In Arizona, mental health issues can indeed qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Long-Term Disability (LTD). The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes a wide range of mental health conditions as potentially disabling. These include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, merely having a diagnosis is not enough. To qualify for SSD or LTD, you must demonstrate that your mental health condition significantly impairs your ability to work. The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine whether an individual is disabled. This process considers your work history, the severity of your condition, whether your condition is on the SSA’s list of disabling conditions, your ability to do the work you did previously, and your ability to do any other type of work.
What Evidence is Required to Prove My Mental Health Condition?
To prove that your mental health condition qualifies for SSD or LTD, you’ll need substantial medical evidence. This can include psychiatric evaluations, treatment records, hospitalization records, and statements from treating physicians. The SSA will look at how your mental health condition impacts your ability to function in a work setting.
What If My Mental Health Condition Isn’t Listed in the SSA’s Blue Book?
The SSA’s Blue Book is a list of impairments that are recognized as potentially disabling. However, not all mental health conditions are listed in the Blue Book. If your condition isn’t listed, don’t despair. You may still qualify for SSD or LTD if you can prove that your condition is equivalent in severity to a listed impairment.
What If I Have Multiple Mental Health Conditions?
If you have more than one mental health condition, include all of them in your SSD or LTD application. The SSA considers the combined effects of all your conditions when determining your eligibility for benefits. An experienced lawyer can help you present a comprehensive picture of your mental health conditions and their impact on your ability to work. They can also help you gather the necessary medical evidence for each of your conditions.
What If I Also Have a Physical Disability?
If you have both a mental health condition and a physical disability, you can include both in your SSD or LTD application. The SSA considers the combined effects of all your conditions when determining your eligibility for benefits. For instance, suppose you have bipolar disorder and also suffer from a chronic physical condition like fibromyalgia. The combined effects of your bipolar disorder and fibromyalgia could significantly impair your ability to work, making you eligible for SSD or LTD.
Can I Work While Receiving SSD or LTD Benefits?
You might wonder if you can work while receiving SSD or LTD benefits. The answer is yes, but with some limitations. The SSA allows individuals receiving disability benefits to work as long as their earnings don’t exceed a certain amount, known as the “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) limit. Let’s take a hypothetical example. Suppose you’re receiving SSD benefits for bipolar disorder. You’ve started to feel better with treatment and want to try working part-time. As long as your earnings don’t exceed the SGA limit, you can continue to receive your SSD benefits. However, if your earnings exceed the SGA limit, your benefits may be reduced or terminated. A skilled lawyer can help you understand these rules and ensure that you’re not jeopardizing your benefits by working.
What If My Mental Health Condition Is Due to a Work-Related Incident?
If your mental health condition is a result of a work-related incident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in addition to SSD or LTD. In Arizona, workers’ compensation covers not only physical injuries but also psychological injuries that occur as a result of workplace incidents. For instance, suppose you develop PTSD after witnessing a traumatic event at work. In this case, you could potentially receive workers’ compensation benefits for your PTSD. You could also apply for SSD or LTD if your PTSD prevents you from working.
However, navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. They can help you understand your rights, gather the necessary evidence, and represent you in any hearings or appeals.
What If I’m Denied SSD or LTD Benefits?
If your initial application for SSD or LTD benefits is denied, don’t lose hope. Many initial applications are denied, often due to lack of evidence or errors in the application. You have the right to appeal the decision, and many people are successful on appeal.
How Can an Experienced Lawyer Assist with My Disability Claim?
Navigating the SSD or LTD claim process can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a mental health condition. A talented lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout this process. They can help gather the necessary medical evidence, complete and submit the required paperwork, and represent you in any hearings or appeals. For example, consider a hypothetical situation where your initial claim is denied, which is not uncommon. A skilled lawyer can help you understand the reasons for the denial, gather additional evidence if needed, and guide you through the appeals process. They can also advocate for you during the hearing, ensuring that your case is presented in the most effective way possible.
Mental health issues can qualify for Social Security Disability or Long-Term Disability in Arizona, but the process can be complex. If you’re considering applying for SSD or LTD due to a mental health condition, call Roeschke Law today at 800-975-1866 for a free consultation!