The Importance Of Getting Treatment For Depression
The SSA will review your medical records to determine if you have been prescribed any medication for your depression or bipolar disorder and whether this medication effectively controls your symptoms. If you have never been given medication, the SSA might consider your condition to be mild and not disabling.
In addition, if your doctor has recommended therapy or medication for your condition and you chose not to follow the doctor’s advice, the SSA might find you in “noncompliance.” You can be denied disability benefits for not complying with your doctor’s treatment recommendations. However, a good reason for not following a doctor’s recommendation is if you are financially unable to pay for therapy sessions. For more information, see Nolo’s article on being denied benefits for failing to follow treatment.
Loss Of Interest In Activities
People with depression may experience anhedonia, a condition in which they lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy. A person who found pleasure in artisically painting may no longer feel motivated to pick up a paintbrush, or cant find joy in painting when they try. A person who experiences anhedonia may also pull away from people they were once close to.
Somatic Symptom And Related Disorders
Section 12.07s disorders include hypochondria and other psychosomatic disorders where your brain interprets physical sensations as illness, and can actually make your body sick. Proving these disorders is difficult, as many of the sensations the patient experiences are not medically provable and may seem fake. However, the SSA does recognize the disorder and must pay Social Security to patients with real cases of these disorders.
Symptoms include preoccupation with having a physical illness, discomfort, fatigue, and anxiety about your health, as well as physical symptoms that are not faked but have no medical explanation.
Recommended Reading: Lack Of Sleep Causes Depression
Direct Service Connection For Depression
Direct service connection means that an in-service incident directly caused a veterans depression. Its important for a veteran looking to file a VA disability claim for depression to know the eligibility requirements. Specifically, the veteran would need to show:
- A current diagnosis of depression
- Evidence of an incident in service that caused depression
- Medical evidence of a link or nexus between the current diagnosis of depression and the incident in service
Please Answer A Few Questions To Help Us Determine Your Eligibility
If you are filing for Social Security disability or SSI benefits based on a condition that involves depression, you should take every step possible to back up your claim with solid medical evidence. This is true whether you are listing depression as a primary disabling factor or as a secondary symptom of a broader ailment .
Also Check: Prayer To St Jude For Depression
How Do I Apply For Short Term Disability In Pa
Social Security Disability has many benefits that make going through the application process worth the hassle in fact, you have no shortage of options when you are ready to apply. You can either hire an experienced lawyer, or start the application process either online at SSA.gov, or in person.
You will be asked questions about your ailment, what you have done to mitigate further damage to your body, where you work and the activities you perform. Most initial applications are denied by default unless you are paralyzed, blind or over 65.
Denied applications will go through an appeals process that could take one or several years. If accepted, you will receive back pay based on when you applied, and when you were granted benefits. With an attorney working on your case, you are likelier to get approved much quicker than if you re-applied without one.
Contact Handler Henning & Rosenberg Llc
Its been nearly 100 years since our firm first opened its doors. Since that time, weve taken great pride in helping people throughout Pennsylvania through some of the most challenging times of their lives. We know how difficult it can be to apply for Social Security disability and to get your application approved. Our lawyers can help you through every step of your depressive disorder disability claim, guiding you toward the benefits you needand rightfully deserve.
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Also Check: What Is Dsm 5 Depression
Depressive State Of Mind
Perhaps the most telling symptom of severe depression is a relatively consistent depressed mood. People with depression may often seem to others as sad, irritable, or gloomy, but they usually are unable to pull themselves out of their so-called funk. However, those without depression may find it difficult to understand why their loved one cant just be happy.
An overwhelming feeling of sadness, even during moments that should be exciting or happy, is a tell-tale symptom of depression. Brief times of happiness can also get clouded by sadness quickly, retreating a person back to a depressive state of mind.
Is Depression A Disability
The Social Security Administration considers depression a disability when it is severe enough to make you unable to work and earn a living.
To qualify for disability benefits, you must have supporting medical evidence that shows you meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing, you are unable to work for at least 12 months, and you have earned enough credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance . In general, you must have worked the equivalent of 5 years full-time out of the last 10 years.
You will need a detailed work history, your drivers license or other photo identification, your Social Security card, and other documentation, such as a birth certificate, to confirm your identity and to prove that you do qualify for benefits from the SSA.
You will need documentation to support your claim, such as a residual functional capacity form completed by your physician. The RFC will fully detail what you can and cannot do, so the disability examiner will be able to determine if you can work, and if you are capable of work, what kind of work you can do.
