By: Darrell Castle
When you think of qualifying for Social Security Disability, you probably think of physical disabilities that prevent people from working. However, a mental disability can be just as severe in terms of its effect on work ability. Watch my video to see why it’s so important to hire a social security disability lawyer, and read on to find out how a mental disability can qualify you for social security disability payments.
Mental disabilities listed in the Social Security Administration Blue Book are as follows:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Intellectual Development Disorder
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorder
- Substance Abuse
Additional mental disabilities that may be considered include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Chronic Insomnia
- Dysthymia
- Eating Disorders
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Hallucinations
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Attacks
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
- Memory Loss
Evidence of Mental Disability
As with any Social Security disability claim, you must be able to prove (beyond medical diagnosis) that your mental condition prevents you from working for at least a year into the future. In addition to doctors, your friends, family, and coworkers may be able to vouch for your struggles in social, professional or private environments.
Why would the Social Security Administration deny my claim for Mental Disability?
Unfortunately, Social Security cases for mental disability can be even harder to win than those for physical disability. Without a background in mental health, Social Security examiners may fail to (or refuse to) acknowledge how a mental issue can be just as debilitating as a physical injury. Specifically, examiners may assume an applicant is mentally healthy because he or she does not currently display symptoms of mental illness.
In reality, symptoms of mental illness come and go, preventing some mental sufferers from holding steady employment. Thus, it may also be difficult for someone with a history of mental conditions to meet the work history requirements for Social Security Disability benefits. Social Security examiners also expect those seeking mental disability benefits to be taking prescribed medication, even if they can’t afford it.
Additionally, since a mental illness diagnosis comes largely from the patient’s account of his or her own experience, evidence of the disability is often considered more subjective (and less believable) than that of a physical illness.
Why do you need to Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?
While a Social Security claim for mental illness may seem overwhelmingly complicated, an attorney can make a major difference in the process and the result. Attorneys can expedite the process because they are already familiar with the kinds of mental conditions the Social Security Administration acknowledges and the types of evidence that help make disability claims successful. A Social Security Disability attorney is also familiar with doctors and how to obtain medical information from them for your case.
Social Security for Mental Disability in Memphis
Darrell Castle & Associates recognizes that many individuals here in Memphis are struggling with mental conditions that prevent them from performing their jobs. We believe these community members deserve to receive Social Security disability benefits, and we want to guide them through the claims process.
If you think your mental condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits, please call our Memphis office today at (901) 327-1212 for a free consultation. You can also fill out the form on this page and we will contact you.