Can I Obtain Disability Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

People may experience the onset of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after suffering or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a serious car crash. For some individuals, this mental health condition is severe and can have a debilitating impact on their day-to-day quality of life. In this article, Sigman Janssen discusses PTSD and when you may be eligible to file for social security disability (SSD) benefits, including how to prove your condition is debilitating and how it prevents you from being able to work.

Our experienced social security disability lawyers in Appleton have been helping clients secure SSD benefits for decades. Call our law offices today to discuss your situation. There are no upfront costs or fees.

Initial consultations are FREE. Call today: (920) 335-1394.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition brought on by a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. For victims suffering from severe PTSD, getting through the day, or maintaining employment is extremely challenging, if not impossible.

How Do I Qualify for SSD Due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

If you are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and find it difficult to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes PTSD as a valid condition for disability benefits. However, you will need to meet specific criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to qualify.

Medical Documentation Requirements

The SSA requires comprehensive medical evidence to confirm you have severe, debilitating PTSD, including:

• Official diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified mental health professional
• Medical records showing ongoing treatment and therapy
• Documentation of symptoms and their impact on your ability to function daily
• Evidence that your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months
• Records of prescribed medications and their effects

Symptom-Related Requirements

Your medical records must demonstrate that you experience PTSD symptoms that significantly impact and interrupt your daily quality of life. Symptoms of PTSD may include the following:

• Recurring flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
• Severe anger, irritability, and other emotional reactions to trauma triggers
• Avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily activities
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Difficulty maintaining relationships or social interactions
• Sleep disturbances affecting daytime functioning

Work Impact Requirements

You must be able to prove your PTSD symptoms limit your ability to maintain employment, such as by providing:

• Evidence that PTSD symptoms prevent you from working
• Documentation of failed attempts to maintain employment
• Proof that you cannot adjust to other types of work
• Evidence of reduced capacity to handle workplace stress
• Records of any work accommodations attempted

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Beyond having a medical diagnosis of PTSD, you must also meet other non-medical criteria defined by the SSA, including:

• Sufficient work credits earned through previous employment
• Income below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level
• Current employment status (if any)
• Age and education level documentation
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• You condition must be expected to last at least a year or result in death

How Hard Is It to Qualify for SSD Benefits Due to PTSD?

Qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits due to PTSD can be challenging, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements for approval. While PTSD is a recognized condition for disability benefits, you must prove that your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working any job, not just your previous occupation.

In addition to examining the extensive medical documentation we discussed above, the SSA will check to see if you have been following prescribed treatments consistently.

What Could Cause My SSD Claim Due to PTSD to Be Denied?

While PTSD is a qualifying condition for Social Security Disability benefits, many claims are denied due to common issues that could be avoided with proper preparation and documentation. Understanding these potential pitfalls can help you strengthen your application and improve your chances of approval.

• Insufficient medical documentation of your PTSD diagnosis and symptoms
• Lack of evidence showing consistent treatment and therapy attendance
• Missing records from mental health professionals
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment without a good reason
• Income exceeding the SSA’s earnings limit
• Incomplete application forms or missing paperwork
• Not enough work credits to qualify for SSDI
• Medical evidence does not show your condition will last at least 12 months
• Records do not clearly demonstrate how PTSD prevents you from working
• Missing documentation of failed work attempts or job accommodations
• Inconsistencies between your reported symptoms and medical records
• No evidence of how PTSD impacts your daily activities and functioning

How Can Hiring an SSD Attorney Help My Claim for SSD Benefits?

Working with an experienced disability attorney can significantly improve your chances of approval. At Sigman Janssen, our experienced SSD legal team can help you in these specific ways:

Some of the specific ways we can help you with your claim, include:

• Guiding you through the application process
• Avoiding mistakes that cause your claim to be delayed or denied
• Reviewing your application to ensure you have sufficient documentation to support your claim
• Making sure you do not miss any deadlines
• Guide you through the appeals process if your initial application has been denied

Need to Claim Social Security Benefits for PTSD? Call Sigman Janssen

If you are struggling with PTSD and trying to seek SSD benefits, seeking legal help can help to move the process forward more quickly. It can also help you avoid making mistakes that could get your claim denied.

At Sigman Janssen, we have been helping individuals recover SSD benefits for decades, and we have a proven history of success. We have seen firsthand the debilitating impact severe PTSD can have on an individual’s daily quality of life.

There is no need to try to navigate the complicated application for SSD benefits alone. Contact our law office in Appleton today for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs or fees if we represent you.

Call Sigman Janssen for help with your SSD claim (920) 335-1394