Mental Impairments Recognized by the SSA
The Blue Book section 12.00 is dedicated to mental impairments and covers a wide range of mental disorders and conditions. They are organized into categories based on the type of illness and contain many related impairments within each listing.
- Neurocognitive Disorders
- Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
- Depressive, Bipolar, and Related Disorders
- Intellectual Disorder
- Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders
- Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
Each category of mental impairments has specific guidelines that must be met in order to qualify for disability benefits. Therefore, you must have a thorough understanding of your diagnosis and symptoms. These requirements can be complex and interdependent, further complicating the disability application process.
Evidence for Mental Health Disability Benefits
When applying for disability benefits based on mental impairment, it’s essential to include extensive documentation with your claim. Because mental illness cannot be seen as physical impairments can, the case evaluation will rely heavily on the proof you provide. This evidence can include the following:
- Complete records from all medical professionals seen
- Documentation of diagnosis by a psychiatrist or psychologist
- CT scans, MRI imaging, or other brain scans
- Prescribed medications, therapies, and other treatments
- Thorough results of prescribed treatments
- Documented symptoms and frequency of episodes
- Specific and detailed explanations of how your condition prevents you from working
- Details of how your condition affects activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Testimony from specialists, therapists, and other mental health professionals
Recommended documentation may vary based on your condition, but with the legal support of a mental impairment disability lawyer, you will be guided through what is needed for your claim.
Social Security for Mental Illness in Rome
Mental impairments can be challenging to prove, and the need for disability based on those impairments is equally so. Roughly 30% of disability claims are approved each year, meaning complete applications and thorough medical evidence are necessary.
We understand how difficult it can be to navigate daily life without support when living with bipolar disorder, panic attacks, or other mental illnesses. It can be just as debilitating if not more so than physical impairments.
If you are interested in applying for benefits through SSDI or SSI for mental disability in Rome, contact the Antonowicz Group for the dedicated compassion and experience you can count on. We will assist you every step of the way and go the extra mile when possible to help you secure the benefits you have earned and have the quality of life you deserve.
