Los Angeles Schizophrenia Claims Attorney
Southern California PTSD Benefits Lawyer
Schizophrenia and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are unquestionably debilitating conditions. However, proving this to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to obtain Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income (SSD/SSI) benefits is not an easy task.
We understand. At the Disability Rights Law Center, we have worked with thousands of people who are seeking SSD/SSI benefits. Our experienced attorney knows how to prepare applications and include the medical evidence the SSA wants to see. For help with your claim, please call our office at 213-784-4386. Your consultation is free.
Schizophrenia and PTSD Claims
Schizophrenia is one of the conditions named in the SSA’s listing of impairments. Due to the complex nature of the illness and the requirements for proving its effects on your ability to work, getting SSD/SSI benefits is nonetheless challenging. Like many mental disorders, the diagnosis is based largely on observations, so subjectivity can be an issue. This same issue may arise when the SSA reviews the medical evidence.
Applicants must provide a documented history of schizophrenia for a minimum of two years, as well as statements and evidence of the effect on his or her ability to hold a job.
Even relatively mild cases of schizophrenia can cause a person to have trouble with social interactions, be unable concentrate for any length of time and suffer from incoherent thought patterns. Severe cases include symptoms of paranoia, catatonia, delusions and hallucinations.
Post traumatic stress disorder is under the same listing the SSA uses to consider benefits for anxiety disorders. In addition to meeting anxiety disorder criteria, PTSD medical records should describe a doctor’s observation of the applicant’s anxiety reaction.
PTSD often causes panic attacks, flashbacks to the traumatizing event, severe fear of event recurrence, avoidant behavior and restlessness.
Please call our office at 213-784-4386 or contact us online to discuss your schizophrenia or PTSD claim.