You should continue receiving medical care and provide a list of healthcare providers to support your claim. Records from doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and so forth can all be helpful in supporting your disability claim for depression.
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Do You Have Questions About Your Benefits
If you have questions about group short-term disability insuranceas it relates to mental illnesscontact us. Dont wait.
The top-rated legal team at DarrasLaw is experienced in dealing with group short-term and long-term disability cases. There is no risk involved in contacting DarrasLaw as all our claim and policy consultations are free.
If you have short or long-term disability insurance questions, our award winning legal team is here to help.
Call us at 276-3054 or contact us online.
What Is Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression is a type of major depression and is considered to be a type of mood disorder. It occurs after a woman has given birth, but can also happen to adoptive parents, and even to fathers. After the birth of a child, a womans hormones fluctuate and she may experience mood swings that change between feelings of sadness and joy. When feelings of sadness and ongoing depression last for a prolonged period of time, it is thought to be postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression can start during pregnancy, or up to a year after the birth of a child.
Depression is a recognized mental illness that requires treatment. It is well known that in Canada, depression and mental illnesses are a leading cause of disability in the workplace.
Read Also: Mixing Depressants With Alcohol Can Cause
Is Depression A Permanent Va Disability
Much like post-traumatic stress disorder, this illness is often invisible and can be tricky to characterize. However, depression can have life-long effects on a veterans well-being and daily life. Due to this, it is possible to receive a permanent and total disability rating for depression and other mental health conditions.
In the rest of this guide we will discuss the VA rating for depression.
If youd like to learn more about the comorbidity of PTSD and depression, click here. Below is our video on everything you need to know about Depression and the VA!
After You Apply For Benefits For Mdd
After you submit your application, your state’s disability determination services agency will assign your claim to a claims examiner for review. If your examiner doesn’t find enough evidence of your medical condition in your medical records, you may be required to attend an interview or undergo a “consultative mental exam” with an SSA-approved psychiatrist or psychologist to verify your condition. The process can take several months, but the more evidence and medical documentation you are able to provide, the better your chances of being able to get your claim approved.
If you receive a denial letter and feel your case is strong enough to win an appeal, consider contacting a disability lawyer. Applicants who go to an appeal hearing represented by a lawyer have a better approval rate than applicants who represent themselves.
Recommended Reading: How To Help Depression During Pregnancy
Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Lawyers Discuss Benefits For Depression
Posted on February 26, 2013 inSocial Security Disability
Depression is One of the Leading Causes of Disability in the United States for Individuals Ages 15-44
Depression is commonly diagnosed in children, adolescents, and adults and affects roughly 1 out of every 10 people in the United States. According to a recent study, depression is expected to become the second most common health problem in the U.S. by the year 2020. Along with symptoms of fatigue, malaise, and lethargy, depression can cause confusion, slow thinking, indecisiveness, and trouble concentrating. When symptoms become too severe, an individual may become disabled and unable to work.
The Philadelphia Social Security Disability law firm of Silver & Silver has been helping individuals suffering from depression and other illnesses and injuries obtain disability benefits for over 35 years. Our Social Security Disability attorneys understand how debilitating depression and other mental illnesses can be, and how difficult it can be to maintain job responsibilities. Our practice is dedicated to helping disabled individuals claim the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits to which they are entitled.
Requirements for Social Security Benefits for Depression
Does Depression Qualify For Social Security Disability
Home » Frequently Asked Questions » Does Depression Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Yes, depression can qualify for Social Security Disability. However, you must show that your depression is so severe, chronic, and long-lasting that you will be unable to work for at least a year. Fortunately for many with depression, medications are a good alternative and often provide people with relief from their symptoms after a relatively short period of time. If thats the case, you might not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
There are other people for whom the medication does not work well or stops working after a short period of time or the depression does not seem to improve. You may have a valid claim for Social Security Disability benefits. You would have to show that your symptoms are so severe that you will be unable to work for at least 12 months in order to qualify.
Read Also: Who Is Affected By Postpartum Depression
Qualifying For Disability Benefits With Depression Or Anxiety In Pennsylvania
Disability does not always have to mean a physical injury or illness. Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression can also have devastating effects, rendering patients unable to work for long periods of time. If youre struggling with severe depression or anxiety, you may be able to qualify for monthly disability benefits to help you pay your bills and other costs of living while employment isnt an option.At Young, Marr & Associates, our compassionate social security disability lawyers have more than 25 years of experience helping thousands of clients get approved for benefits and appealing SSA rejections. We are proud to serve communities throughout Pennsylvania, and offer free initial consultations for all new clients.To start discussing your claim in a free and private case evaluation, call our law offices today at 701-6519 in Pennsylvania.
