ESPANOL
According to Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, If you qualify for benefits, you can get disability for anxiety and depression. You may qualify for disability for anxiety under SSA Mental Disorders – Adult §12.06, if you have medically documented anxiety characterized by at least three of the following:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
There are additional requirements that must be met regarding anxiety and being in a crowd or out in wide, open spaces. Your mental health care team can help you determine if your condition is serious, persistent, and likely to cause difficulty adapting.
Qualifying for Disability for Depression
You may qualify for disability for depression under SSA Mental Disorders – Adult §12.04 if you have medically documented depression characterized by at least five of the following:
- Depressed mood
- Disinterest in most activities
- Change in appetite and weight
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of energy
- Feelings of guilt
- Low self-assessment
- Difficulty focusing
- Suicidal thoughts
You will also have to meet additional requirements. You do not have to fight for disability benefits alone or stop fighting when you receive a denial letter. A Social Security lawyer can explain the necessary requirements, help you determine if you should qualify for benefits, and help you file an appeal if your initial request is denied.
How Anxiety and Depression Are Diagnosed
Anxiety and depression are two different conditions, but they often go hand-in-hand. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research, your doctor may diagnose you with depression if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Negative emotions most or all the time
- Disinterest in activities you once enjoyed
- Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in your appetite
- Otherwise unexplained aches and pains
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Difficulty remembering things
- A negative self-image
- Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
Many people who are diagnosed with depression will have other coexisting mental health challenges. If you suffer from depression and from anxiety, additional symptoms you experience may include anxiousness, fear, worry, and panic. When the symptoms of depression and anxiety are severe enough or long-lasting enough, they can impair your ability to work, perform ordinary daily tasks, or engage in your usual social activities.
How Anxiety and Depression Are Evaluated
When you apply for disability benefits for anxiety and depression, Social Security Administration (SSA) officials will evaluate your mental health by reading and reviewing your medical evidence. With this, they will determine the depth and impact of your mental health disorder.
They will also evaluate the severity of your anxiety and depression and your ability to work (now and in the future). SSA officials will also consider:
- Medical evidence: Including your diagnosis, medications, and treatment plans
- Statements: From friends, family members, colleagues, and clergy who know you and have witnessed your inability to function
SSA officials also rate your mental health using the following five-point system – no limitations, mild limitations, moderate limitations, marked limitations, and extreme limitations. A Social Security lawyer can help you understand these ratings and evaluations and where your anxiety and depression fit. They can also help you apply for the benefits your current condition entitles you to, or help you keep fighting if your claim for benefits was denied.
When You Are Ready to Apply for Disability Benefits
Applying for disability benefits typically entails a huge assortment of paperwork and evidence. Social Security Administration officials will request medical evidence which documents your disability and its severity. In addition to your existing medical evidence, SSA officials may also ask you to submit to a consultative examination (CE) – an independent medical evaluation of your condition.
Completing the application process for disability can be daunting on your own. A lawyer can help you complete the application and ensure you meet the qualifying criteria. They can walk you all the way through the application process and help you file a comprehensive appeal if your claim is denied.
A Lawyer Can Help You Fight for Disability for Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can make everyday life and the ability to work difficult or impossible. When that happens, you could be entitled to the financial support of Social Security disability benefits. Find out how committed we are to your success when you apply for disability benefits or file an appeal.
With our commitment to your success, you can focus on getting better and leave the rest to us. Contact the client intake team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers.