Mental illness is a hidden disease. Proving that you suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions is not as simple as getting a blood test or CAT scan and medically proving your disability. Because it is an uphill battle to offer up evidence of your mental health, getting the SSDI benefits you need and deserve is that much harder too – but it doesn’t have to be when you have the help of an experienced Social Security disability attorney.
Mental Health Disorders Are True Disabilities
There are many barriers for people who suffer with mental disorders. The stigma itself is difficult enough to overcome but simply trying to get through every day with this type of illness is a challenge. Getting up, getting dressed, having breakfast, sending the kids to school, going to work, carrying on with your day – these are tasks that many adults do every day without a second thought. When you suffer from mental health complications, none of these jobs are simple.
How do you explain this to an employer, let alone to the entity that determines whether you deserve SSDI benefits or SSI benefits?
Getting Mental Health Disability Benefits During the Pandemic
The pandemic has complicated matters, saddling more people with mental health problems and exacerbating the conditions of those who have long lived with their diseases. Being able to sit face-to-face with a therapist, go to a rehab, or get medication is doubly challenging at a time of quarantines, restrictions, and mask wearing. You are limited or prohibited from carrying out typical coping methods. But documentation of care and a history of your condition are critical to proving your case.
If you have mental health challenges that are impacting your ability to successfully manage your daily life, you may qualify for disability benefits, a benefit you deserve so you can get the help and rest you need.
Mental Health Conditions Eligible for SSDI Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews every claimant’s medical records to determine eligibility for benefits. Mental disorders fall into 11 categories, from neurocognitive to psychotic disorders, depressive-related to anxiety disorders, eating to trauma disorders, and more.
Evidence and clinical medical charts are key in achieving the green light for disability benefits. Those reviewing your application will want to know if your condition affects your ability to function independently, appropriately, effectively, and on a sustained basis. A claimant’s disorder must result in “extreme” limitation of one of the below areas of mental functioning or “marked” limitation of two of the four areas:
- Does the claimant understand, remember, or apply information in a job setting?
- How does the claimant interact with others?
- How do the symptoms impact the claimant’s concentration, persistence, or pace?
- How are the claimant’s abilities to adapt or manage himself impacted by the symptoms?
Hire an SSDI Lawyer Near Me
People who suffer from severe mental illness should not have to try to force themselves through every day, attempting to function like they’re perfectly fine. They should not worry that they’re risking their job by taking a sick day or a mental health day. And they should not be ashamed of their condition. Ask for the help you need – and get it with the help of a qualified SSDI attorney.
Contact Thurswell Law to schedule a consultation and find out how we can get you the disability compensation you deserve. Call us at (248) 354-2222 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.