Proving Your Mental Illness
Seek Help From a Virginia Social Security Disability Attorney
If you are suffering from mental illness such as clinical depression or schizophrenia, you already know how difficult life is. Your old life is gone, and you cannot do the work you used to. You may find it difficult to take care of yourself and enjoy the activities you once took part in. Social situations may cause you to become flustered or feel so uncomfortable you withdraw.
Since 1979, the Law Offices of Bruce K. Billman have been helping people who need to file SSDI claims. In that time we have learned much about the disability benefits process, and would like to help you demonstrate how your mental illness has made it necessary for you to receive the benefits you need.
For experienced SSDI claims counsel, contact our law offices in Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Winchester, Virginia.
Proving Your Mental Illness
In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must first prove that you have a viable mental disorder such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorders. The Social Security Administration will take the following into consideration:
- Day-to-day living skills: Hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and laundry chores
- How well you function in social settings: Feeling comfortable meeting strangers or dealing with groups
- Ability to concentrate: Completing a project to deadline
Then you must prove that you are unable to work. Social Security will examine your medical records and ask your doctor for evidence of your illness and your inability to sustain work.
Your medical records are key evidence for review of your disability claims. That is why it is important you keep your doctor regularly informed of the symptoms which limit your activities. If you isolate yourself when stressed out, tell your physician about it. He or she can capture the disorder in your medical records, where documentation will help you prove your mental health claims.
A Little Help From Your Friends
Mental illness makes it difficult to assess how your life has changed. We recommend including a statement from a trusted loved one or close friend proving your mental illness by explaining how your illness hinders day-to-day activity.
Contact a Richmond Social Security Disability Claims Attorney
Because Social Security disability law is our sole focus, we know the application process, staff involved, and what Social Security needs for documentation, including rulings. We may be able to speed up your claim if new evidence is found.
For help proving your mental illness from an SSD claims lawyer, contact us today. Call toll-free 1-800-371-2906. We work on contingency, so you won't pay any attorney fees unless we win by proving your mental illness.