How To Get PTSD Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability Benefits for PTSD are possible for many Americans. The truth is, when most people think about Social Security Disability, they think about physical conditions like people who are unable to walk properly, or those who have lost limbs, and other physical conditions that would keep someone from being able to work. That said, mental conditions can be just as debilitating.
In fact, they may be slightly worse because nobody can see their injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder, otherwise known as PTSD is one of these cases. It occurs after someone has been through trauma. This can be war or even just going through a traumatic event. This can affect your relationships, job, and even the ability to get through your days. That being said, you may be wondering if it would qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The best way to find out is to talk to a lawyer who specializes in SSDI benefits.
There Are Two Ways to Get Approved for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits for PTSD
These include:
- Satisfy the disability listing requirements
- Get a medical-vocational allowance
What Are the Disability Listing Requirements?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Blue Book, which outlines the disabilities that allow you to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You also need to meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements when it comes to your work history.
In 2017, the SSA added “trauma and stressor-related disorders” to their list of eligible disabilities. To be eligible for this route, you need to be able to provide proof of the following:
- You received exposure to actual or threatened violence, death, or injury.
- You experience flashbacks of this experience.
- This can cause heightened levels of arousal and reactivity.
- You go out of your way to avoid things that could cause these flashbacks.
- You see changes in your mood or behavior disturbances because of your PTSD.
Also, you need to prove that you have an extreme limitation of at least one of the following functions:
- The ability to understand and apply information
- Interacting with people
- Concentration
- The ability to live independently and take care of yourself
However, if you don’t have significant limitations, you may still qualify if you are able to show the following:
- PTSD affected you for at least two years
- You received treatment for this condition
- You are struggling to adapt to changes due to your PTSD
If you are able to prove these things (and you meet the work credit requirements), you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
What About a Medical-Vocational Allowance?
Since it can be hard to meet the requirements to get SSDI benefits for your PTSD, many take another route.
The SSA will be able to evaluate your condition to determine if your PTSD is severe enough to keep you from working the way that you did previously. If you can still work, you are not going to be found eligible. However, if you can’t do the work that you used to, you will be evaluated to see if you can do some other sort of work!
The SSA will look at your work history, the skills that you have, and the training that you took to see if you are eligible for SSDI benefits. If they believe that you will be able to do other work, you are not going to qualify. However, if they think that you won’t be able to work, you may be eligible for benefits.
Learn More About Social Security Disability With PTSD
Because Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be confusing, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer. If diagnosed with PTSD and are unable to work to support yourself and your loved ones, give us a call at 770-955-3000. Here at The Keener Law Firm, we will meet with you for a FREE thirty-minute consultation to see what is going on. At that time, we will determine if we are able to help you get the compensation that you deserve.