There Are Several Reasons This Veteran May Not Be Considered Disabled By The Ssa:
How Can You Satisfy The Ptsd Disability Listing Requirements
The Social Security Administration maintains a list of conditions, known as the Blue Book, that are severe enough to be considered disabilities. If you suffer from a condition listed in the Blue Book, the SSA will conclude that you are disabled. This means you will qualify for benefits as long as you meet the SSAs other eligibility requirements regarding your work history.
The list of disabling conditions in the Blue Book is frequently updated. In 2017, the SSA added trauma and stressor-related disorders to the Blue Book. Your PTSD may fall under this category. But to satisfy this listings requirements, you must be able to provide medical documentation that proves:
- You were exposed to actual or threatened violence, death, or injury.
- You have experienced involuntary flashbacks of the traumatic experience.
- You avoid certain things that could remind you of the traumatic experience.
- You are experiencing mood or behavior disturbances as a result of the trauma.
- You are exhibiting heightened levels of arousal and reactivity.
Next, you will need to be able to prove with medical documentation that you are experiencing an extreme limitation of one or a marked limitation of two of the following mental functions:
- Understanding or applying information
- Managing ones self, including regulating emotions, living independently, etc.
If you cannot prove this, you can still satisfy the disability listing requirements if you are able to show that:
What Medical Evidence Is Required To Prove Ptsd
What is in your medical records means everything to proving your SSDI claim. Your mental health records should have a detailed description of what happened to you. There should also be at least one detailed description of a typical episode of PTSD, including the frequency and duration of any panic attacks, and what brings on worsening symptoms. Your doctor should also include whether your description of your symptoms matches his or her opinion of your mental status. Most importantly, your medical records should include how your PTSD symptoms effect your ability to function, both at home and at work.
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Qualifying For A Medical Vocational Allowance
If your condition doesnt meet all the SSA blue book requirements for trauma or stressor-related disorders, you still have a chance of qualifying for disability benefits for PTSD through something called medical vocational allowance. Although it might be disheartening to find out that your condition doesnt qualify under blue book standards, the fact remains that many SSDI recipients actually qualify for their disability benefits via a medical vocational allowance.
Heres how it works: if you dont meet blue book requirements for a trauma- or stressor-related disorder, the SSA is still required to more closely examine your case. If your medical evidence substantiates your claim that PTSD keeps you from maintaining gainful employment, you can still be found eligible for SSDI benefits.
During the process, youll be subject to a residual functional capacity exam by an SSA medical consultant. An RFC helps the SSA establish what kind of workif anyyoure capable of performing. The results of the RFC, in addition to other factors , will ultimately determine your eligibility.
Your Ptsd Must Be Severe To Get Social Security
Like any other physical or mental impairment, Social Security will consider whether you have been formally diagnosed with PTSD and whether the symptoms it causes significantly interfere with your ability to work consistently. For individuals under the age of 50, this means demonstrating that all of your physical and mental impairments combined prevent you from being able to consistently perform any job.
Individuals over the age of 50 often only need to prove their combined impairments result in an inability to perform the jobs they have performed in the previous 15 years before they became disabled. Symptoms of PTSD, in severe cases, can independently prevent an individual from being able to consistently work. In less severe cases where PTSD may just be one of many impairments, even mild or moderate PTSD symptoms can be used to demonstrate difficulties with maintaining adequate concentration or meeting the social requirements to perform certain jobs.
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Ptsd Is A Spectrum Some People May Be Able To Work Without Any Problems While Others May Not Be Able To Work At All You May Wonder If You Can Receive Ssdi Benefits If You Have Ptsd
Yes, you can. However, a mental disorder is sometimes more hard to prove than a physical one. People can see your injuries, but they may have more difficulty knowing what goes inside your head. Some people may present themselves normally and may not have an episode when they are making their case. There are also some people who may exaggerate or even fake a mental disorder in order to have benefits, so it makes proving the disorder more difficult for those who have it.
When applying for benefits, you need to have as much evidence as possible. Notes from your doctor, up to date medical documentation, instances when youve had episodes, and as much proof as you can possibly have. Talk to an attorney or advocate and see what the best evidence you have is, and present it.
It can be difficult depending on your circumstances.
