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What mental conditions qualify you for disability?

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2021 | blog

The Social Security Administration outlines which medical conditions qualify claimants for disability benefits in Section 12 of the Blue Book. This also includes qualifying mental disorders and circumstances.

Since the Blue Book covers different medical conditions than what healthcare providers base their diagnoses off of, familiarizing yourself with what makes you eligible may help you find the medical evidence to get you Social Security disability benefits more efficiently.

What are the mental health categories?

The Blue Book covers several mental disorders: autism, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, organic mental disorders, somatoform disorders, substance addiction, schizophrenia, mental retardation, psychotic disorders and personality disorders.

The diagnostic methods outlined in the book the SSA utilizes are not the same as your doctor uses, so do not feel alarmed if you qualify for something different than what you believe you have.

What is the disability claims process?

You must meet the criteria listed under the disorder in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for any of these mental conditions. Alternatively, you can show with medical evidence that the total of all your disabling conditions is comparable to what the Blue Book lists. As part of your application, the SSA requires that you show you continue to get medical help and you fully comply with your prescribed treatment, even during the application process.

After you file the appropriate documentation, you will need to wait about three to five months to find out if the SSA accepted your disability claim. With an accepted claim, the SSA pay your benefits (plus any retroactive benefits) immediately. If the agency denies your claim, you can appeal this decision and appear before a judge.

Overall, the SSA includes many different mental disorders in their Blue Book, so you may qualify for Social Security disability with your condition.

 

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