Mental illness and disorders can mean a range of symptoms as well as one or more types of conditions. Mental disorders don’t have visible symptoms like an injury and aren’t easily diagnosed like cancer or heart conditions. Therefore, it’s much more difficult to diagnose and prove.
Social Security does recognize mental disorders as a disability. Nearly nine million individuals receive Social Security Disability in the US, and an estimated 32% are receiving disability for mental disorders. However, the burden of proof can be more complex than it is for physical conditions.
Types Of Disorders
Social Security has a list of mental conditions for which they will award disability benefits in their “blue book.” Divided by sections, the listing includes:
- Neurocognitive disorders (02)
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (03)
- Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders (04)
- Intellectual disorder (05)
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (06)
- Somatic symptom and related disorders (07)
- Personality and impulse-control disorders (08)
- Autism spectrum disorder (10)
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (11)
- Eating disorders (13)
- Trauma- and stressor-related disorders, such as PTSD (15)
Some conditions may not exactly meet the criteria of Social Security’s definitions. However, if you can prove that your condition prohibits you from doing even a simple and unskillful job due to brain-related disorders, psychiatric or emotional problems, you may still be able to receive benefits for disability.
What It Takes To Get Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability can feel like a major undertaking, and it can be. But it’s important to ensure that your application is complete so that your chances of approval are better.
In addition to filling out your application, you’ll need to include:
- Your diagnosis and the reason(s) why you can’t work
- Complete medical records
- Names and contact information of your healthcare providers:
- Doctors
- Hospitals
- List of upcoming medical appointments
- Treatment plans you have been prescribed and following
Social Security will investigate everything they have been given, so it’s important to ensure that the information is accurate and complete.
Why Applications Are Denied
Some of the primary reasons for denial include:
- Not enough medical evidence
- The previous denial—if you’ve been denied before, file an appeal on that case rather than starting over.
- An incomplete or improperly filled out application
- Income—you can’t earn a considerable amount of money
- Not getting and following medical treatment
- Not cooperating with SS caseworkers while your claim is being worked
One estimate indicates that a full 70% of SSD applications are denied on the first try, but it’s important not to give up. Social Security has an extensive system of appeals with detailed guidelines that you can use to increase your chances of approval.
If the application or appeals process is more than you can handle, consider speaking with an experienced disability attorney in Houston. Having an attorney help you through the process can make it easier and increase your chance of winning your claim and receiving the disability benefits you need.
Need Help With Your SSD Application Or Appeal? Call Herren Law Today
Mental illness is particularly difficult, especially when it impacts your life. If you’re unable to work because of a mental disorder, let us help you with your application for Social Security Disability. We can tell you what you need and how to go about applying. If your claim is denied, we can also help you with an appeal.
We’ve helped over 4,000 Houstonians get their disability benefits. The Herren Law Firm in Houston, TX can assist with your application, appeals, and records gathering to prove your case, and win your claim. Contact us today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation and no up-front fees, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
