Sun Life and Canada Life appeal checklist

Sun Life and Canada Life denial letters can look different, but many internal LTD appeals need the same basic structure: understand the reason, gather missing evidence, connect restrictions to job demands, and submit before the deadline.

This checklist is a practical starting point. It is not legal advice and it does not guarantee a result.

1. Save the denial package

Save the denial letter, attachments, envelopes, emails, portal messages, and any forms the insurer sent. If the letter lists documents reviewed, keep that page handy. It will help you see what was missing.

2. Identify the policy stage

Ask whether the insurer is applying the own-occupation test or the any-occupation test. The appeal changes depending on the stage.

For own occupation, focus on the actual duties of your job. For any occupation, focus on whether proposed alternative work is realistic given your education, training, experience, earnings, restrictions, treatment needs, and reliability.

3. Translate the denial reason

Write the insurer's reason in plain language. For example:

• "Insufficient medical evidence" may mean the insurer wants clearer functional restrictions.
• "Able to perform sedentary work" may mean the insurer assumes sitting, concentration, attendance, and pace are reliable.
• "Treatment not optimized" may mean the insurer expects an explanation of treatment history and barriers.

The appeal should respond to that plain-language reason.

4. Gather function-first evidence

Useful evidence may include:

• Updated medical letter.
• Specialist report.
• Functional abilities form.
• Occupational therapy or physiotherapy report.
• Medication side-effect summary.
• Employer job demands.
• Failed return-to-work evidence.
• Personal statement.

Function-first evidence explains what you can do, for how long, how reliably, and with what consequences.

5. Request the file

Ask for documents relied on for the decision. If there was a vocational review, independent medical review, nurse review, transferable skills analysis, or internal summary, ask for it. You cannot answer an assumption you have not seen.

6. Organize attachments

Use a table of contents. Label documents clearly:

1. Appeal letter.
2. Denial letter.
3. Medical update.
4. Specialist report.
5. Job demands.
6. Personal statement.
7. Other supporting documents.

Make it easy for the reviewer to follow.

7. Keep tone firm and factual

You can explain the financial and emotional impact, but the core appeal should stay focused on evidence. Avoid personal attacks. A calm, organized letter is easier to review and harder to dismiss.

8. Check delivery

Confirm where to send the appeal. Keep proof of submission. If you upload through a portal, take screenshots. If you email, save the sent message. If you mail, use tracking.

9. Know when to get advice

Speak with a lawyer promptly if the denial is old, the amount is large, a limitation period may be close, surveillance is involved, or the insurer says the appeal process is closed.

10. Use the denial as your map

The denial letter is frustrating, but it is also a map. It tells you what the insurer says is missing. Your job is to respond with focused evidence, not volume for its own sake.