Impairments
SECTION 1: Mental Impairments
The Social Security Administration recognizes many mental disorders that, if you have one, can be a potential cause of total long term disability. If you are looking to qualify for Social Security disability benefits with a mental disorder, you need to have a doctor diagnose your condition and you must meet the criteria which any other illness or injury must meet.
Qualifications
If you have a mental impairment, you must also meet the following criteria:
- The mental disorder prevents you from doing any work which you used to do, up until now.
- The mental disorder renders you unable to reasonably be trained for other work that may be available for you.
- The mental disorder is expected to be long term, with it lasting a minimum time of one year.
Proving Your Impairment
Sometimes it can be difficult and time consuming to prove to the SSA that your mental disorder qualifies you as completely disabled because mental disorders are somewhat subjective. Something to consider doing in order to help your case is to keep a running journal of how your mental condition has been affecting your day-to-day life. Notate all limitations you’ve come across when it comes to your mental disability hindering your chance at having a job.
Benefits
The Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Handbook contains criteria for various mental disorders that can be considered disabilities. If you have a condition that meets the requirements of one of these disorders, you may be granted disability benefits. You have to be able to show that you were limited in daily activities or living or the ability to function socially and complete mundane tasks.
SECTION 2: Physical Impairments
A disability is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which can be expected to result in death or has lasted for a minimum of 12 months.
Qualifications
There is a step-by-step process that asks five questions through the Social Security Administration that will help you figure out if you’re qualified to receive benefits. You must be physically disabled long-term in order to receive benefits. Social security rules determine disability as the following:
- You cannot do the same work now that you used to do.
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your new medical conditions.
- You have a disability that has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or may result in death.
Visit Your Doctor
If you have a medical impairment, it’s important that you have your medical records from your physician handy. The SSA needs to see your doctor’s treatment notes, lab reports, x-rays, any imaging studies, and your doctor’s overall statements. Without the medical information from your doctor, you most likely will not be approved for SSI disability benefits.
Contact Us Today
Contact the Law Offices of Kenneth Miller & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation. We will help you walk through the process of your Social Security Disability initial application and make sure you are getting the help you need.
