I represent many people with mental disorders, and anxiety is no exception. This diagnosis can stand alone, or at times, it may be accompanied by other mental and physical disorders. I have found that some of my clients’ symptoms from anxiety can be so severe that they are unable to interact with friends, family, or even leave their house to do routine activities. With severe symptoms, the thought of dealing with the public, co-workers, and supervisors can be difficult, if not impossible. In my experience, to win a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, essential information from a treating qualified mental health professional is generally needed.
Anxiety can also cause problems with maintaining focus. My clients often report issues with racing thoughts, trouble focusing, increased phobias, problems with change in routine, or difficulty sleeping at night. Additionally, panic attacks can be a major issue for clients who suffer from anxiety. These attacks can have varying degrees of frequency, duration, or severity; they can even lead to a need for emergency medical treatment. Any of these symptoms can cause issues in the workplace that would prevent an individual from staying on task and completing a work day. By showing the Social Security Administration that you experience these symptoms through medical records or testimony, it can strengthen your claim for disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration recognizes Anxiety Disorder in its Listing of Impairments under Listing 12.06.
At times, it can be difficult to meet or equal one of these listings, so it is important to receive treatment and have records from hospitalizations, treatment and progress notes, and any medical source statements your mental health professional can provide. Compliance with treatment can be a huge factor in receiving disability payments. If you are not taking medications as prescribed for your mental health impairment(s) and do not see a therapist on a regular basis to attempt to resolve your anxiety related symptoms, it can be very difficult to win a claim before the SSA or an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Social Security Disability: Claim Denied?
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Many individuals who do not suffer from mental disorders may not understand the impact of a severe mental condition. My office strives to be patient and understanding when dealing with all clients.
Sometimes medications and therapy do not achieve results that make a person able to endure a full-time work schedule. Social Security Disability may provide those individuals the financial relief they need.
