Many people feel sad from time to time. For some people, though, a condition called major depressive disorder impacts every facet of their life in that no matter how much they want to be happy, productive, and motivated, there is a limitation that blocks them. In these situations, it can be critical for them to have financial support so they can focus on their health and well-being.
By working with a major depressive disorder Social Security disability lawyer, you can find out if you qualify for disability. Social Security has very specific requirements you must meet to do that, and our legal team at Pond Lehocky Disability can help you.
Common Mental Health Conditions Eligible for SSD Benefits
Social Security Disability recognizes a wide range of medical and psychological disorders as debilitating, meaning they impact you so much that you cannot work. In the area of mental health conditions, the following are some examples of those that could meet SSD benefit requirements:
- Major and clinical depression
- Mood disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder and bipolar II disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Eating disorders
- Phobias
- Obsessive-consumptive disorder
- Hallucinations
- Attention deficit disorder
- Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder
- Schizophrenia
A person may be suffering from one of these conditions more than once.
Can You Get Disability for Major Depressive Disorder?
It is possible to obtain disability from Social Security for major depressive disorder. To do so, you must demonstrate that you have the symptoms associated with this disorder and meet the requirements for the SSA Blue Book guidelines for depression.
To qualify for disability benefits under this condition, you must demonstrate five or more of the following symptoms:
- Depressed mood
- Decreased interest in activities
- Appetite changes, including poor appetite or overeating, leading to weight changes
- Sleep disturbances, including sleeping all of the time or not sleeping at all
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Difficulty with thinking, processing, or concentrating
- Slowed physical movement and reactions, such as slowed speech
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Other factors may also help you qualify. The key here is to demonstrate that these are not just one-off situations but prolonged instances of impact.
How Do You Prove that Your Depression Prevents You from Working?
You may feel many of the above symptoms, but you are unsure how to prove what is happening to you and its impact on your ability to work and perform tasks as others do. Under the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, your employer cannot discriminate against you because of your mental health condition. Most of the time, you can keep your condition private, but your employer is allowed to ask medical questions in these situations:
- You have asked for reasonable accommodation.
- You have been made a job offer, but employment has not begun.
- The employer is engaging in affirmative action for people with disabilities.
- You are on the job, and there is objective evidence that you may be unable to do your job or you pose a safety risk.
You may need to discuss your condition with your employer at that point. To prove that your condition limits your ability to work from a Social Security disability standpoint, you will need to:
- Have medical evidence that documents the condition
- Have a formal diagnosis and a treatment history for it
- Complete mental health status exams and testing
- Note the functional limitations you have
Medical Evidence Needed for a Successful Claim
Medical evidence must prove the severity of your condition, show how your disability limits your ability to work, and demonstrate that the condition is ongoing. Types of medical evidence you may need include:
- Doctor’s reports
- Diagnostic test results
- Hospital records, if applicable
- Treatment plans you have in place
- Mental health evaluations
What Is a Mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment?
A mental residual functional capacity assessment is completed to determine how well you meet the intellectual, emotional, and cognitive demands of the work you do or any work. Your examiner will complete this assessment with you to determine factors like how well you can follow directions, maintain attention, and perform tasks. It carefully considers a wide range of other factors to determine if your mental condition impacts your ability to work.
Do You Have a Better Chance of Getting SSDI with a Lawyer?
Social Security Disability is a complicated process with numerous requirements for you to follow. Small mistakes or oversights in your application lead to denials. Your attorney knows how to avoid this while also ensuring you present all necessary information to prove your disability.
How to File a Claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
You can apply for disability benefits online or over the phone. You can also book an appointment with your local Social Security Administration office. We encourage you to contact us so that our team can help you through this process. If you wish to get more information or start the process, you can call 1-800-772-1213 for guidance.
Preparing for an SSDI Hearing
At a hearing, you will testify about your condition and limitations. You will need to present information about your education, training, work history, and physical and mental conditions that caused your disability. You will also have to document your activities and how your disabilities have impacted your life.
When you work with our legal team, we will prepare you for this hearing by reviewing your file thoroughly and creating a cheat sheet with dates and specific details that impact your case. You should have the most up-to-date information and medical records with you, along with a statement from your doctor.
- Appealing a Denied Claim for Major Depressive Disorder
If you are facing a denial of a claim, do not give up just yet. Instead, contact Pond Lehocky Disability now to discuss your case with us. Let us help you determine the best strategy for appealing and winning your claim.
Talk to a Lawyer if You Need Help Filing an SSD Claim
Pond Lehocky Disability has helped over 100,000 people manage their cases. With a combined 250 years of experience, our team is ready to take on your case now.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team, call 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.
