When you apply for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits, you expect fairness, compassion, and clarity—especially when you are unable to work due to a serious medical condition. Unfortunately, many valid CPP disability claims are denied, leaving people frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next.
At Kotak Law, we represent individuals across Canada who have been denied both private long-term disability insurance and CPP disability benefits. CPP-D is often a critical lifeline, and a denial can create financial hardship at the worst possible time. The good news is this: a CPP disability denial is not the end of the road. With the right evidence and legal guidance, many applicants are ultimately approved on reconsideration or through a Tribunal appeal.
This guide explains why CPP disability claims are denied, how the reconsideration and appeal process works, what evidence you need, and how a disability lawyer can strengthen your case.
What Is the CPP Disability Benefit?
CPP-D is a federal disability benefit for people who:
- Have contributed sufficiently to the Canada Pension Plan, and
- Have a disability that is both severe and prolonged, preventing them from regularly working at any
Severe means you cannot regularly pursue substantially gainful employment.
Prolonged means the condition is long-term or likely to result in death.
Despite these definitions, Service Canada frequently denies claims—even when applicants have significant medical limitations.
Why Are CPP Disability Claims Denied? (Most Common Reasons)
Understanding the typical denial patterns gives you a roadmap for success on appeal. The most common CPP-D denial reasons include:
- Service Canada says your disability is not “severe”
This is the #1 reason CPP-D claims are denied.
You may be unable to perform your real-world job, yet Service Canada may argue you still have the capacity for another type of work. They often rely on phrases like:
- “You are capable of alternative work.”
- “You can do lighter or sedentary employment.”
- “Your functional limitations are not supported by medical evidence.”
This is particularly common with:
- Chronic pain
- Depression or anxiety
- PTSD
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Long COVID
- Migraines
- Back or neck injuries
- Service Canada says your disability is not “prolonged”
Claims are denied when they believe your condition may improve.
For example:
- You recently started treatment
- A specialist hasn’t provided a long-term prognosis
- Medical records mention “stable,” “improving,” or “follow-up pending”
This is common for conditions like surgical recovery, cancer treatment, or newly diagnosed illnesses.
- The medical evidence is incomplete or inconsistent
CPP-D decisions rely heavily on medical documentation. Claims may be denied because:
- Doctors don’t provide detailed functional limitations
- Medical reports focus on diagnosis but not on workplace impact
- Treatment notes appear sparse or irregular
- Specialists have not been involved
- Records contain phrases like “doing better” or “managing”
- Service Canada believes you can still work based on your daily activities
CPP adjudicators may misinterpret normal daily living as proof you can work. For example:
- Preparing simple meals
- Driving short distances
- Caring for children with help
- Light household tasks
- Occasional social activities
They sometimes conclude these activities show work capacity—even if they are done infrequently or with pain.
- Lack of “compliance with treatment”
CPP may deny your claim if they believe you have not:
- Pursued recommended therapy
- Taken prescribed medication
- Followed specialist referrals
- Participated in rehab or physiotherapy
- Attended mental health treatment
Even when applicants have valid reasons (cost, side effects, lack of access), CPP may still deny the claim.
- CPP thinks you can return to work with accommodation
Applicants with mental health issues, chronic pain, or fluctuating disabilities are often told they can:
- Work part-time
- Work modified hours
- Work a lighter role
CPP does not consider whether such work is realistically available.
What To Do After Your CPP Disability Claim Is Denied
A denial does not mean you don’t qualify. Many people eventually get approved.
You have two stages of appeal:
- Reconsideration (First Appeal Stage)
You must request a reconsideration within 90 days of receiving your denial letter.
This is your chance to submit:
- Updated medical records
- Specialist reports
- Functional assessments
- A personal statement describing your limitations
- Support letters from doctors, therapists, or employers
A strong reconsideration package can overturn the denial without going to a hearing.
- Social Security Tribunal (SST) Appeal
If your reconsideration is denied, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal – General Division.
This is a more formal process, and applicants often have much higher success when represented by a lawyer.
At the hearing, we present:
- Medical evidence
- Employment history
- Expert reports
- Legal arguments
- Cross-examination of CPP’s position (if applicable)
If the General Division denies the appeal, you may have grounds to appeal further to the SST Appeal Division.
How Kotak Law Helps With CPP Disability Denials
Although our firm is known for Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance litigation, we also regularly assist clients with CPP-D issues because they often overlap. Insurers typically require clients to apply for CPP-D after 2 years of LTD benefits, and a CPP denial can be used by insurers to pressure you unfairly.
Our team at Kotak Law helps by:
✔ Reviewing your denial letter
✔ Identifying why CPP refused your claim
✔ Gathering missing medical evidence
✔ Working with your treating doctors
✔ Preparing legal submissions for reconsideration
✔ Representing you at SST Tribunal hearings
✔ Coordinating your CPP-D claim with your LTD claim to protect your rights
A CPP denial can weaken your LTD claim unless it is handled strategically. We ensure both claims reinforce each other, not contradict.
Medical Evidence That Strengthens a CPP Disability Appeal
For CPP to approve your claim, your medical evidence must show:
- Functional limitations
Not just diagnosis—how your symptoms prevent you from working.
- Consistent, detailed treatment notes
Regular follow-ups support the “prolonged” requirement.
- Specialist involvement
Service Canada gives more weight to psychiatrist, neurologist, rheumatologist, or cardiologist reports.
- Work attempts and failures
If you tried returning to work but couldn’t sustain it, this is strong evidence of severity.
- Medication and treatment history
Shows compliance and persistence.
- Supporting letters
Doctors should describe your restrictions in work-focused language.
Top CPP Disability Denial Myths — Debunked
“I need to be bedridden to qualify.”
False. Many approved applicants can perform basic daily tasks.
“My doctor says I’m disabled, so CPP must approve me.”
CPP looks at function, not just medical opinion.
“If I’m denied once, I’ll always be denied.”
Many people win on reconsideration or appeal.
“Mental health disabilities rarely qualify.”
Incorrect—CPP approves many claims for depression, PTSD, and anxiety with the right evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPP Disability Denials
Q. How long do I have to appeal?
90 days from the date you receive the denial letter.
Q. Does my age matter?
Yes. Older workers often have stronger appeals due to limited retraining prospects.
Q. Can I work while appealing?
You must be careful. Even small earnings may harm your case.
Q. Will CPP backpay benefits if I win?
Yes—retroactive payments can be significant.
Q. Should I get a lawyer?
Appeals are complex. Legal representation significantly increases success rates.
If Your CPP Disability Claim Was Denied, Kotak Law Can Help
You should not have to battle federal bureaucracy while dealing with a serious medical condition. At Kotak Law, we help clients across Ontario and Alberta challenge unfair CPP disability denials and secure the benefits they deserve.
We offer free consultations, and there are no fees until we win.
Contact Kotak Law today and take the first step toward overturning your CPP-D denial.
