There are a variety of mental and neurological disorders that can impose severe restrictions on patients’ lives. Whether these disorders are listed on the Social Security Administration’s index of disability benefit disorders or not, an attorney can help you prove that your condition has caused severe, disabling health problems and you are deserving of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits.
Disabling Effects of Other Mental/Neurological Disorders
If you or someone in your family has a mental or neurological disorder that seriously impacts quality of life, getting approved for SSD benefits can help you survive despite the lack of income due to the effects of the condition. The disability does not have to appear on the list of impairments, but you’ll need to make a strong case on your application as to why the condition should be considered disabling.
Additional disorders that may be considered for benefits include:
- Anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder
- Personality disorders like bipolar disorder
- Severe depression
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Social anxiety disorder
Sufferers of these types of disorders may experience extreme mood swings, mania, depression, fatigue, social awkwardness, withdrawal, emotional instability, flat affect, and other psychological effects. Often these symptoms make it very difficult for patients to carry out the normal tasks of everyday life, including performing job duties.
These individuals may find it hard if not impossible to establish and maintain relationships, and often exhibit erratic or unusual behavior. Also, there is a direct parallel between mental and neurological disorders and other conditions such as addiction, eating disorders, and sleeping disorders.
Proving Disability Based on a Mental/Neurological Disorder
The SSD application process can be confusing, but you always have the option to hire an experienced disability attorney to help you get your benefits approved — and get them as quickly as possible.
Even if you have a physician’s approval of your mental or neurological disorder, the Social Security Administration requires more than just a signature to grant SSD benefits. In addition to proving how severe and pervasive the disorder is, an attorney can help you provide proof of proper diagnostic testing and show exactly why you qualify for disability benefits.
If you are ready to talk to a skilled legal professional about your disability and would like to know more about applying for SSD, please contact a Social Security Disability lawyer in your area.
Please explore our website and if you have questions or need further assistance, please e-mail the SSD Law Resource Center by completing the form to the right. We are here to help.