Indiana Social Security Disability Attorney Blog
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that usually arises after an especially traumatic event, such as abuse, rape, first-hand combat, a natural disaster, the sudden death of a loved one, or even the quick onset of a medical condition, such as a heart attack. PTSD diagnoses have increased over the past several years as medical professionals become more aware of the triggering events and the related symptoms.
The symptoms of PTSD can be severe and debilitating, and may include:
– Flashbacks
– Bad dreams
– Frightening thoughts
– Feeling emotionally numb
– Strong feelings of guilt
– Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
– Staying away from places or people that remind you of the event
Qualifying for Disability Based on a PTSD Diagnosis
Most who qualify for disability benefits based on their PTSD diagnosis do so under the anxiety listing. To qualify for disability benefits under the anxiety listing, you must suffer from disruptive flashbacks, nightmares, or memories that cause you “marked distress” on a regular basis.
Marked distress is not mere uncomfortableness, but a near inability to function due to the anxiety related symptoms of the disease. Proof of phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks usually help an applicant meet this criteria.
If you do not suffer from PTSD symptoms to this extent, you may still be able to qualify for disability benefits under the more general medical-vocational allowance. This means that you might not suffer the symptoms of PTSD to the extent that you qualify for benefits based on the disease itself, but you do suffer from a combination of symptoms that makes it difficult or impossible to perform the necessary tasks of a job.
Applicants who qualify under the medical-vocational allowance usually have other diseases or disorders in addition to PTSD, such as generalized anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc. Other problems that might prevent an applicant from work are:
– significant trouble sleeping that lasts more than a few weeks
– difficulty remembering more than simple series
– having a hard time concentrating on more than a simple task
Have You Been Diagnosed with PTSD?
If you have been diagnosed with depression, PTSD, or both, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits for your debilitation condition. While the Social Security Administration does allow for benefits to be paid for these diseases, the process can be confusing and seemingly endless, especially if an applicant is denied on her first application.
To increase the chances that you are approved on your first application, contact an experienced Indiana Social Security attorney today. I have over 30 years of experience practicing law and know the ins and outs of the Social Security system. I have assisted clients file countless successful applications and have also successfully won appeals of initial denials.
Click here to contact me online, or call 1-765-644-8410.
See Related Blog Posts:
· Availability of Social Security Disability for Those With Digestive Disorders
· Can An Applicant Qualify for Disability Benefits Based on Obesity?
