It’s important to remember that Social Security disability insurance or SSDI aren’t reserved just for the physically impaired. Those suffering from mental illness may be eligible as well. In fact, nearly a fourth of all applicants for SSDI benefits are primarily impaired by a mental illness.
If your mental illness is preventing you from working to make a living, you may be entitled to Social Security benefits. Nearly half of claims citing mental illness as a primary impairment are denied which is why it’s so important to have a Social Security lawyer on your side. Learn more about mental illness Social Security disability benefits.
Evaluation Process
When determining whether or not you’re eligible for benefits, the Social Security Administration will examine your claim and see if your condition is on their official list of mental disorders. The most common afflictions are included, of course, such as depression and anxiety issues. It also includes some of the most serious impairments like schizophrenia and dementia.
The list was significantly expanded last year, so it’s likely that your mental illness will be included. SSDI benefits are available for people suffering from PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders and more. However, merely correlating with an illness on their list isn’t enough. You must show that you have been medically diagnosed and that the illness impairs your ability to work regularly.
Mental Residual Functional Capacity
If your condition isn’t on their official list, that doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving the benefits you deserve. It does mean, however, that your mental residual functional capacity or MRFC will be measured by the Social Security Administration. Make sure you have an official evaluation from a doctor as these claims are near impossible to win without one.
When examined, quite a few of your abilities will be put to the test. The SSA will examine your memory, self-control, ability to follow directions, ability to work with others, stress tolerance, concentration, adaptation to changes and what you do in your daily life such as paying bills, bathing and more. The more of those aspects your mental illness impacts, the more likely you are to get benefits.
Medical Records
Mental illnesses are often invisible and can only rely on subjective evidence. That’s why it’s so important to have detailed medical records to present for your case. You should have records of professional evaluations, hospital visits and any prescriptions you’re on. Even if the necessary evidence isn’t readily available, the SSA can still conduct a psychological evaluation themselves.
Other pieces of evidence may be helpful as well including your first hand accounts, witnesses to your illness and even letters. While not all instances will be helpful, a skilled disability attorney can help you sort the useful from the not. Above all, you need to make your claim look credible, so make sure everything you present corresponds perfectly with your medical records.
California Social Security Lawyer
Making the case for your mental illness Social Security disability insurance can be tough, but an experienced disability attorney like Dr. Bill LaTour can see you through. As both a lawyer and a doctor of clinical psychology, Dr. LaTour understands the problems with mental illness better than most and can help present your case in a way that emphasizes both medical need and legal prowess.
We’ve been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County get the disability benefits they need for years. Call Dr. Bill LaTour and his team today at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
