In recent years, significant progress has been made for mental health awareness across the United States. When a person suffers from a mental health condition, it can affect his or her ability to function or perform basic daily tasks. A common mental health condition that is being diagnosed more and more is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Fortunately, those who suffer from PTSD may be able to obtain Social Security Disability benefits.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that is typically caused when a person witnesses or is involved in a traumatic event. The helplessness, horror and/or intense fear an individual experiences during a traumatic event can cause them to develop PTSD. Experiencing trauma doesn’t always trigger PTSD, as most people are able to recover. However, when symptoms worsen and become so severe that they interfere with the person’s life, the condition is often classified as PTSD.
How to know if PTSD qualifies for disability
When PTSD impacts the sufferer’s ability to work full-time and function daily, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may be available. To qualify for disability benefits, the sufferer’s condition must be considered a disability by the Social Security Administration. The medical requirements for a PTSD disability are detailed in the SSA’s Blue Book, which is basically a list of conditions that the Social Security Administration deems to be disabilities.
Get help with the application process
A mental health condition like PTSD can impact an individual’s ability to work just as much as a physical health condition, if not more so. To obtain disability relief for PTSD, the condition must be properly diagnosed and documented. Before applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, be sure to have as much medical documentation as possible. Those who wish to apply for SSDI and have questions or need assistance could benefit by speaking with a legal professional. A knowledgeable disability attorney can answer difficult questions and guide clients through every step of the application process.
