Is It Hard to Get Disability for Mental Illness?
Mental ailments may be just as incapacitating as physical illnesses. However, patients sometimes find it hard to get disability benefits for mental illnesses. Moreover, mental disability applications are dismissed more often than other disability claims.
According to a survey, two out of every ten patients with mental disorders receive disability compensation. This suggests how difficult it is to obtain disability compensation for mental illnesses. In such circumstances, consulting an experienced and professional social security lawyer in Sacramento may increase your chances of attaining disability benefits while assisting you throughout the procedure.
So, why is it so hard to procure social security benefits for mental disorders? There are several causes for this. To properly grasp this, continue reading!
Why Are Mental Illness Disability Claims Denied?
Here are some reasons why your mental illness disability claims can get denied:
Insufficient Clinical Evidence
Mental problems, unlike other impairments, do not present physically, making it more difficult to prove.
Physical deficiencies are easily demonstrated using X-rays or blood test findings. However, mental illness diagnostic tests might be subjective. The conclusions are often based on medical personnel's observations of the patient's behavior. Therefore, the Social Security Administration is more strict in recognizing medical proof for mental problems.
No History of Psychological Treatment
The majority of mental disability applicants fail to give a treatment history for the condition for which they are claiming, which is true in situations of depression. Due to the unavailability of mental health facilities, most people manage depression themselves without consulting a psychiatrist. Therefore, they fail to provide any medical records while applying.
Under such circumstances, the SSA can't decide if your mental disability affects your ability to work.
Inadequate Supporting Proof
The SSA will almost always need more documentation to support your claim, encompassing written testimony from persons you deal with regularly and case files from a social worker. Your claim might be refused if your supporting proof is insufficient to justify it. Documents like memory impairment testing, IQ tests, and reports from mental health specialists are not sufficient.
Therefore, you must get the best disability attorney in Sacramento on your side to help your application get approved.
Noncompliance with Recommended Treatments
If the SSA determines that you are not following the prescribed therapies for your mental condition, they may refuse your claim entirely. Remember, the SSA will want to make sure that you are genuinely handicapped and not merely faking your condition to get free government assistance. One way to check this is your eagerness to improve so you may return to work sooner.
Bias in Society and Culture
Even today, there are some cultural and societal opinions towards people suffering from mental illness. The main reason behind this is the inadequate understanding of the nature of mental diseases. This mindset affects people at all levels, including SSA employees, making mental disability benefits much more challenging.
Duration of Mental Illness
One main point SSA considers to check out impairment is that it must be expected to last at least a year or result in death. However, most mental illnesses do not have a set period. Some problems might improve with correct therapy in a few months, while others may last the patient's entire life.
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Takeaway
Applying for disability due to depression or anxiety isn’t always straightforward. You need to focus on a lot of things to get your application approved. For example, you must gather strong evidence from doctors, psychologists, and individuals who can verify your struggles and follow prescribed treatments to demonstrate your commitment to improving. The best way to secure your claim is to consult an experienced disability attorney.
Do You Want to Simplify the Process of Qualifying for Disability with Mental Health Conditions? Contact Hadley & Fraulob
If you are struggling to get your mental health disability claims, it's time to relax because we at Hadley & Fraulob understand your situation. We realize how difficult it is to face the consequences of mental illness financially, physically, and even socially.
If you or any of your loved ones have a mental illness and are looking forward to receiving SSD claims, we are here to help. We guide and assist our clients in understanding the SSA requirements for claims, identifying the challenges in the process, and fighting for the benefits they deserve.
We are North California’s top-rated SSD and SSI attorneys. For over 40 years, we have had a proven track record of a more than 90% success rate. We don’t charge until we win the case, so you can contact us without hesitation.
Call us at (800) 404-4458 for a free case evaluation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Mental Illnesses Qualify for Disability Benefits?
According to the SSA, mental health conditions eligible for disability benefits are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders if they significantly impair your ability to work.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Disability Due to Mental Illness?
It might take months to over a year, depending on how complex your case is and whether you need to appeal a denial.
Can I Apply for Disability If I Have Anxiety or Depression?
Yes, but you must provide strong medical evidence showing how these conditions limit your daily activities and job performance.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Mental Disability Claim?
Absolutely, working with a Social Security disability lawyer can improve your chances of approval. They assist you in submitting a strong application with all the necessary documentation for a successful claim.