SSDI Mental Illness In Knoxville, TN
Living with mental illness of any kind is challenging, and many times entirely debilitating. Merely having the disease, however, is not enough to automatically qualify a case for benefits. Though day to day life may be extremely difficult, the ability to work and function can disqualify an application.
That being said, all types of mental illnesses and disorders do have the potential to prevent someone from living a productive, fulfilling life, and earning gainful employment.
The inability to work caused by ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar, depression, and similar disorders may indicate qualification for disability benefits. Other conditions that fall under the SSA’s mental illness category include learning and intellectual disabilities, cognitive issues like traumatic brain injury (TBI), and age-related illnesses like dementia.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
While struggling with the daily complications and effects of mental illness, it can be overwhelming to attempt any intense application process. The research and documentation is tedious and time consuming, but necessary to begin the journey. Medical records detailing mental illness diagnoses, and a journal or diary tracking daily struggles are essential in providing a foundation for benefits eligibility.
It is recommended that claimants confer with their medical providers to gather relevant records. All lab tests, brain scans, psychological assessments, and treatment histories will be key evidence in supporting the claim.
Friends and family are encouraged to track witnessed behavior, as well, especially noting particularly difficult situations, days, or time periods. Any daily assistance required for basic tasks should also be well documented.
Functional Impairment Diagnosis
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the standard reference for diagnosing mental disorders and illnesses in the United States. This is also accepted by the SSA for grading functional impairment, having different requirements for each type of mental diagnosis.
For instance, to be diagnosed with anxiety as a disability, the patient must have two functional impairments plus at least three clinical symptoms from the DSM. Mental health specialists detail these in the patient file, which will help support SSDI claims.
Denied Disability for Mental Illness
Having the Social Security Administration deny a claim for disability can evoke feelings of invalidation and may exacerbate symptoms of depression. It is important to keep in mind that roughly half of all claims are initially denied but that does not mean an appeal will not be successful.
After the first denial, claimants are encouraged to retain the services of an experienced social security disability lawyer. Upon completing the appeals process, 75% of mental illness disability claims are approved. The combination of having all the proper documentation consistently updated, and a dedicated, experienced attorney on your side will greatly improve your chances of a successful claim.
Contact Us
Social security disability lawyers in Knoxville, TN want to help those suffering with mental illness. If you need assistance with your SSDI application, are ready to submit a social security disability claim, or want to appeal your case, reach out today.
The experienced social security disability attorneys here at Miller Disability Law, P.C. will provide you with a free case evaluation. If you qualify for social security insurance, we will help you obtain the disability benefits you have earned.
