Social Security Disability Lawyers Discuss Claims For Mental Health Disorders

March 27, 2013

One of the leading types of conditions that have led to workers seeking Social Security Disability Benefits in recent years involve mental health.

Eligibility standards changed the conditions that would qualify an individual as disabled in the late 1980s. These changes led to an increase in the number of workers seeking disability benefits for mental health conditions. In fact, the number doubled over a two-decade time frame.

The mental conditions that qualify a citizen for disability benefits can be divided into two main categories, congenital and acquired conditions. The Social Security Administration then subdivides these two categories into nine smaller groups. These include:

• Organic Disorders
• Schizophrenic, Paranoid, and Psychotic Disorders
• Affective Disorders
• Mental Retardation
• Anxiety Disorders
• Somatoform Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Substance Addiction
• Developmental Disorders

When a claim for Social Security Disability benefits due to a mental health condition is filed, processors will evaluate testimony and records to determine not only the validity of the claim, but also just how disabling the condition is.

Despite being listed as one of the most common reasons a claim is filed, approval for benefits due to a mental health condition are rather low. Estimates show only 37 percent of these claims receive approval.

Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin and their team of Social Security Disability Lawyers may be able to help if you are preparing to file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits or have a claim that was denied in the past.