New Law on Social Security for PTSD
SSA Attorneys Issue New Listing on
Social Security Disability for PTSD–
Collecting Social Security Disability for a mental or psychological condition such as PTSD has always difficult. Outdated prejudices about mental health and an inability of Social security staff to understand PTSD often resulted in deserving Social Security Applicants being denied.
As experienced Social Security attorneys, we understand that PTSD is just as real and disabling as any physical illness. But “proving” your psychological symptoms to the Social Security Administration was always a challenge.
But now there is some very good news for SSD applicants who are suffering from PTSD. On September 26, 2016, the Social Security Administration published a comprehensive revision of the criteria used to evaluate disability claims involving mental disorders. Included in that revision was a new listing for PTSD.
These new regulations called “The Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders” will bring up-to-date the standards for evaluating claims involving mental disorders – and go into effect January 17, 2017.
The Social Security Administration under the Obama Administration consulted psychiatrists, psychologists, disability policy experts, mental health vocational experts and the public in crafting these new laws and listings.
New Law is Good News for PTSD Sufferers
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
The new listing, which is set forth below, may seem hard to interpret. But as experienced Social Security disability attorney, we can assure you that this new listing is excellent news for PTSD sufferers!
What the new listing means is that the Social Security Administration is finally recognizing PTSD as a disability with genuine and specific criteria for evaluating it.
If you suffer from PTSD and are unable to work as a result, the laws for collecting Social Security Disability are now much more in your favor. Call our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys today, and we can help you understand how this new listing may apply to your own Social Security Disability case.
The New PTSD Listing from Social Security Administration’s
Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders
Trauma or stressor-related disorders, including PTSD must satisfy “A & B”, or “A & C”.
“A”
- Medical documentation of all of the following:
- Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or violence;
- Subsequent involuntary re-experiencing of the traumatic event (for example, intrusive memories, dreams, or flashbacks);
- Avoidance of external reminders of the event;
- Disturbance in mood and behavior; and
- Increases in arousal and reactivity (for example, exaggerated startle response, sleep disturbance).
AND
“B”
- Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
- Understand, remember, or apply information (see 12.00E1).
- Interact with others (see 12.00E2).
- Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace (see 12.00E3).
- Adapt or manage oneself (see 12.00E4).
OR
“C”
- Your mental disorder in this listing category is “serious and persistent;” that is, you have a medically documented history of the existence of the disorder over a period of at least 2 years, and there is evidence of both
- Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing and that diminishes the symptoms and signs of your mental disorder; and
- Marginal adjustment, that is, you have minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or to demands that are not already part of your daily life.
Los Angeles Social Security Attorneys Get Max Benefits for PTSD
If you suffer from PTSD – or any other disability – and you live in the Los Angeles area, Orange County, or anywhere in Southern California, we offer a free consultation with an experienced social security attorney to help you understand your rights and obtain the maximum disability benefits.
