Are you struggling to get the disability benefits you need to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) in British Columbia? Insurance companies often question addiction-related claims, even when strong medical evidence supports them. A denied disability claim can feel discouraging, but it does not have to be the final word.
A lawyer from Warnett Hallen LLP can review your policy, assess your medical documentation, and explain your rights under BC insurance and disability laws. Our team can also handle your communications with the insurer, build a clear case on your behalf, and take further legal action if necessary.
If your disability benefits claim for alcohol use disorder has been denied or delayed, contact Warnett Hallen LLP to discuss your legal options in a free consultation.
Is Alcohol Use Disorder a Disability?
Courts and human rights laws recognise addiction as a disability in Canada. For example, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, which oversees complaints regarding discrimination and harassment under the BC Human Rights Code, lists addiction as a protected characteristic under the category of physical disability.
Similarly, the Canadian Human Rights Commission confirms that dependence on alcohol or drugs is a disability that requires accommodation in federally regulated sectors. These legal principles help support the view that AUD can qualify as a legitimate disabling condition, though each claim depends on the insurance policy and the supporting evidence.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for AUD in BC?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that causes loss of control over drinking. It can range from mild to severe and often involves an intense craving for alcohol, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite harmful effects. Doctors recognize AUD as a legitimate illness that affects both mental and physical health.
In British Columbia, private disability insurance companies determine whether AUD qualifies as a covered disability based on the policy language. Most private disability plans define disability as a condition that prevents someone from performing their job duties. If a person’s AUD meets that definition, they may qualify for short- or long-term disability benefits.
That said, insurance companies scrutinize AUD claims closely. They typically look for strong medical evidence that the condition makes it impossible to work. Some policies exclude claims tied to alcohol and drug use, while others limit benefits for certain mental health conditions. The outcome depends on how the policy defines disability, how exclusions are worded, and the strength of the medical documentation.
How AUD Impacts Health and Employment
Alcohol use disorder affects both the body and the mind. Long-term use can cause liver disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, chronic pain, and damage to the nervous system. It can also lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues that make daily life harder. Many people with AUD struggle to focus, remember priorities, or make safe decisions at work.
The effects of alcohol use disorder can lead to performance problems, safety risks, or job loss. In severe cases, treatment or recovery time can prevent someone from working at all. Because AUD can disrupt both health and job stability, some people with this condition seek disability benefits when it makes steady employment impossible and renders them unable to meet their financial obligations.
Private LTD Insurance and AUD Claims
Private long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides income replacement for medical conditions that prevent claimants from working for an extended period. Claimants must show that their conditions stop them from performing essential job duties to qualify. Insurers usually require detailed medical records, treatment history, and opinions from qualified professionals before they will pay benefits.
A private disability insurance policy’s wording determines what qualifies as a disability and how long a policyholder can keep receiving benefits. Some policies impose mental health or substance use limits, while others exclude them altogether. Insurers may also require participation in a treatment programme as a condition of ongoing disability coverage. A successful LTD claim for AUD depends on clear medical proof, treatment compliance, and consistent updates from healthcare providers showing how the condition affects the ability to work.
Why Disability Claims for AUD Are Denied
Insurance companies deny AUD-related claims for several reasons. A disability denial is not always related to the condition itself — it could also be based on other factors, like missing evidence or paperwork errors. Common reasons for denials include:
- Lack of sufficient medical documentation linking AUD to an inability to work
- Policy exclusions for disabilities caused by substance use or self-inflicted conditions
- Failure to follow recommended medical or rehabilitation treatments
- Missed filing deadlines or incomplete claim forms
- Insurer’s determination that the claimant can still perform their job or another suitable role
- Limited benefit periods for mental health or substance-related disabilities
- Conflicting information from medical professionals or employment records
What to Do If Your AUD Disability Claim Is Denied
If your insurer rejects your claim, they should provide a denial letter explaining why. Review it carefully before deciding how to respond. Strong appeals rely on updated medical proof and detailed responses to each issue raised by the insurer. Here are the first steps you should take:
- Review your insurer’s decision letter to identify the exact reason(s) for the denial.
- Gather updated medical evidence and treatment records.
- Ask your treating doctors to clarify how AUD limits your work capacity.
- Keep copies of all insurance communication and submissions.
- Talk to a lawyer who can help you identify and avoid preventable issues before responding.
How Our Vancouver Disability Lawyers Can Help You Appeal
A Vancouver disability lawyer from Warnett Hallen LLP can review your policy and the insurer’s reasoning to identify weaknesses in their decision. Your lawyer can gather medical opinions, treatment updates, and employment evidence to strengthen your appeal and show that you are disabled. They can also communicate directly with the insurer and prepare written arguments within the relevant policy deadlines.
If your insurer refuses to reverse the denial, your lawyer can advance your case to litigation and court. Experienced disability lawyers understand how insurers assess claims and what evidence carries the most weight. With the right legal guidance, you can present a clear, well-supported case that shows how alcohol use disorder prevents you from maintaining regular employment under your policy’s terms.
Contact a Denied Disability Claim Lawyer Now
If you’re struggling to get the disability benefits you need for alcohol use disorder in British Columbia, don’t try to handle everything yourself. At Warnett Hallen LLP, our compassionate legal team knows how private disability insurers evaluate addiction-related claims and what evidence makes the difference for our clients. We can review your claim, explain your rights, and help you build a strong case for benefits. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
