As most of us do, you probably have worked hard all your life. Still, now due to various circumstances, you find yourself in a situation where you must apply for Social Security disability benefits. Due to the “red tape” and numerous other reasons, you may initially be reluctant to accept the need for Social Security Disability (SSDI). This is always a difficult decision for you and your family.
However, millions of people face this same situation every year. Also, there’s no rational reason to hesitate or feel bad about making this decision or accepting SSDI help.
It’s true, though, that correctly applying for Social Security Disability benefits can seem very daunting and is commonly a challenging task. This is especially true if your unique medical condition, such as anxiety or other mental disorders, is not as clearly defined in the SSA’s approved medical conditions.
However, as the prevalence of anxiety in our society increases, more of these conditions are covered by the SSA guidelines.
Numerous anxiety disorders, such as OCD, panic disorders, phobias, or PTSD, are usually considered a disability, and most will qualify for Social Security disability benefits. If you suffer from severe anxiety, you certainly may be able to qualify for disability. However, you must prove that your anxiety makes it impossible to work and possibly even deal with “normal” day-to-day tasks.
Anxiety may be considered a covered disability, but you must provide well-documented medical evidence that your condition directly impacts your ability to work.
If you meet the medical requirements outlined by the SSA’s Blue Book (and have enough earned work credits), you usually will be deemed disabled by the SSA, and you will be able to receive disability for your anxiety.
The key to correctly applying for benefits for your anxiety is submitting evidence showing your anxiety disorder matches the SSA’s Blue Book requirements.
The most successful way to approach this issue is to obtain the help of a respected, experienced San Diego Social Security Disability law firm. No matter what your medical condition may be, especially with anxiety, they will know precisely how to present your case, apply with the correct forms, and provide you with the best chance of getting the benefits you rightfully deserve.
Are There Ways to Improve My Chances of Obtaining SSDI Benefits for My Anxiety?
The simple answer is yes, there are. Applying for benefits is always challenging, and getting the professional help of your Social Security disability lawyer will continually improve your chances, as their resource is vital when anxiety or other mental disorders are involved.
Specific tips will improve your chances of getting the benefits you need; some of these tips are:
- File Your Claim as Soon as Possible – Don’t hesitate; the sooner you begin, the better.
- If Rejected, make an Appeal within 60 Days – If you are initially rejected, your lawyer will appeal promptly.
- Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment – Thorough and detailed medical information is critical to getting the needed help. Your SSDI lawyer is well-versed in gathering what’s necessary.
- Provide Proof of Recent Treatment – Current documentation concerning your anxiety is vital, as it shows you still are suffering from your ailment and being actively treated.
- Report your Symptoms Accurately – Be medically accurate in all your information, but don’t enhance or diminish your condition.
- Provide All Medical Evidence – This is vital with any mental disorder, and all medical records, hospitalizations, and diagnostic information are highly relative to getting you what you deserve.
What Are Some Types of Anxiety Conditions That May Be Covered?
As proven medical diagnoses improve, anxiety and other mental disorders are more recognized as valid and incapacitating.
Some of the more common types of anxiety disorders that are now recognized are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This is a common state of tension and worry unrelated to any event or life situation.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Constantly doing repetitive or ritualistic behavior to reduce or control anxiety symptoms.
- Panic Disorders – Repeated physical symptoms of anxiety that last up to 10 minutes or more and have no identifiable causality.
- Phobias – Irrational, involuntary fears of seemingly ordinary situations, things, places, or events.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Highly severe stress symptoms lasting more than a month caused by having or witnessing a severely traumatic event.
These disorders, and others, can be debilitating and may qualify you for SSDI benefits. However, clear, precise, and sound medical evidence must be part of your SSDI application. The help and professional legal guidance of your local California Social Security Disability law team will be invaluable to the entire process.
Some Important Information on Filing for SSDI With an Anxiety Disorder.
First, be aware that it is always more challenging to claim Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on your anxiety disorder diagnosis. This is true because the medical documentation proving an anxiety condition can be highly subjective.
First, it’s mandatory that you obtain the professional guidance and help of a local, experienced San Diego, Los Angeles, or Orange County Social Security disability lawyer to successfully apply for the first time for benefits due to your anxiety disorder.
The SSA’s definition of disability is “any medically determinable mental or medical impairment that has prevented an individual from performing substantial work for twelve months and is expected to prevent the individual from working for twelve continuous months or is expected to end with death.”
Your thorough and detailed law team will ensure that you straightforwardly submit all your medical documentation and that it demonstrates explicitly to the SSA exactly how your disability interferes with your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
You must meet the criteria, which your law team will explain, and your application must address everything pertinent to your anxiety condition the first time you file!
Even if your unique condition doesn’t qualify for full Social Security disability benefits, your lawyer may still be able to get you awarded a vocational medical allowance.
I Feel My Anxiety Should Qualify for SSDI; How Should I Proceed?
It’s mandatory to remember that full disability benefits based on your anxiety disorder can be challenging to prove due to the subjective nature of any medical diagnosis.
However, by working hand-in-hand with your doctors and a qualified Social Security disability attorney to collect and present valid medical documentation professionally, you will ensure that you submit the most robust possible disability case possible.
Consult with your SSDI law team today, and obtain the financial help you need and rightfully deserve.