In cases such as these, you may want to look into an attorney to increase your chances of success. An attorney can help you present your case in the best possible manner in order for you to increase your chances of getting approved. Attorneys who specialize in SSDI are also affordable for anyone, as they usually charge a percentage of the SSAs back payments to you rather than one big fee.
Treating PTSD is not fun, and many people may not understand what you go through, including the SSA itself. When applying for disability, gather as much evidence as possible, hire an attorney if needed, and get those benefits you deserve.
Company Information
What Does Va Consider To Be A Traumatic Event
The VA considers a wide range of experiences to be traumatic events, and it isn’t easy to make a comprehensive list. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Traumatic events can be experiences that occur during active service. In addition, you may have experienced a traumatic event earlier in life, even in childhood, that was made worse by your service.
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You Present Sufficient Medical Evidence
Presenting sufficient medical records that prove your disability is likely the biggest telltale sign that your disability claim will be approved. You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working, and many people fail to adequately prove their medical condition. You may have a single impairment or multiple impairments, but you must present enough evidence to prove your claim for Social Security disability insurance benefits. These medical records might consist of doctors visit records, test results, therapy notes, or other medical documentation.
The records that you submit will need to be from medical professionals and not just your own testimony. While your testimony is important, the medical records can often make or break your disability case. When it comes to medical evidence, the same general rules apply to both Social Security disability insurance benefits andSupplemental Security Income benefits. If you have records that prove you are disabled, there is a good chance your claim will be approved.
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How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits For Ptsd
An easy way to start your disability application is to file online with Social Security. You don’t have to finish the application all at once just make sure that you keep track of the application number given to you when you start the application so you can access it again if you need to come back to it.
You can also apply for disability benefits over the phone by calling 800-772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the TTY number at 800-325-0778.
Finally, you can apply for disability benefits in person at your local Social Security field office. You can locate your field office here.
If you’d like help with your application, think about working with an experienced disability attorney. According to a survey of our readers, applicants who filed an initial application without expert help were denied 80% of the time. If you aren’t sure whether you qualify for disability benefits, consider getting a free case evaluation from one of our legal professionals.
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Applying For Ptsd Social Security Disability Benefits
PTSD sufferers qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if they meet the Blue Book requirements for Anxiety Disorders. Requirements of both paragraph A and either B or C must be met. A disability attorney can help you with these requirements.
Medical records should include a detailed description of the PTSD symptoms you experience. The nature, frequency and duration of these symptoms are important for their case. Factors that cause or worsen the symptoms should also be included. Severe PTSD and its symptoms are considered a disability and are eligible for SSDI benefits with proper documentation.
If you suffer PTSD and have been denied Social Security Disability benefits or you need help filing your claim, contact the The Law Offices Of M. Stanley Whitehead. M. Stanley Whitehead has more than two decades of experience representing clients in their disability cases. Give us a call at 713-993-7311 or fill out our contact form online to get the benefits you deserve.
Filing For Social Security Disability With A Ptsd Diagnosis
People diagnosed with PTSD by a registered health professional may be eligible for Social Security Disability payments. In most cases, you can apply for SSDI online. Before you start your application, make sure youre eligible.
For your PTSD to be considered a disability by the SSA, you must meet specific criteria in the “Blue Book,” the SSA guide to various conditions.
You also need to meet some work requirements. An attorney or disability advocate may be able to help you determine if you meet the requirements, or you can complete a quiz. You may also get some support from your doctor, who will be familiar with the process.
Once youve established that youre eligible, ask your doctor to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity Evaluation for you.
You must also put together your medical records in as much detail as possible. Records should include your anxiety or PTSD reactions, how severe/significant they are, and their effects. You should include your own and your doctor’s views of your condition to give you the best chance of success.
You can also apply for disability payments online.
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How Do You Qualify For Ptsd Based Disability
In order to be approved for any Social Security Disability benefits for PTSD, youll need medical reports proving you have symptoms that will qualify you. Symptoms can include things like exposure to war or death, going through the same traumatic event more than once, or mood swings surrounding an event. You also must be extremely limited in your abilities to do things, like interact with others, remember information, or manage your life. There are, of course, other symptoms or combinations of symptoms that could potentially qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits. A Social Security lawyer can break these options down for you and help create an undeniable case.
