Chronic Conditions That Don’t Show Up On Tests: Can You Still Get Long-Term Disability In Florida?

Some medical conditions, such as cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and accidental injuries, can be documented through imaging and lab work. What about conditions that don’t appear on tests, yet still prevent you from working? It’s a common challenge when filing for long-term disability (LTD) benefits through employer-provided policies.

These claims can still be approved, but only when presented with other clear, credible evidence. Our experienced Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains ways to document your condition and protect your rights to benefits.

Disabling Conditions In Florida That Often Lack Objective Evidence

Nearly 76 percent of all U.S. adults suffer from chronic, potentially disabling health conditions, according to 2025 reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When symptoms prevent you from working for a year or longer, employer-provided long-term disability benefits can help compensate for lost income.

Most policies require proof that you are “disabled” from working. That means objective medical evidence, such as blood work, X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests. Common conditions that lack objective testing but may still entitle you to long-term disability (LTD) benefits in Florida include:

• Fibromyalgia;
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS);
• Migraine disorders;
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS);
• Functional neurological disorders;
• Anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Insurers often use a lack of objective medical evidence to deny claims for the above and other difficult-to-diagnose conditions, despite the fact that they cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and other impairments that prevent you from working.

How to Get Florida Long-Term Disability Benefits Without Objective Tests

You can still get long-term disability benefits in Florida if your condition can’t be documented through medical tests. However, you’ll need to build a strong claim. These include:

• Document repeated visits to doctors and specialists for treatment.
• Describe all symptoms during every visit and ensure they are noted on your chart.
• Request a functional capacity evaluation that addresses your physical and mental limitations.
• Keep records of all medications you are taking and any treatments you’ve undergone.
• Keep a disability journal or symptom tracker showing how your condition affects your daily activities.
• Gather statements from family, coworkers, or caregivers attesting to your limitations.

Gathering this documentation and presenting it in your long-term disability application can increase your chances of getting approved for conditions that are otherwise difficult to diagnose. Keep in mind that even if your claim gets denied, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) gives you the right to appeal.

To Get the Benefits You are Entitled to, Contact our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer

If you get denied Florida LTD benefits due to a condition that lacks objective evidence, or if you’re worried your claim might be headed in that direction, now is the time to act.

At Farrell Disability Law, we help workers with chronic conditions that are difficult to prove. To get the disability benefits you are entitled to, contact our experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer. Schedule a consultation today in our Orlando or Jacksonville office.

Sources:

cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0539.htm

dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa