PSYCHOLOGICAL & EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES

Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, P.C. — Member NOSSCR

Can You Get Disability for a Mental Illness?

Absolutely yes! A large percentage of people receiving disability win based in whole or in part on their psychological conditions. More than half of our clients suffer from psychological or mental conditions. Many times our clients start with purely physical problems, then become severely depressed or anxious. The symptoms of these mental health conditions prevent them from performing activities such as performing detailed instructions, dealing with people, and staying focused for long periods.

How do you know if you are suffering from depression or anxiety? While only a medical professional can diagnose these conditions, when our clients have these conditions they have symptoms such as: difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, isolate from others, stop participating in group activities, and they become angry and irritable. If you are having symptoms such as these then speak with your doctor to see if you should be referred to a psychiatrist or counselor.

You do not have to be crazy to see a psychiatrist. Many of our clients seem to find relief from their depression and anxiety symptoms after they begin treatment. A psychologist can be very helpful at this time. Many of your friends and family members may no longer be offering their support. Having a person to talk to about the changes in your life seems to make my clients feel much better.

As far as your case is concerned, seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist can be very helpful. They usually document your limitations in a way that your primary doctor will not. They make note of things like the fact that you are sleeping during the day or that you are unable to concentrate well enough to read. Either of these limitations will significantly increase your chances of winning. For example, how many jobs do you know of that will allow you to sleep at work?

Avoid use of illegal drugs and alcohol. In the past, the Social Security Administration awarded benefits to people who could not work due to addiction. Now they are denying benefits to people who would be able to work if they stopped using drugs or alcohol. Sometimes, your use of drugs or alcohol can cause a judge to disregard your mental impairments. This happens when a judge believes that your symptoms may be caused by or worsened by abuse of drugs or alcohol. My recommendation to all my clients is stay away from those substances completely. There is no reason to risk losing your case.

• The same five-step process that is used to determine if someone should receive disability for a physical impairment is used to determine disability for mental, psychological and emotional disorders.

Psychological, emotional and mental illnesses are serious conditions, afflicting millions of Americans every year. Most of our clients suffer from some level of depression or anxiety, even if it brought on by their poor health or inability to live their lives as they had before. Because we focus solely on handling SSD and SSI claims, we know all too well how debilitating these conditions can be. Our lawyers can help. For a free case evaluation — contact Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, P.C. at 1-800-CANT-WORK or visit one of our offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or New Jersey today.

Listed below are examples of some of the psychological, mental and emotional disorders that may qualify a person for disability benefits:

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For a free case evaluation — contact our offices in New Jersey or in the Pennsylvania cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh today. You do not need money up front and there is never a fee unless you win. Se habla español!