Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can profoundly affect your daily life, work, and well-being. If you’re managing PTSD and struggling to maintain employment, you might be wondering if Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits could help. At Burgess & Christensen, we understand the difficulties PTSD can bring, and we’re here to guide you through the SSDI process.
With over 40 years of experience in Social Security Disability law, our firm has supported countless individuals and families. Led by attorney Anjel Burgess, we are dedicated to helping clients secure the benefits they need. This guide will explain whether you can qualify for SSDI with PTSD and what steps are involved.
How PTSD Can Affect Your Ability to Work
PTSD can make working difficult in many ways, and the symptoms can differ from person to person. Here are some common ways it might affect your ability to work:
Difficulty Concentrating and Focusing
PTSD can make it tough to concentrate or follow instructions. Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts can disrupt your work and lower productivity.
Problems with Memory and Decision-Making
You might struggle with short-term memory or find it tough to make decisions, especially under pressure.
Challenges with Interpersonal Interactions and Teamwork
PTSD may cause irritability, withdrawal, or trouble connecting with coworkers, making collaboration difficult.
Attendance Issues Due to Anxiety or Avoidance
Severe anxiety or the need to avoid specific situations may lead to frequent absences or an inability to stick to a work schedule.
Qualifying for SSDI with PTSD
You might qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if PTSD makes it hard for you to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has clear rules for deciding who gets benefits, so knowing the requirements can help strengthen your claim.
The Blue Book Listing
The SSA refers to its “Blue Book” to outline medical conditions and their eligibility criteria. PTSD is listed under 12.15, covering trauma- and stressor-related disorders. To qualify, you’ll need to provide:
Documented Evidence of Trauma: You’ll need proof of exposure to a traumatic event, like experiencing or witnessing serious injury, violence, or the threat of death. This can include medical records, personal statements, or therapy notes.
Symptom Verification: You’ll need documented symptoms like flashbacks, intrusive memories, avoidance, heightened anxiety, or negative thought patterns. These should come from regular evaluations by medical professionals.
Functional Limitations: To qualify, PTSD must significantly impact your daily life. You’ll need to show either extreme difficulty in one area or major limitations in two areas, like interacting with others, staying focused, or handling everyday tasks.
Meeting this listing requires comprehensive medical documentation. It’s not just about having a diagnosis but proving how PTSD has impacted your ability to work and live independently.
Providing Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is the foundation of any SSDI claim, especially with PTSD. Strong claims include:
- Psychiatric Evaluations: A detailed diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist.
- Therapy Notes: Records from ongoing counseling sessions, highlighting how PTSD symptoms persist or fluctuate over time.
- Medication History: Documentation of prescribed treatments and how they’ve managed or failed to manage symptoms.
- Statements from Providers: Letters from your therapist or doctor can explain how PTSD limits your daily activities and work-related abilities.
The more detailed and consistent your medical records are, the better. Consistent visits to your healthcare providers and following your treatment plan show how serious and ongoing your condition is.
“Serious and Persistent” PTSD
If your PTSD symptoms don’t fit perfectly into the Blue Book criteria, you might qualify under the “serious and persistent” standard. This pathway requires:
- Ongoing symptoms for at least two years.
- Evidence of consistent medical treatment, including therapy or medication.
- Proof of marginal adjustment, showing you’ve struggled to adapt to even minor changes in your environment or daily life.
This alternative focuses on long-term difficulties and the impact PTSD has had over time.
If You Don’t Meet the Listing
Not meeting the Blue Book listing doesn’t mean your claim will be denied. You may qualify through an RFC assessment.
- The RFC evaluates your ability to perform job-related tasks, considering your physical and mental limitations.
- If the RFC shows that your PTSD prevents you from performing past work or transitioning to other jobs, you may qualify.
- For many, a medical-vocational allowance is a viable option, especially for those with limited work skills or education.
At Burgess & Christensen, we understand that PTSD affects everyone differently. We’ll help you explore all possible pathways to qualification.
The SSDI Application Process
Applying for SSDI benefits can be stressful, especially if you’re dealing with PTSD. The process takes time, attention to detail, and solid evidence to support your claim. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Application
The first step is submitting your application. You’ll need to gather key information, including:
- Personal and employment history.
- Medical records, including detailed treatment notes, test results, and therapy documentation.
- A clear explanation of how PTSD prevents you from working.
Accuracy is crucial here. Missing or incomplete information can delay the process or result in a denial.
Importance of Medical Documentation
Strong medical evidence is the backbone of your claim. It’s essential to provide records from every healthcare provider who has treated your PTSD. This includes:
- Diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Documentation of medications and their side effects.
- Statements from therapists or doctors explaining your functional limitations.
Including a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form completed by your doctor can significantly strengthen your claim. This form explains your work-related limitations in detail.
Appeals Process
If your initial claim is denied, you’re not alone. Many valid claims are rejected during the first review, but the appeals process provides multiple opportunities to succeed:
- Request for Reconsideration: A second look at your application, often with new or updated evidence.
- Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): This is a critical stage where you present your case in person. Having legal representation can make a big difference here.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, the Appeals Council can review the decision.
- Federal Court Appeal: As a last resort, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
Each stage of the appeals process has strict deadlines. Missing these can result in your claim being dismissed, so it’s vital to stay on top of timelines.
Submitting Your Application
The SSA offers multiple ways to file your SSDI application:
- Online: Through the SSA’s secure website.
- By Phone: Speaking directly with an SSA representative.
- In Person: At your local Social Security office.
If you’re unsure how to start or overwhelmed by the requirements, we can help. At our firm we guide our clients through every step, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
By understanding the SSDI application process and building a strong case, you can improve your chances of securing the benefits you deserve.
Georgia Residents: Get Legal Help with Your SSDI Claim
If PTSD has made it impossible for you to work, SSDI benefits could provide critical support. At Burgess & Christensen, we focus solely on Social Security Disability law and adult guardianship, giving us a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed with a disability claim.
Let us help you gather the medical evidence, navigate the application process, and handle any appeals. Contact us today at 770-422-8111 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to help you take the next step toward securing the benefits you need.