Approximately one-fourth of the total applicants for Social Security Disability list some form of mental disorder as their primary impairment. The majority of the mental impairment claims include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and depression. However, such claims are difficult to win if you do not understand how the SSA reviews such claims or know the documents required to support your claim.
According to statistics maintained by the Social Security Administration, about two-thirds of all claims get denied during the initial application, about 15% are approved at the reconsideration level, and about 50% or so are approved at the hearing level if the individual is not represented. A greater percentage are approved at the hearing level if represented. Hiring a Social Security Disability attorney can increase your chances of getting approved. At our office, we have prevailed in a significantly higher percentage of claims than the national average because of the thorough preparation of our clients’ matters.
Mental Impairments Covered by the SSA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an official list of mental disorders that they consider as inherently disabling if the condition has symptoms and findings of the required severity. This means anyone who suffers from one of the listed impairments with all of the required findings will be presumed to be disabled. The SSA must determine if your symptoms and the findings establish that you meet the criteria for the mental ailments included in its official listing.
Listed below are some of the mental disorders listed in the SSA’s blue book.
- Autistic Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mental Retardation
- Bipolar Disorder
Reasons Why Claims for Mental Impairment Get Rejected
If you are applying for a Social Security Disability benefits due to mental illness, you need to prove that your disability prevents you from sustaining full-time employment. Below are some of the reasons why the SSA rejects mental impairment claims:
- Lack of a diagnosis by a specialist for a specific mental illness
- Insufficient records of treatment history
- Your mental illness does not prevent you from performing work that is less demanding than the work you previously performed, meaning you are still employable
Proving you are entitled to Social Security Disability benefits due to a mental impairment is notoriously tricky, especially for younger people. This is because the total disability of a mental disorder is very hard to prove.
How Can A Lawyer Help?
Many of the mental disorder listed in the Blue Book are complicated. Some may even require medical or legal training to understand them fully. Experienced disability lawyers are quite familiar with how disability claims work. They can assess your condition and help you develop evidence to prove the severity of your condition and disability, including working with your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Establishing disability under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines is not easy because the SSA is very strict about its requirements. An experienced social security disability attorney from Schiffman Law Office, P.C. can help make simplify the process for you. We are available to assist clients in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Surprise, Peoria and many other areas in Arizona. We are here in Arizona, so, if you need us, give us a call for your free consultation.
