Mobile SSD Attorney Working Hard to Get Benefits for You or a Loved One
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits were created for people who have a mental or physical disability that is keeping them from working. If you are suffering from a mental disability and are unable to work, you may qualify for SSD. Unfortunately, mental disabilities are often more challenging, when it comes to qualifying. Often mental disabilities are misunderstood and less obvious to an evaluator who doesn’t come from the mental health field. By working with a Social Security attorney, you can often overcome these hurdles and get the help you need.
How Do I Know If My Mental Disability Qualifies Me for SSD?
There are many cognitive, emotional, and mental disorders listed in the Social Security Administration’s listing of mental conditions. This list ranges from Schizophrenia to Austistic disorders to PTSD and many more. The Social Security Administration considers any disorder on the list to be a severe impairment that may hinder your ability to lead a normal life.
Aside from the list, the Social Security Administration considers other factors when determining whether or not to award benefits. These other factors include medical records from mental health professionals who have treated you, the testimony of third-party friends, family, or co-workers, and your responses to a standard questionnaire. Mental health cases are tougher to evaluate since so much of it can be subjective. Determining how your mental disorder is limiting your ability to earn an income is tough, as certain conditions may not always be apparent. When this is the case, it may appear to an examiner that your condition has been cured, even though it will likely come back down the road. A good Social Security attorney can ensure you get benefits while suffering from these disabling mental conditions.
What Does Mental Residual Functional Capacity Mean?
If a certified mental health professional has diagnosed you with a condition that isn’t on the Social Security Administration’s list of qualifying conditions, they may take into consideration your mental “residual functional capacity” (RFC). This is essentially a test of your ability to perform the tasks needed for the job you had before your diagnosis, or even to do any other work. If you are unable to do the job you did before, or cannot be trained to do another job, you may be eligible for disability benefits. An Alabama Social Security lawyer can evaluate your case before it even goes to the Social Security Administration and figures out the plan that’s best for you.
Why Are Claims for Mental Illness Often Denied?
Mental health disability cases are denied for a range of different reasons. Commonly, lack of evidence comes into play. When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you will need to show sufficient proof that your condition is severe enough that you can’t work. You’ll want to have medical records, statements from your doctor, and ideally statements from people who you know and are aware of your condition. You will also want to be sure if you have been prescribed medication for your condition that you have records of refills. If you haven’t taken the medication prescribed to you, your claim will likely be denied. Lastly, claims are denied if the disability hasn’t lasted, or isn’t expected to last at least 12 months. When you consult with an experienced Social Security lawyer you increase your chances of being approved on your initial application or on appeal.
How Can a Social Security Attorney Help Me?
When you work with the attorneys at Walton Law LLC, we treat your mental illness case with dignity and respect. We will guide you through every step of the claims process, and if you are denied, we’ll guide you through the appeal process. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with a mental illness and is seeking Social Security Disability benefits, call Walton Law LLC at 251-319-5354.
