If PTSD is preventing you from working and you need help securing disability benefits, The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. is here to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience successfully handling disability claims for people just like you. Contact us online or call (847) 299-0008 today for a free case evaluation.
Is PTSD a Disability?
Yes, PTSD is recognized as a disability by the SSA when it substantially impairs one’s ability to perform substantial gainful activity. The SSA classifies PTSD under Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders in its Blue Book, which details conditions that may qualify for disability benefits. However, a diagnosis alone isn’t sufficient. You must demonstrate that your PTSD symptoms severely limit your daily activities and work capabilities.
A PTSD diagnosis alone isn’t enough to secure benefits — you must prove how it impacts your ability to work. The experienced disability attorneys at The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. can guide you through the process.
Common Types of PTSD
PTSD manifests in various forms, including:
- Acute PTSD: Symptoms appear within three months of the traumatic event, often including intense fear, memory loss related to the event, and mood disturbances.
- Chronic PTSD: Symptoms persist beyond three months and can last for years, leading to prolonged mood disturbances, recurring intrusive memories, and heightened anxiety.
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Results from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, leading to profound emotional and psychological difficulties, including severe memory loss, intense fear responses, and persistent mood disturbances.
- Delayed-Onset PTSD: Symptoms emerge more than six months after the traumatic event, often accompanied by unexpected memory loss, intense fear triggered by reminders of the event, and ongoing mood disturbances.
No matter what type of PTSD you have, if it impacts your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. Contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. today to discuss your case with our experienced team.
Can You Get Disability for PTSD?
Yes, obtaining disability benefits for PTSD is possible, but it requires meeting specific criteria set by the SSA. The SSA evaluates PTSD under Listing 12.15, which requires:
- Medical Documentation: Evidence of exposure to a traumatic event, persistent re-experiencing of the event (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood or cognition, and heightened arousal or reactivity.
- Degree of Limitation: Proof that PTSD causes significant limitations in at least two of the following areas:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information.
- Interacting with others.
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace.
- Adapting or managing oneself.
If your condition doesn’t meet these criteria, you may still qualify through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. It examines how your PTSD affects your ability to perform work-related activities.
At The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., we’re here to guide you through every step of the disability claim process to help you get the benefits you need.
How Do You Qualify for Disability With PTSD?
To qualify for disability benefits with PTSD, consider the following steps:
- Gather Comprehensive Medical Evidence: Collect detailed records from your medical providers, including diagnoses, treatment plans, therapy notes, and hospital records. Consistent treatment and thorough documentation are crucial.
- Demonstrate Functional Limitations: Provide evidence of how PTSD impairs your daily functioning and ability to work. This can include statements from healthcare professionals, employers, or family members detailing your challenges with everyday activities.
- Complete the Application Process: Submit an initial claim through the SSA’s application process. Ensure all required forms are accurately completed and all pertinent medical documentation is included.
- Prepare for Potential Appeals: Be aware that initial applications are often denied. If this happens, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process may involve hearings and additional evidence submission.
Also, be mindful of how you communicate your condition to the SSA — knowing what not to say when applying for disability can help you avoid mistakes that might jeopardize your claim.
How Our Disability Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the disability claim process can be complex and overwhelming. A disability lawyer can assist by:
- Compiling and Organizing Medical Documentation: Presenting all necessary medical evidence effectively.
- Representing You During Appeals: Advocating on your behalf during hearings and throughout the appeals process.
- Enhancing Your Claim’s Credibility: Providing the legal knowledge and experience needed to strengthen your case and improve the likelihood of approval.
Facing a denied claim or need help filing? Let The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. help you navigate the disability claim process and help you present a strong case.
