You have done everything you were asked to do.
You visited your doctors, attended treatment, completed forms, and provided Manulife with medical information about your condition.
Then the letter arrived.
Perhaps Manulife claims there is insufficient medical evidence to support your disability. Maybe a medical reviewer concluded that you can return to work. Or perhaps the insurer believes you can perform another occupation, even though your treating doctor says you remain unable to work.
Meanwhile, you are still dealing with pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, or another medical condition that affects your ability to function.
And now you have another problem: How will you pay your bills?
A Manulife LTD denial does not necessarily mean you are no longer entitled to disability benefits. It means Manulife has decided you do not meet the requirements of your policy. That decision can be examined and, where appropriate, challenged.
At Hilborn and Konduros Lawyers, Robert Konduros helps Ontario residents understand why their benefits were denied, whether the insurer’s decision is supported by the evidence, and what legal options may be available.
Why Does Manulife Deny Long-Term Disability Claims?
Manulife provides disability insurance through different group and individual insurance products. Coverage terms, eligibility requirements, and claims procedures vary by policy.
When assessing a claim, the insurer considers whether the medical and other evidence establishes disability under the applicable insurance contract.
Disagreements can arise over the interpretation of that evidence, the definition of disability, or the policy’s conditions.
When Manulife denies your long-term disability claim or stops paying your benefits, your health isn’t the only concern. Suddenly, you’re wondering how you’ll pay your bills and support your family, even though your medical condition still prevents you from working.
I understand how upsetting it can be to rely on disability insurance for financial protection, only to have your claim denied when you need that support most.
With decades of experience handling disability and insurance disputes in Ontario, I help people challenge Manulife’s decisions and pursue the benefits they’re entitled to under their policies.
You don’t have to face the insurance company alone.
For a no-obligation chat, call 519 658 6341
– Rob Konduros, Personal Injury & Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Common Reasons for Manulife LTD Claim Denials
1. Insufficient medical evidence
Manulife may determine that the medical information provided does not adequately establish how your condition prevents you from working.
A diagnosis alone may not explain your functional restrictions, such as difficulty concentrating, standing, lifting, sitting, maintaining attendance, or completing tasks reliably.
2. Disagreement about your ability to work
Manulife may conclude that you have sufficient functional capacity to return to your previous occupation or perform other work.
Your lawyer can review whether that conclusion reflects your actual medical restrictions and the disability definition in your policy.
3. The change from own occupation to any occupation
Many group LTD policies use a different disability definition after an initial benefit period, often 24 months.
Manulife may reassess whether you can perform another occupation for which you are reasonably suited, according to your policy’s wording.
4. Disputes involving mental health or invisible disabilities
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue can significantly affect a person’s ability to work.
These conditions may require detailed medical and functional evidence to explain their impact on your work capacity.
5. Disagreements about medical treatment
An insurer may raise concerns about treatment participation, missed appointments, or recommendations from healthcare providers.
There may be legitimate reasons why a particular treatment was unavailable, unsuitable, ineffective, or medically inappropriate.
6. Insurer-arranged assessments or medical reviews
Manulife may request additional medical information or assessments, where permitted by the policy.
Disagreements may arise between the insurer’s conclusions and those of your treating medical professionals.
7. Policy exclusions or eligibility requirements
Pre-existing condition exclusions, coverage effective dates, waiting periods, and other contract terms may affect eligibility.
Whether an exclusion applies depends on the precise policy language and circumstances.
What If Manulife’s Decision Conflicts With Your Doctor’s Opinion?
Your treating doctor’s evidence matters.
However, an LTD claim often requires more than a statement confirming you are unable to work.
Medical records should explain the restrictions and limitations caused by your condition, their expected duration, and their effect on your occupational duties.
Robert Konduros can review your medical records alongside the policy requirements and Manulife’s stated reasons for denying your claim.
What Should You Do If Manulife Denies or Terminates Your LTD Benefits?
A denial letter can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Start with these practical steps.
Step 1: Keep Your Manulife Denial Letter
Save the complete letter, including the date and any instructions about appealing the decision.
Identify the specific reasons Manulife provides for denying or terminating your claim.
Step 2: Get a Copy of Your Disability Insurance Policy
Your policy contains the requirements used to determine whether you qualify for benefits.
If you receive coverage through your employer, request the relevant group plan documents and benefits booklet. Your lawyer may also need the governing policy wording.
Step 3: Organize Your Medical Evidence
Gather available medical records, specialist reports, test results, treatment histories, and documents showing how your condition affects your daily functioning and work capacity.
Do not assume that a diagnosis alone addresses every issue raised by the insurer.
Step 4: Identify Your Deadlines
Manulife may provide an internal appeal deadline.
Ontario also has legal limitation periods that may affect your ability to commence a lawsuit.
Do not assume that filing an internal appeal will stop the limitation period for court proceedings from running.
Step 5: Speak With an Ontario Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Before submitting another appeal or agreeing to a settlement, consider having an experienced lawyer review your claim.
You may have evidence that Manulife has overlooked, or the insurer may be applying a disputed interpretation of your policy.
