Whether you’ve been injured in an accident or are faced with a debilitating disease, your disability benefits can ease your burden as you face the reality of your condition. If you’re applying for CPP disability benefits, your medical documentation can make the difference between getting your claim approved or denied. Here’s a guide to the role of medical documentation in your CPP disability claim.
CPP disability benefit criteria
To qualify for CPP disability benefits, the condition causing your impairment must meet the criteria for severity and duration. It should be severe enough to make you unable to do the work you were doing before your injury or the onset of your condition. It should also make you unable to work and earn comparable pay in a field other than your previous employment. Additionally, it must be a condition that cannot be corrected or whose recovery timeline cannot be predicted.
Conditions deemed eligible for CPP disability benefits include but aren’t limited to mental and psychological impairments like Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia. The list of eligible physical impairments is longer and includes conditions like arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease and mobility issues. As you can tell, the level of severity of many of these conditions can vary widely.
Required documentation
When filing for CPP disability benefits, your claim must include two official forms:
ISP1151 CPP Disability Benefits Form. You must complete this form yourself, providing details on your work history and CPP contributions, as well as information about the nature of your disability and the medical professionals who have been treating you. If you have a terminal illness, the ISP2530A form is required.
ISP2519 CPP Disability Medical Report Form. Although this form will be submitted by your doctor or medical practitioner, you must complete the first two sections before forwarding it to them. These sections include identifying information about yourself plus your consent for the medical professional and Service Canada to communicate regarding your condition.
Your medical documentation should demonstrate the severity and duration of your impairment. Your medical professional will provide details in their report, but you can also support your claim. Keep personal records, such as receipts for pain management treatments or a journal of your daily experiences with your condition and present that information to your doctor.
Dedicated CPP disability claim lawyer in Saskatchewan and Alberta
Whether you need support applying for CPP disability benefits or representation for a personal injury case, count on the experienced team at Ludwar Law Firm. Based in Calgary, we’re able to represent clients throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, and your first consultation is free. Contact us today to book your appointment.
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