DISABILITY FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS
Social Security disability benefits may indeed be available for individuals suffering from mental or emotional disorders.
If the mental condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, is diagnosed by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist, and severely restricts the individual's ability to perform work-like activities, then a disability claim should be pursued.
As with any other condition, Social Security will evaluate the severity of the condition and the specific limitations imposed by symptoms. A 'longitudinal treatment record" is also helpful--meaning, it helps if you've been seen by a doctor or therapist at regular intervals over a period of time. Social Security will give more weight to the testimony of a doctor who has treated you than to a doctor that you hire (consult) on a one-time basis just for the purpose of providing a medical opinion.
In addition to treatment records, a Medical Source Statement of Ability to Do Work Activities will be very helpful. This is a form that asks your doctor or psychologist to state specific restrictions on activities that you would be expected to perform on the job. Activities such as mental concentration, memory, following instructions, getting along with supervisors and others or adjusting to changes in work routines are some of the activities that will be evaluated in the Medical Source Statement. It is important to note that these specific limitations are usually not included in doctor's notes or routine medical files. The claimant or his/her representative must request these statements from the doctor. There is a specific form used for mental impairments and another form used for physical impairments. Where the claimant has both mental and physical impairments, both forms should be completed if possible.
If the mental condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, is diagnosed by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist, and severely restricts the individual's ability to perform work-like activities, then a disability claim should be pursued.
As with any other condition, Social Security will evaluate the severity of the condition and the specific limitations imposed by symptoms. A 'longitudinal treatment record" is also helpful--meaning, it helps if you've been seen by a doctor or therapist at regular intervals over a period of time. Social Security will give more weight to the testimony of a doctor who has treated you than to a doctor that you hire (consult) on a one-time basis just for the purpose of providing a medical opinion.
In addition to treatment records, a Medical Source Statement of Ability to Do Work Activities will be very helpful. This is a form that asks your doctor or psychologist to state specific restrictions on activities that you would be expected to perform on the job. Activities such as mental concentration, memory, following instructions, getting along with supervisors and others or adjusting to changes in work routines are some of the activities that will be evaluated in the Medical Source Statement. It is important to note that these specific limitations are usually not included in doctor's notes or routine medical files. The claimant or his/her representative must request these statements from the doctor. There is a specific form used for mental impairments and another form used for physical impairments. Where the claimant has both mental and physical impairments, both forms should be completed if possible.
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