A legal review can help you choose the next step with greater confidence.
How Robert Konduros Helps With Manulife Long-Term Disability Claims
Your legal strategy should begin with your policy, medical evidence, employment history, and the specific reasons Manulife has given for its decision.
At Hilborn and Konduros Lawyers, Rob provides personal representation throughout the process.
1. Review Your Manulife Policy and Denial
Rob examines your policy documents, denial or termination letter, and the medical information relevant to your claim.
He identifies the disability definition that applies and the legal issues requiring further investigation.
2. Assess Your Medical and Occupational Evidence
Your medical records need to explain how your condition affects your ability to perform work.
Depending on your case, additional information from treating doctors, specialists, or vocational professionals may help address gaps or disagreements in the evidence.
3. Determine Whether an Appeal or Lawsuit Is Appropriate
Manulife may offer an internal appeal process, but an appeal is not necessarily the best option for every claimant.
Rob reviews the available evidence, applicable deadlines, and potential legal remedies before recommending a course of action.
4. Deal With the Insurer and Pursue Your Claim
If you retain Hilborn and Konduros, Rob can manage legal communication and pursue negotiations or court proceedings where appropriate.
His focus is on seeking a fair resolution based on your contractual entitlement and the evidence supporting your disability.
5. Work Toward Recovering Your Benefits
Depending on your circumstances, possible outcomes may include payment of past-due benefits, reinstatement of ongoing payments, a negotiated lump-sum settlement, or another legally available remedy.
No particular outcome can be guaranteed. Rob will explain the options and their implications so you can make an informed decision.
Why Choose Robert Konduros as Your Manulife Disability Lawyer?
Nearly 40 Years of Ontario Litigation Experience
Robert Konduros graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1986.
His litigation practice includes disability insurance disputes, personal injury claims, and other civil litigation matters.
He has appeared at different levels of the Ontario court system, including the Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, and Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Former Chairperson of the CPP Disability Benefits Tribunal
Rob previously served as Chairperson of the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits Tribunal.
This background contributes to his understanding of disability-related evidence, functional restrictions, and legal decision-making.
Private Manulife LTD claims and CPP Disability claims involve different legal tests, and Rob assesses each claim under the rules that apply to it.
Work Directly With Your Lawyer
Your case receives personal attention from Rob.
You can ask questions, discuss concerns, and understand the steps being taken on your behalf without having your file passed between junior lawyers.
No Upfront Legal Fees
Hilborn and Konduros offers contingency-fee arrangements for disability litigation.
This generally means the lawyer’s fee depends on recovering compensation for you.
The terms, including disbursements, applicable taxes, and other financial obligations, will be explained in a written agreement before you retain the firm.
Local Ontario Law Firm With Province-Wide Representation
Hilborn and Konduros is based in Cambridge, Ontario, and represents clients throughout the province.
Home and hospital visits may be available to clients who cannot travel to the office.
You deserve clear legal advice, respectful treatment, and direct access to the lawyer handling your claim.
Request Your Free Manulife LTD Case Review
Medical Conditions That May Qualify for Manulife Long-Term Disability Benefits
Long-term disability insurance can provide income protection when an illness or injury meets the disability definition in your policy.
A wide range of physical and psychological conditions may support an LTD claim, depending on their severity and impact on your ability to work.
These may include:
-
Mental health conditions: depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions.
-
Chronic pain conditions: fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and other persistent pain disorders.
-
Neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, and neurological injuries.
-
Cancer and serious illnesses: conditions and treatment-related complications that prevent work.
-
Musculoskeletal conditions: severe arthritis, spinal conditions, and other disorders affecting mobility and physical functioning.
-
Chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions: ME/CFS, Long COVID, and related conditions affecting stamina, concentration, and functional capacity.
-
Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions: heart disease, pulmonary disorders, and other conditions that substantially affect working capacity.
There is no single medical diagnosis that automatically guarantees Manulife LTD benefits.
Eligibility depends on the particular policy and the evidence establishing how your condition affects your ability to perform work.
Testimonials
Long-Term Disability Lawyer in Ontario
Robert Konduros of Hilborn and Konduros Lawyers in Ontario has fought insurers on long-term disability denials for 38+ years and is a former Chairperson of the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits Tribunal, representing claimants on a contingency-fee basis with no upfront cost.
38
Years of Experience
$0
Upfront Costs
120+
Positive Reviews
Start with a Free Case Review
Long-Term Disability Posts
Manulife vs. Canada Life vs. RBC. How Long-Term Disability Claims Compare in Ontario
Compare Manulife, Canada Life and RBC long-term disability claims in Ontario, including claim forms, medical evidence, deadlines, appeals and policy
Proving Invisible Disabilities in Ontario: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, and Long-Term Disability Claims
Learn how to strengthen an Ontario Long-Term Disability claim for fibromyalgia or chronic pain using medical, functional, work, and reliability
Equitable Life Long Term Disability Denial Help in Ontario
Equitable Life denied or cut off your LTD benefits? A long term disability lawyer in Cambridge, Ontario can review the denial, appeal options, and