Information Coordination Between Va And Ssa
The Department of Veterans Affairs and SSA are required by law to share certain information relevant to making claims with both entities:
- Medical evidence
- Disability determinations
- Benefit receipt and payment amounts
However, its not safe to assume that the medical evidence you are required to submit as part of an application for Social Security benefits will be handled by the VAalways submit all relevant documents and evidence as part of your original application package or with timing required by the VA or SSA.
You never know if your medical information has gotten misplaced, and it may not be as complete as your own personal recordsalways take the initiative and submit all your evidence as though no other records were kept. Its more efficient and unless you are instructed to apply in a different way, it prevents bureaucratic delays, red tape, etc.
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Framingham Ssd Benefits Attorney
In recent years, post traumatic stress disorder has been in the news, often because of the increase in cases reported among military personnel returning from war zones. PTDS can affect anyone who has suffered exposure to a severe psychological trauma, including being involved in a serious accident or experiencing the death of a loved one.
A medical diagnosis of PTSD is recognized as a qualified emotional disability for Social Security Disability Insurance . If you or a member of your family is unable to work because of a PTSD diagnosis, the attorneys at Eden Rafferty are ready to help you with all necessary records and processes for filing a claim. The SSDI system is complex and a high percentage of initial claims are denied for procedural reasons. When you have our team of SSDI professionals on your side, we work diligently to handle all investigations and record keeping the SSDI board expects.
Social Security Disability Insurance is not a welfare program. If you have contributed to the national Social Security Insurance plan through payroll deduction or direct deposit, you are entitled to seek benefits if you can no longer work. We can help you get the benefits you and your family need.
PTSD is one of many mental health problems and emotional disabilities that qualify for SSDI benefits, including:
- Severe depression
Social Security Has Specific Qualifications For Ptsd
Beyond demonstrating how PTSDalong with your other impairmentsprevents you from being able to consistently perform a job, disability caused by PTSD may also be proven through one of Social Securitys listings of presumptive disability. This means that your symptoms are well-documented in your medical records and equally serious to Social Securitys defined requirements of its PTSD listing. The Social Security listing 12.15 for Trauma-and stressor-related disorders can be found here. Social Security Listing 12.15 is more demanding than the National Institute of Healths requirement for a diagnosis of PTSD. It requires that an individuals underlying trauma result from exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or violence as opposed to something like an unexpected death of a loved one.
If your PTSD symptoms improve with a combination of consistent receipt of mental healthcare and avoidance of stressful environments , it does not necessarily mean that your PTSD is not disabling. If an individual is functioning well at home where they are comfortable while receiving consistent therapy for their condition, their PTSD may still even meet Listing 12.15. This circumstance generally requires a supportive treatment provider who can speak to whether the individuals progress would be lost if they were taken out of their comfort zone and forced to re-enter a work environment.
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Tips Regarding Va And Social Security Ptsd Disability Claims
- VA benefits are not considered earned income and therefore do not affect your eligibility for getting SSDI benefits. So if the two benefits added together surpass the SSDI income requirements, you are still eligible for those benefits and your chances for approval are not impacted.
- Just as important, if VA grants disability benefits to you, do not assume that SSA will too. Many veterans who receive VA compensation for PTSD do not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance for PTSD. Remember, VA disability benefits are based on percentages SSDI benefits are based on that you are totally disabled from working.
- SSA may also use a veterans evidence to expedite processing of claims for Wounded Warriors and veterans with a 100% disability rating.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And Your Ability To Perform Physical Work
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can cause difficulty doing a wide variety of tasks, depending on what caused the PTSD and how severe your symptoms are. Those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may find it impossible to perform certain types of physical work or to be in certain work environments. This can be because the environment reminds them of the environment in which they experienced the trauma. It also may be simply because the symptoms of their PTSD makes it unsafe for them to engage in work in any work environment.
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to make sure that all symptoms of your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are clearly spelled out, and that you include every way in which it affects your ability to perform day to day functions. Even if you dont see exactly how an apparently non-work related disruption can relate to your ability to perform physical work, the Social Security Administration may consider the information relevant and will take it into account when determining your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.
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How Do I Get Social Security Disability With Ptsd
Always include detailed descriptions of your anxiety reactions in any medical records that you present for your disability claim. Describe the frequency, duration, and nature of your reaction and how it affects your ability to function. Also, include other factors that make your anxiety reaction worse and indicate whether your doctor agrees with these observations.