We Have 40 Years Of Experience Working For Clients Like You
Our Social Security Disability lawyers will work to get you the benefits you need to navigate the difficulties that your condition imposes on you and your family. When clients in a situation similar to yours have come to us, they have been happy with the turnout.
They have noted:
.. The more impressive part of it was the day of my Administrative Law Judge hearing the attorney who took my case. I was just so impressed by the amount of knowledge knew about my case and about me, it was just overwhelming how much work she put into it. John
And Im so thankful for that, its like I cant say enough, they really stepped in and made things happen for me. If you are in a situation where you are unsure of your future they can step in and make things happen for you. Terry
Our team is ready to listen to your story and see how we can help you.
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Can You Get Disability For Depression
When applying for disability through Social Security, you must meet certain requirements to get the benefits you need. One of those requirements is having a qualifying condition. The Social Security Administration lists over a hundred illnesses, injuries, and conditions that qualify for disability benefits, including depression. Depression is one of the Mental Disorders on the SSAs Listing of Impairments. § 12.04 of this listings covers depression and related mental disorders. Under this section, multiple disorders qualify but to meet the SSAs definition, the disorder must have severe symptoms. These symptoms may not always match exactly with the DSM-Vs definition or the definition your psychologist or psychiatrist used in diagnosing your condition. To receive disability for depressive disorders, you must have at least 5 of the following conditions:
- Depressed mood
- Diminished interest in almost all activities
- Appetite disturbance with change in weight
- Sleep disturbance
- Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking or
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
What Are Some Common Hidden Disabilities
- Psychiatric DisabilitiesExamples include major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Attention Deficit-Disrorder or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Learning Disabilities
- Medical conditions associated with hidden disabilities. Examples include short or long term, stable or progress, constant or unpredictable and fluctuating, controlled by medication and untreatable.
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How To Prove Depression Is A Disability
The Social Security Administration offers monetary compensation to people with proven disabilities in the form of Social Security disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance is for disabled persons with a qualifying work history who are no longer able to work due to their disability. The SSA also provides Supplemental Security Income for low-come children and adults.
SSDI and SSI benefits help people with various disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and physical disability. Clinical depression may also qualify, but it can be a bit more challenging to prove than, say, a physical disability.
The SSA typically requires that people with a depressive disorder exhibit at least five of the depressive symptoms named in its evaluation criteria, which weve listed above. Each symptom mentioned in an application for Social Security benefits should have medical evidence submitted with it that documents that symptom and its severity.
Additionally, the SSA may approve a depression disability claim if an individual has enough medical evidence to prove that their depressive symptoms cause a functional disability. To qualify, an individual should have documented clinical depression for at least two years and prove that theyve consistently attended therapy or participated in treatments to improve symptoms. For the most part, they should be unable to adapt to changes in daily routines and activities.
Publicly Funded Medical Insurance
Medicaid is a federal and state government program that provides health insurance coverage to certain low income persons if they meet state-established income and resource standards and other eligibility requirements. Children with disabilities may also be eligible for Medicaid. To learn about eligibility requirements and benefits or to apply for Medicaid go to compass.state.pa.us or go to your local County Assistance Office. People who have SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid.
In Southeastern Pennsylvania most people who have Medicaid must enroll in a managed care program called Health Choices. There are five plans from which to choose: Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice, Coventry Cares, Health Partners and Keystone Mercy Health Plan, and members must go to providers affiliated with these plans for all of their medical services. For mental health and substance abuse services, people in the Health Choices program must use designated behavioral health vendors, depending on the county in which they live.
- Bucks County Magellan Health Services:
- Delaware County Magellan Health Services:
- Montgomery County Magellan Health Services:
- Philadelphia County Community Behavioral Health:
The Medicare program includes:
In addition to Medicare, some people choose to get a gap plan offered by private insurers. This is supplemental insurance to fill in the gaps in Medicare Parts A and B.
Additional information is available at medicare.gov, and medicarerights.org.
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Disability Lawyer For Depression And Bipolar Disorder
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression that keeps them from being able to go to work, their condition might qualify as a disability that entitles them to Social Security Disability payments. For help with your disability application, contact the Pennsylvania and New Jersey disability lawyers at Young Marr & Associates today. If you are in New Jersey, call us at 557-3081, and if you are in Pennsylvania, call us at 515-2954.