Living with a disability is challenging, particularly when suffering from a mental health condition like an anxiety disorder. These disabilities can greatly impact daily life, making it difficult to function at work, school, or in social settings.
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are essential to individuals who are unable to work because of a mental health condition. These benefits provide crucial financial support that allows people to afford medical care and the costs of daily living.
Does Anxiety Qualify for Disability?
Yes, anxiety disorders can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Anxiety disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions characterized by heightened levels of anxiety, fear, worry, dread, and related disturbances. Unlike typical anxiety most people experience, anxiety disorders are persistent and can worsen over time, severely disrupting an individual’s life.
People with these conditions might have trouble performing work duties and avoid specific situations, locations, individuals, items, or thoughts. They can experience marked limitations in day-to-day life. Some common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- Trouble Focusing
- Hyper-Vigilance
- Sleep Disturbances/Nightmares
- Quick Onset of Fatigue
- Panic Attacks
- Nausea
- Muscle Tension
- Increased Heart Rate
- Agitation
- Obsessive Thought Patterns
Types of Anxiety Disorders Recognized by the SSA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) acknowledges several types of anxiety disorders as qualifying conditions for disability benefits. Examples include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Agoraphobia
- Social Anxiety Disorder
How Can You Get Disability for an Anxiety Disorder?
To receive disability for an anxiety disorder, you must prove your condition is severe and has a significant impact on your ability to work.
The SSA recognizes that mental disorders, including anxiety, can be just as debilitating as physical disabilities. Mental disorders that qualify for SSD are in the Blue Book under section 12.00. The SSA assesses disability claims for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders under listing 12.06. The Blue Book defines the qualifying criteria necessary to meet this listing, which includes:
- Medical Criteria
- Functional Criteria (in conjunction with a rating scale)
- Criteria Used to Evaluate “Serious and Persistent Mental Disorders”
To qualify for benefits, your anxiety disorder must satisfy both medical criteria AND either the functional criteria or the criteria used to evaluate serious and persistent mental disorders.
If your disability doesn’t satisfy a Blue Book listing, that doesn’t mean you can’t receive benefits. You may be able to qualify if your condition or combination of conditions equals a listing in severity.
Other times, a person may not meet the medical requirements for SSD but are still unable to work. In these cases, the disabled individual may qualify for a Medical-Vocational Allowance.
Supporting Evidence
People often think of physical limitations when they think of disability. However, mental disorders can also affect a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, and engage in daily activities. When filing a disability claim, it’s important to show proof of the severity of your disorder and symptoms.
For anxiety disorders, the SSA evaluates both medical and non-medical evidence. Some examples include:
- Medical Records: This may include medical documentation from physicians, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Proof of a diagnosis, treatment history, and response to therapy are a few examples of critical medical evidence.
- Other Evidence From Medical Sources: This may include psychological testing, imaging results, medications, laboratory findings, the anticipated duration of your symptoms, etc.
- Evidence of Functional Limitations: Evidence of how your disorder impacts social functioning, concentration, etc. This might include evidence of how the disorder affects your ability to function in school or work settings.
- Statements From Third Parties: Statements about your disorder and its impact on your daily life. The SSA may request information about treatments, symptoms, and your daily functioning from third parties like family, caregivers, social workers, etc.
SSA Eligibility Requirements for Disability Benefits
In addition to meeting the criteria in the Blue Book, disability claimants must also meet the SSA’s strict eligibility requirements. These include:
- Your condition must be expected to persist for at least 12 months or result in death.
- Your condition must prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
- Your condition must meet or equal a Blue Book listing; OR you must qualify for a Medical-Vocational Allowance.
Why Work With an Attorney?
Applying for disability benefits can be daunting, especially when dealing with a mental disorder. Working with an experienced attorney can greatly improve your chances of filing a successful claim.
At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we are committed to helping clients secure the benefits they deserve. Our skilled attorneys provide compassionate and comprehensive legal support to individuals dealing with anxiety disorders and other disabilities. We strive to make the application process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Our team understands the SSA’s strict guidelines and will gather all necessary supporting evidence to strengthen your claim. You can rely on us to decipher complex legal and medical language, and ensure all documentation is filed properly and on time.
Contact Our Disability Lawyers
Living with an anxiety disorder can be incredibly challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. If a mental disorder prevents you from working, SSD benefits can provide the financial support you need. Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, is here to help you navigate the application process and advocate on your behalf. We’ll help determine if you qualify for SSD and what types of disability benefits you’re eligible for.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and take the first step towards securing benefits.
