Both physical and mental disorders can qualify people for long-term disability benefits. Examples of mental health issues that can make working full-time very difficult or impossible include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Proving that a mental disorder is disabling enough to prevent earning a living is sometimes problematic. A Social Security Disability lawyer can assist with the application to boost the chances of being approved.
Verification
Verification of disability due to mental health or cognitive problems will be necessary. Typically, this should be provided by a psychiatrist. In some instances, the person's medical doctor or an independent physician can provide the confirmation. Sometimes the Social Security Administration asks for an evaluation by a doctor the applicant has never seen. The agents may be concerned that the individual's own physician will feel too sympathetic to be truly objective.
Psychoses, Dementia, and TBI
Mental health conditions that are considered psychoses generally are more easily verified and accepted as disabling disorders. The same is true for dementia and traumatic brain injuries that cause serious cognitive issues. Brain imaging technology is used as part of the evaluation in those two examples.
Other Mental Health Issues
Individuals with other types of mental health problems are more likely to face claim denial. The agents might be skeptical about claims that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder could prevent a person from working full-time. They know that in many cases, people can fully function with proper treatment. Treatment may include anti-anxiety medications and counseling.
The Administration needs verification from medical professionals explaining why this situation is different. The representatives know that some individuals pretend to have these types of mental health issues. Others exaggerate the seriousness of the symptoms. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help with the application or file an appeal if the claim has been denied.
Examples
For instance, a person may have developed PTSD after being in a serious vehicle collision that killed a loved one. This individual might be unable to ride in a car anymore without experiencing unbearable panic and flashbacks of the episode. Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD in the non-military population.
The American Psychological Association also recognizes social anxiety as a potentially serious mental health problem. About 30 percent of those diagnosed have severe symptoms related to being with unfamiliar people or being watched closely.
A long-term disability attorney may be needed to help these individuals navigate through the paperwork and required documentation.
Share11 May 2021
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