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Can I Get Disability For Severe Anxiety

What Other Criteria Is Necessary To Obtain Disability Benefits

VA Disability for Anxiety | Everything You Need to Know!

In addition to proving that you have a condition that is disabling, there are certain other criteria you will need to win your benefits:

  • A doctor must expect your condition to last a year or longer or result in death.
  • Despite treatment, your panic disorder is so severe that you cannot engage in SGA.
  • Given your condition, age, education, and skill sets, you are unable to adjust to different work.

You must also meet either work credit requirements or income/asset limits . The SSDI benefit program requires that you have a certain number of work credits on your record. These are credits that you earn by working at a job and paying Social Security taxes. The number of credits you need depends on your age.

The SSI program is for children, visually impaired persons, and other disabled people that have limited assets and who have never worked or have not worked long or recently enough to qualify for SSDI. To qualify for SSI, your income and assets must fall below a certain threshold.

To learn more about the differences between SSDI and SSI, read our blog post on the subject.

Do You Meet The Criteria For Social Security Benefits

A sleep disorder can be characterized by periods of wakefulness or oversleeping. A depressed person may have serious issues sleeping or over-sleeping, which in turn can lead to a general functional limitation and other health issues. Suicidal thoughts can plague a person suffering from the mental illness of depression. These can range from vague ideations to actual plans that present a sizable risk factor to those suffering from severe depression.

Depressed mood is a term signifying the overall emotional state of a depressed person. This ongoing and disabling depression may present itself as a negative outlook or feelings of sadness. It is normal for life changes to bring on a depressive episode, but depressive symptoms going on longer than 14 days may indicate clinical depression that needs treatment.

Diminished interest in personal activities is another sign of a depressive disorder. A loss of investment in your work or business, a lack of interest connecting to family members or friends, or failure to find engagement in once meaningful hobbies can all be signs of depression. Functional limitations due to your depression might include the psychomotor agitation of nervous motions like pacing or wringing hands. Depression can indeed manifest as a physical disability such as slowed reaction time or inability reminiscent of a learning disability, such as the inability to follow directions or retain information.

Gather Medical Evidence To Support Your Disability

The most important aspect of your disability claim will be the objective medical evidence from your treating doctors of your anxiety disorder. For this reason, having a supportive doctor is essential.

Examples of objective medical evidence to support your claim include:

  • Medical records. Any office visit notes, hospitalization records, lab results, or other records from your doctors that substantiate your condition and symptoms should be included in your disability claim. All of your accompanying symptomsemotional and physicalshould be well-documented.
  • A narrative report from your doctor. If your doctor is supportive, consider whether they can write a letter documenting your anxiety disorder and how it prevents you from working. Their report should focus on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, along with the limitations your condition imposes that prevent you from working. Their opinion should be backed up by their examinations and direct observations of you during office visits.
  • A list of your medications, dosages, and their side effects. Records of your medications and side effects will help the insurance company understand how they may impact your ability to work

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Filing For Social Security Disability With An Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis

The Social Security Administration considers anxiety disorders under Section 12.06 of the Blue Book, which covers Mental Disorders.

It can be difficult to claim Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits on the basis of an anxiety disorder diagnosis because the medical evidence supporting the diagnosis is highly subjective and is based on hard-to-document criteria, such as feelings and behavior that occurs outside the doctors office and is reported to the doctor by the patient.

In order to successfully apply for disability benefits due to an anxiety disorder, be sure to present a history of treatment by medical professionals, including both your physician and a qualified mental health professional, in order to show the recurrent or persistent nature of your anxiety disorder.

The SSAs definition of disability is any medically determinable mental or medical impairment that has prevented an individual from performing substantial work for twelve months, is expected to prevent an individual from working for twelve continuous months, or is expected to end with death. Be sure that your medical documentation can thoroughly and specifically demonstrates to the SSA how your disability interferes with your ability to function on a daily basis.

If you apply for disability benefits under Anxiety-Related Disorders, you must meet the conditions of either Paragraphs A and B below, OR the conditions of Paragraphs A and C below.

Disabilitycan I Get Disability Benefits For Anxiety

Getting Disability by Arguing You Can

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America , more than 40 million adults are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. If you suffer from anxiety so severe that it keeps you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. In this blog post, Watson and Carroll, P.C., L.L.O, discusses applying for disability benefits with an anxiety disorder.

The Symptoms Of Anxiety

There are dozens of different symptoms that accompany anxiety. Their severity and frequency can vary greatly from one individual to another. There are also several different anxiety disorders. Some of the more common anxiety disorders include:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder or social phobia

Social Security Disability Lawyer in Omaha and Council Bluffs

Watson & Carroll, P.C., L.L.O.sSocial Security Disability team can help you secure benefits needed to support yourself. Chellsie Weber, our wildly successful and experienced disability attorney, and Abby Reid, our wonderful and thorough disability paralegal, can offer support and advice as it pertains to your disability and the benefits approval process. Remember, youre more likely to have a successful disability claim with an attorney by your side. Call us today at 402-991-2100. You also can share your story here.

