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DISABILITY CLAIMS INVOLVING PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Here are questions we often receive about Social Security disability for psychological conditions:

May I receive Social Security benefits for a psychological impairment?  Yes.  If the condition is severe enough to prevent full-time, consistent work, you may be approved for benefits.  You will need the same basic type of proof that would be required for a physical illness.  Unfortunately, veterans sometimes have psychological disorders, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc.  These conditions are considered in the evaluation of a Social Security disability claim.

Is there a particular psychological diagnosis that qualifies for disability benefits?  There are any number of conditions that may qualify for benefits, depending on their severity.  A few examples would be Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder or many others.  One of the impairments we see a lot with veterans who had combat tours is PTSD, which can be very debilitating. Veterans usually have the advantage of getting regular medical care and good documentation of their medical conditions.  Thus, their impairments may be easier to prove.

Do I have to be in a hospital or institution to get disability benefits?   No. The requirement is that you are unable to perform consistent, full-time work because of your impairment.  You need not be hospitalized.

If I am still receiving active duty military pay, can I still apply for Social Security disability benefits?  Yes, if you are unable to perform your job duties.  Under the Wounded Warrior program, it is not whether you are receiving pay that matters, it is whether you are able to work.  

Does getting disability benefits for a mental condition have negative social implications?  No, not at all.  The old stigmas about psychological disorders have pretty much been eliminated by medical science.  We now see these conditions as illnesses that require treatment.  However, they can be just as disabling as a physical illness.

Will I be degraded, put down, or made to feel ashamed during the disability process?  No. This absolutely has no place.  The Social Security Administration will treat you respectfully and professionally.  The same is true with your attorney or advocate who represents you before Social Security.

Will my problems be made public if I apply for Social Security or go to a hearing about my benefits?  No. Social Security is a private, confidential process.  Your privacy is protected by law.  If you have to appear at a hearing, it is closed to everyone except the people who must be there to process the case.  These persons cannot divulge information about you without your written permission.  I recommend that my clients not discuss their disability benefits with anyone who doesn't need to know.

If you have further questions about Social Security disability, please contact us at the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville. We handle these cases confidentially and with concern for your well being.

please contact Charles Forsythe, a partner at the Forsythe Firm -  (256) 799-0927.  

Our disability benefits website can give you more direction and answer more of your questions.  You may also email me directly at forsythefirm@gmail.com  

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