Social Security Disability for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks and behaves. The symptoms vary greatly, and generally the disorder develops slowly.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

At first, symptoms may seem to be mild or simply common ailments such as tension, inability to sleep, or inability to concentrate. Schizophrenia symptoms also may include social withdrawal, and inhibit a person’s ability to hold employment or to make and keep close relationships.

In the disorder’s later stages, however, a schizophrenic person may experience psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, the appearance of no emotion, a withdrawal from the environment, and disordered thinking. It is not at all unusual for someone who suffers from Schizophrenia to be unable to work, even before an official diagnosis is made.

Social Security Disability Provides Financial Help for Schizophrenia

Social Security Disability may provide much-needed financial support when schizophrenia disrupts a person’s ability to hold down a job due to the psychiatric condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) addresses mental disorders in Section 12.03 of the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (also known as the Blue Book), the agency’s listing of disabling impairments. Section 12.03 covers schizophrenia, paranoia and other psychotic disorders.

Proving Social Security Disability Due to Schizophrenia

Social Security Disability benefits may be available to someone if they can show their functional capacity is severely compromised. According to the Blue Book, to qualify for disability benefits on account of schizophrenia, the person needs to demonstrate that he or she exhibits at least one of the following issues or symptoms:

• Delusions or hallucinations;
• Disorganized or catatonic behavior;
• A pattern of incoherent or illogical thinking (such as inappropriate mood or flat speech, etc.); or
• Emotional isolation and withdrawal from social interaction.

Additionally, the person must show that he or she experiences at least two of the following issues as a result of the symptoms listed above:

• Restricted ability to function independently, without direct intervention or supervision;
• Difficulty maintaining social relationships;
• Severe limitations in the ability to focus, complete tasks or maintain a normal pace;
• Repeated episodes of pronounced symptoms or decompensation

Social Security Disability Also Available for Lesser Symptoms

The SSA offers a second list of requirements that may allow someone with less severe symptoms to also receive at least some disability benefits, even if full time care is not necessary. These include:

• Medical documentation indicating a psychotic disorder of at least two years in duration that has a negative impact on the ability to work;
• The claimant is currently under the care of a qualified physician;
• Documentation of an inability to seek or keep a job, or for that matter, function in the world without significant outside support; AND
• You experience at least one of the following:
  • Episodes of decompensation that happen repeatedly and in longer duration;
  • Episodes of decompensation that result from changes in the environment or routine; or
  • The inability to function at all outside of a highly structured living environment.

Medical Records May Be Insufficient in Social Security Disability Cases

Unfortunately, most medical records don’t include sufficient or explicit information about symptoms and the resulting limitations that would prevent a person from maintaining employment. The records may not provide the information needed to substantiate a claim for total disability with the SSA.

Therefore, it is critical to seek the assistance of a Social Security Disability attorney. He or she can help build your claim, review your forms before they are submitted, and collect any required evidence. Our Social Security Disability attorneys have the experience needed to work with you and your medical professionals to give your disability case the greatest possible chance of success.

 Long Beach Social Security Disability Attorneys

If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a disabling injury, medical condition or disease our skilled and experienced attorneys are here to help you get the maximum Social Security Disability benefits for which you qualify.

The Law Office of Cantrell Green is a group of highly qualified and experienced disability attorneys who have obtained millions of dollars in Social Security Disability benefits for thousands of clients in Long Beach, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles. Our attorneys care about every client, and fight tirelessly to obtain the benefits you deserve.

Free Social Security Disability Attorney Consultation: 800-964-8047