Medically Qualifying For Disability Benefits

  • Sleep disturbance

Qualifying With An RFC

About Watson & Carroll

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Anxiety Disorders That May Qualify For Disability Benefits

Social anxiety and other anxiety disorders can limit a persons social life. Still, at worst, they might make it difficult for them to work.

Following anxiety disorders can qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they are well documented and highly debilitating:

Some people claim to suffer from anxiety, nervousness, or phobias. Yet, the symptoms are regrettably a part of modern lifes stress.

Whereas, to be considered for disability benefits due to an anxiety disorder, SSA requires medical evidence that you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and that as a result of this condition you have been unable to work for at least 12 months

Therefore, you may be eligible for disability compensation if you have been diagnosed with one of the conditions mentioned above and it interferes with your ability to:

  • Leave the house

How The Ssa Determines If Someone Is Disabled For Ssdi Or Ssi

SSDI and SSI use the same standards to determine if someone is disabled. Your medical condition must be significant enough to meet the severity tests of the Listing of Impairments that the SSA uses to evaluate applications for disability benefits.

In addition to the medical tests, your condition must impede your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity. The SSA will also explore whether you could be gainfully employed if you got more education or job skills training. Based on their findings, the SSA may rule that you are not disabled.

Finally, your medical condition cannot be short-term.

The SSA requires that your medical condition:

  • Has been a significant impairment for at least 12 months, or
  • Medical experts anticipate that it will last for at least 12 months, or
  • Your condition will result in your passing

If you do not fall into at least one of those categories, your application may not meet the duration criteria.

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Which Anxiety Disorders Can Qualify For Disability

It’s possible to get disability benefits for mental health conditions, but getting the proper diagnosis is a crucial first step. Your doctor will have to submit medical evidence of your diagnosis, consisting of psychological tests and documentation of symptoms. Here are five types of anxiety disorders that can sometimes qualify you for disability benefits:

  • generalized persistent anxiety
  • sleep disturbance.

What Medical Evidence Does Social Security Need For An Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety Disorder and Social Security Disability: Winning Strategies for Your Claim

In order to determine whether your anxiety disorder is disablingâmedically or vocationallyâthe SSA will want to see that you’ve been receiving regular treatment for your anxiety. The agency will ask you to sign a release form, authorizing your doctors to send your medical records to the SSA. Your medical records should contain:

  • progress notes showing that you’re regularly reporting symptoms of anxiety to your doctor or therapist
  • any mental status examinations showing any abnormalities in your thinking, such as difficulty remembering recent events or frequently losing your train of thought, and

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Disability For Depression And Anxiety

It is normal for people to go through periods of anxiety or depression, especially in response to major life events such as a death, divorce, or loss of a job. Sometimes even positive life events can trigger these feelings, such as a child moving out of the house to attend college.

However, depression and anxiety that lingers on beyond two weeks is cause for clinical concern. You should seek the help of medical professionals such as a psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist if you experience prolonged periods of a low mood, aversion or disinterest in activities or work, disruptions to your sleep, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Alternatively, if nervous or compulsive behaviors disrupt your ability to function at work or in social settings, you will also want to seek treatment.

Depression is an affective disorder like bipolar disorder or any other debilitating mental condition that can present a severe functional limitation and even pose a severe risk to your life. In addition to the fact that you will need medical documentation to build your case around applying for SSDI benefits, this treatmentsuch as therapy, medication, clinical assistance, or hospitalizationmay help move your life back on the right track. In the meantime, you can file for SSDI benefits to cover your living expenses.

Social Security Disability For Anxiety And Panic Attacks

If you have been diagnosed with a severe panic disorder, you might be entitled to Social Security disability benefits for anxiety and panic attacks.

Panic disorders are not uncommon. An estimated 8.6 million American adults have some type of panic disorder, estimates the National Institute of Mental Health . Various types of panic disorders and related anxiety disorders are so oppressive that they can severely impair all aspects a persons life, from relationships to work. With a panic disorder, the fear of recurrent panic attacks can become so overpowering that the person avoids triggers at all costs, such as crowded places or interactions.

For help getting Social Security disability for a panic disorder call a disability lawyer at Lunn & Forro, PLLC and schedule a free consultation: .

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How Edgar Snyder & Associates Can Help

If you’re unable to work due to your anxiety, chances are you’re frustrated and dealing with financial struggles. You need the help of experts who know the system and have a high track record of winning SSD claim appeals. Here’s what our attorneys and legal staff do to help you:

  • Gather medical records and reports
  • Gather evidence for your claim
  • Gather documents from your Social Security file
  • Talk with your doctor about your condition and how affects your ability to work
  • Provide advice to you to help you prepare for your Social Security hearing

Best of all, there’s never a fee unless we get money for you. If we don’t win your appeal, all the time and effort we put into your case costs you nothing.

