Whatever Your Circumstances Are, Help Is Here.

Recovering disability benefits for PTSD

On Behalf of | Oct 7, 2024 | Social Security Disability

Being exposed to a traumatic event can have long-term ramifications for your mental health. Those who have been involved in a car accident, experienced extreme violence or lived through combat are amongst those individuals who can be severely traumatized and develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. PTSD can cause flashbacks, behavioral changes, avoidance, increased startled responses and sleep difficulties. The symptoms associated with this condition can be severe, too, disrupting your relationships, your ability to live a normal life and even your capacity to work.

If you suffer from PTSD and your condition is so severe as to affect your ability to work, then you need some way to find financial stability. Fortunately, the Social Security disability system may be able to help. However, you have to know how to effectively navigate your case, otherwise your claim will be denied, and you’ll stay in the same spot you’re in now.

How to secure disability benefits for PTSD

As with every qualifying condition, there are certain requirements that have to be met before you can recover disability benefits for your PTSD. Before benefits will be awarded, you must submit the following:

  • Medical records showing that you’ve been exposed to death or were threatened with death, violence or serious injury.
  • Documentation establishing that you’ve been re-experiencing the traumatic event.
  • Medical records showing that you engage in avoidance of people, places and things that remind you of the traumatic event.
  • Medical evidence demonstrating that the experience has disrupted your behavior and mood.
  • Medical records showing that the traumatic event has increased your reactivity.

This may seem like a lot, but by securing your medical records, you can easily see if you meet these requirements. But even if you do, there is additional evidence that you have to present. Depending on severity, this includes one or two of the following:

  • Significant limitation on your ability to understand, remember or utilize information.
  • Limitation on your ability to appropriately interact with other people.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Trouble taking care of yourself.

If you can’t prove these four characteristics, then you may be able to recover benefits if you can demonstrate that your PTSD is “serious and persistent.” What does this mean? It means that you’ve received treatment for at least the last two years and that specialized treatment reduces your symptoms.  You must also demonstrate that you have trouble adapting to changed circumstances in your environment.

To find evidence for all of this, you may want to have discussions with your medical provider about the requirements. Also, don’t overlook the value of testimony from your friends, family members and coworkers who can speak to how your condition has affected your ability to live a normal life.

What if your disability claim is denied?

If your disability claim ends up being denied, don’t worry. You have an appellate avenue that you might be able to pursue to recover the benefits you need. In fact, a lot of people who appeal a denied disability claim end up recovering benefits.

 

Archives

FindLaw Network