration, standing, walking, hand use, communication, safety or your ability to sustain a normal workday.
Learn more about the medical evidence needed for a long-term disability claim.
Why Are FND Disability Claims Denied?
FND disability claims can be denied when an insurer says there is not enough evidence that the symptoms prevent the claimant from working.
Common reasons include:
- Normal or inconclusive structural tests
- Symptoms that fluctuate between appointments
- Medical reports that do not clearly explain work limitations
- The insurer believes your daily activities show that you can work
- The insurer believes you can perform sedentary or modified duties
- The insurer says treatment should have produced more improvement
A denied claim does not necessarily mean you aren’t entitled to benefits.
If your FND claim has been denied or your benefits have been cut off:
- Read the denial letter. Identify exactly why the insurer says you can work.
- Continue appropriate treatment. Avoid unnecessary gaps in your medical care.
- Gather your medical records. Make sure they explain your functional limitations, not just your diagnosis.
- Get legal advice before deciding how to challenge the denial. An internal appeal is not always your only option.
Read our guide on what to do if your long-term disability claim has been denied.
FND Disability FAQs
Does FND qualify for disability benefits?
Yes. FND can qualify for disability benefits when medically supported symptoms prevent you from doing the work required by your disability policy.
Can you work with FND?
Some people with FND can work, while others cannot because of the severity or unpredictability of their symptoms. Some employees can work with reduced hours or modified duties. Others need to stop working completely.
Is FND a permanent disability?
Not necessarily. Some people improve significantly, while others experience long-term or recurring symptoms. You do not have to prove at the start of an LTD claim that you will be disabled forever.
Can FND qualify for LTD if scans are normal?
Yes. Normal structural imaging does not automatically prevent an FND long-term disability claim. The insurer should consider the complete medical evidence and how your symptoms affect your ability to work.
Do you need a lawyer to apply for FND disability benefits?
No. You can apply for disability benefits yourself. Legal advice becomes particularly important if your claim is denied, your benefits are terminated or the insurer says you are capable of returning to work.
Get Help With an FND Disability Claim
FND disability claims can become difficult when an insurer focuses on normal imaging, fluctuating symptoms or isolated daily activities instead of your ability to sustain regular employment.
If your disability benefits have been denied or cut off, don’t assume the insurer’s decision is correct.
The disability lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help people challenge denied disability claims involving FND and other neurological conditions. We can review your policy, medical evidence and denial and explain your legal options.