What Are The Disabling Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders

Does Anxiety Count as a Disability

Anxiety disorders can cause both disabling emotional/cognitive symptoms and physical symptoms. Many people are surprised to hear that although anxiety disorders are considered a mental illness, they have tangible physical symptoms as well. Its important to report all symptoms you experience to your treating doctors so that he or she gets a full picture of the impact your anxiety has on your daily life and ability to work.

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How To Get Disability For Anxiety

The SSA determines the disability due to anxiety through a strict procedure. The Social Security Administration officials will check all the symptoms that the applicant is experiencing, when the symptoms began, and other specific details.

Getting SSD benefits for anxiety can be a daunting task, especially when you are not aware of the process that the SSA follows. Th medical evidence provided plays a crucial role in the process. Anxiety is a mental disorder and therefore, can be hard to prove.

For this reason, it more crucial to have an experienced attorney to guide you through the process. An attorney who specializes in disability benefits can help you with the necessary documentation. They will tell you which documents are needed from your physician as well as your mental health professional. Thus, you can substantiate the persistent or recurrent nature of your anxiety.

To apply for disability, your attorney will first evaluate your case to determine if there is a good chance that you will be eligible to receive disability benefits for anxiety. If there is a chance, they will guide you through all the steps until you receive disability benefits.

Needed Medical Documentation For Ssd Benefits

To determine if your anxiety is disabling, the SSA will require evidence that youve been receiving regular treatment. The medical records you present to the agency should include:

· Progress notes showing youre regularly reporting symptoms of anxiety to your doctor or therapist.

· Any mental status examinations that show any abnormalities in your thinking, such as difficulty remembering recent events or losing your train of thought.

· Comments about the effects of any medication youre taking, including side effects.

In addition to this documentation, you must explain to the SSA how your anxiety symptoms prevent you from working.

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Common Features Of Hypothyroidism:

Less energy. More exhaustion, trouble stiring up in the early morning, need for more sleep, as well as propensity to sleep during the day. Feeling chilly when other people really feel warm. Less sweating. Drier, itchier skin. Drier, coarser, more brittle hair. More loss of hair . Loss of appetite. Moderate weight gain and also problem reducing weight . New or worsening troubles with memory, slower reasoning. New snoring. Muscle aches and also joint aches. New sensation of pins and also needles in the hands and also feet . New or getting worse constipation. Puffiness around the face , hands, ankle joints, and feet because of fluid accumulation. Repetitive strain injury. Larger and/or a lot more frequent menstrual periods, worse pains, even worse premenstrual signs, milky discharge from the busts. Really feeling short-tempered.

Is Severe Anxiety Considered A Disability New or getting worse depression-sadness or otherwise caring about anything. New or worsening hoarse voice. New or worsening hearing loss. Goitre . Slowing of heart price. Somewhat greater blood pressure. Higher cholesterol levels. Growth delay in children If you have hypothyroidism, you might additionally have body modifications that you can not really feel.

For instance, you may not know that cholesterol is building up in your blood or that plaque is hardening your arteries, both of which can enhance your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Why Are Disability Benefits For Anxiety So Often Denied

Social Security Disability Claim Base On Anxiety

The primary reason for denial is the subjective nature of anxiety disorders. With few exceptions, visual-based medical imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans, x-ray, PET scans, and ultrasound cannot decisively document the existence of an anxiety disorder.

Claims examiners have to base their decisions on treatment notes from psychologists, psychiatrists, and other therapists, to agree with your doctors diagnosis and to assess the severity of your condition in terms of your ability to work.

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When Does Anxiety Become A Long Term Disability

Invisible disabilities are conditions that cannot be diagnosed with objective testing such as medical imaging, blood test, or a physical examination. Examples of invisible disabilities include, but are not limited to chronic pain, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and some back injuries. Invisible disabilities are often used by insurance companies to deny disability claims, as these conditions are difficult to quantify and hard to pin down. Anxiety is defined as a condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of apprehension, tension, or uneasiness. For individuals who experience these symptoms to the point of disability, these feelings are not simple nervousness, but are overwhelming feelings of alarm and terror that can be provoked by daily events and situations.

There are five major types of anxiety disorders that are diagnosed:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: a constant state of tension and worry not related to any particular event or situation

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder : repetitive or ritualistic behaviour performed to reduce or control symptoms such as recurrent thoughts or impulses

  • Panic Disorder: repeated attacks of anxiety or terror that last up to ten minutes and have no identifiable cause

  • Phobias: overwhelming, irrational, and involuntary fears of common situations, things, places, or events

Is Anxiety a Long Term Disability?

Stress & Anxiety about Filing a Claim or Applying for Disability Benefits

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