Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disability that can make working extremely difficult. Constant anxiety, doubts, intrusive thoughts, and time-consuming rituals can make it hard to focus, meet deadlines, or even get to work on time. If your OCD is severe enough that you can’t work, you might qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
However, getting approved for OCD disability benefits isn’t easy. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements for approving disability claims. They deny many initial applications. Working with experienced attorneys like our team at Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, can improve your chances of claim approval.
If you need help filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) with OCD, contact our law firm today. Schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you build a strong case for benefits.
Can You Qualify for Disability Benefits With OCD?
Many people ask, “Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder a disability?” The answer is yes, OCD is recognized as a mental disorder that can qualify for Social Security Disability by the SSA.
You can get disability for OCD if you can prove that your symptoms are so severe that they prevent you from working. The key is to show that your condition fits the SSA’s definition of disability. You must also prove that you have been following treatment, but still cannot work.
What It Takes to Qualify for Disability With OCD
General SSA Requirements
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits your ability to work. Your impairment must meet these basic requirements:
- Your condition must prevent you from taking part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months
- Your condition must meet a listing in the Blue Book or be considered as severe as a listed condition (or prevent you from performing previous types of work and adjusting to any other work)
Blue Book Criteria for OCD
The Blue Book is a guide filled with medical conditions that qualify for SSD. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder falls under section 12.00 for Mental Disorders. The SSA evaluates OCD under Listing 12.06 (Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders). To qualify for OCD under this listing, you must show:
Medical documentation of:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, characterized by:
- Involuntary, time-consuming preoccupation with intrusive, unwanted thoughts
AND/OR
- Repetitive, compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety
And one of the following:
Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
OR
Your mental disorder qualifies as “serious and persistent.” This means there is a medically documented history of the disorder’s presence for a minimum of 2 years, plus evidence of both:
- Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing and that diminishes the symptoms and signs of your mental disorder
- Marginal adjustment, which means you have only a small ability to adapt to environmental changes or new demands in your life
If you don’t meet these exact criteria, you might still qualify for SSD through a Medical-Vocational Allowance. The SSA will determine whether you can perform any previous or new types of work, despite your limitations. This approach considers:
- Your age
- Education
- Work experience
For example, your OCD may make it impossible to concentrate for more than short periods. If you’re also over the age of 50 and have little work experience, the SSA may determine that you cannot reasonably hold a job.
Qualifying Evidence for Your OCD Disability Claim
Strong evidence is crucial for your Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder disability claim. You should gather:
- Detailed records from psychiatrists or therapists who have treated your OCD
- Documentation of your symptoms, including how much time your obsessions and compulsions take up each day
- Records of medications you’ve tried and their effects
- Therapy records, especially for treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy
- Personal diary of your symptoms (such as physical and mental compulsions) and how they affect your daily activities
- Statements from family members, coworkers, employers, etc., about how your OCD affects your functioning
The SSA will want to see that you’ve been following treatment recommendations but still have disabling symptoms. Without proper medical documentation, even severe OCD may not qualify for benefits.
What If You Were Denied Disability?
Many people are denied disability benefits the first time they apply, even with legitimate conditions like OCD. If this happens to you, you have the right to appeal.
At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we help clients appeal denied disability claims at every stage. We know how to:
- Identify why your claim was denied
- Gather additional evidence to strengthen your case
- Prepare you for questions at hearings
- Present your case effectively to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
The appeals process can give you a chance to explain how your OCD affects your daily life in your own words. Most claimants find success at the hearing level when they can present their case to an ALJ.
Why Choose Drozdowski & Rabin for Your OCD Disability Claim?
Proving that your OCD is disabling can be challenging. Mental health conditions are often harder to prove than physical ones, and symptoms can vary in intensity over time. Our skilled Tennessee disability lawyers understand these challenges. We also know how to file your claim so the SSA understands how debilitating your condition is.
We serve clients throughout Tennessee and Western North Carolina who are struggling with OCD and other mental health conditions. Our team recognizes the difficulties you face and will fight to help you obtain the benefits you need.
Get Help With Your Claim Today
If you’re unable to work due to severe OCD, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. OCD is a disability that can entitle you to SSD with proper documentation and substantial evidence.
At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, our staff and lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience helping disability claimants. Our managing attorney, Emma Drozdowski Webb, is a Certified Disability Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Contact Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation about your OCD SSD claim. Our attorneys can travel to where you are and also offer convenient Zoom meetings. We will evaluate your case and help you understand your options for securing disability benefits.
FAQs About OCD
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition. It involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). People with OCD are driven to perform compulsions to reduce anxiety that stems from obsessional doubts. However, the compulsions only provide temporary relief and feed the cycle, worsening symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of OCD?
Common symptoms of OCD include:
- Unwanted, persistent thoughts or mental images that cause anxiety
- Feeling compelled to perform certain rituals or routines repeatedly
- Spending at least one hour per day on repetitive thoughts and behaviors
- Experiencing significant distress when unable to perform compulsions
- Difficulty controlling thoughts or behaviors, even when recognized as excessive
- Impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
Often, individuals with OCD will also suffer from other disorders, such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
Is OCD Considered a Disability Under the ADA?
Yes, OCD is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when it significantly restricts one or more major life activities, like working, learning, or caring for oneself.
