What You Need To Know About PTSD And Social Security Disability Claims
Posted on: 2 August 2019
The Social Security Disability program is designed to help individuals who have a severe illness which interferes with their ability to work. Being unable to work leaves an individual without a way to generate an income, which is where Social Security Disability benefits come in.
Many individuals who are battling PTSD could be eligible for government disability assistance. Take the time to learn how your claim will be evaluated so that you can determine if working with disability attorneys to file for disability benefits is in your best interest.
Medically Determinable Illness
One of the criteria that you must meet before you will be awarded disability benefits has to do with the root cause of your limitations. The Social Security Administration requires that all claimants have a medically determinable illness.
You will need an official PTSD diagnosis from a mental health professional before you can proceed with the filing of your disability benefit claim.
Documentation of Limitations
An official diagnosis is a good place to start, but you must be able to provide documentation showing that your PTSD has interfered with your day-to-day life in a significant way if you want to file for disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration has divided the limitations into several categories for your convenience. If your PTSD causes you to have a marked limitation in interacting with others, managing yourself, concentrating, or remembering information, then you probably have a solid foundation on which an attorney can help you build your claim.
Medical Treatment
Disability benefits are designed to help those who want to help themselves.
PTSD can be challenging to cope with, and many people seek the help of an experienced mental health professional when treating their PTSD symptoms. A therapist who specializes in trauma will be able to help you learn coping techniques that can make your PTSD more manageable over time.
Seeking medical treatment is one of the requirements you must fulfill when filing for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration will want to see that you are taking steps to improve the ways that you manage your PTSD symptoms, despite the effects of the disorder having an ongoing and significant effect on your life.
Living with PTSD can be hard. You may find it difficult to spend time in public places, which can make holding down a job nearly impossible. Talk to an attorney to see if you may qualify for disability benefits as a result of your PTSD diagnosis.
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