Social Security Disability Benefits for PTSD

Our Plano SSD Lawyers Are Ready to Help You with Your Claim

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a serious mental disorder that can affect nearly every aspect of victims' lives, including their ability to earn a living and support themselves and their families. If you or someone you care about is suffering the disabling effects of PTSD, it is possible to secure Social Security disability benefits.

It's important that you work with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you navigate the process of filing your claim. Seeking Social Security disability for PTSD or any mental illness or condition is difficult; an attorney will be able to advise you of your rights, answer any questions you may have, and advocate for you throughout the process.

Contact Coats & Todd online or call us at 972-671-9922 to learn more about how our Plano Social Security disability lawyers can help you with your claim.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability for PTSD

As with any other physical or mental disability, in order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income for PTSD, you will need to prove that your PTSD has severely impacted your ability to work. When it comes to SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration looks at various factors in order to determine if an individual is eligible for Social Security disability benefits for PTSD.

These factors may include:

• Your history of past trauma
• The extend and severity of your PTSD
• Limitations you experience as a result of PTSD
• Whether the symptoms of PTSD prevent you from working
• How long your PTSD is expected to last

The Social Security Administration will also only provide benefits to those who meet all other Social Security Disability Insurance eligibility requirements, including having earned the appropriate work credits and having paid Social Security taxes.

If the symptoms of your PTSD are severe, life-threatening, and prevent you from working but you do nothave the minimum required work credits and/or did not pay Social Security taxes, you are not eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. However, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income if you are a U.S. citizen or national (or eligible foreign national/alien) and meet certain income and resource thresholds.

Proving That PTSD Is a Disability

Most cases of moderate to severe PTSD will have significant implications for the affected individual. However, in order for PTSD to qualify as a "disability" according to the Social Security Administration's standards, you will need to prove medical evidence of how your symptoms have negatively affected your life. Medical records detailing your symptoms—including the nature and frequency of panic attacks, symptom triggers, and more—can make a considerable difference in the outcome of your case.

At Coats & Todd, we understand how difficult it can be to obtain Social Security disability for PTSD. Our Plano PTSD Social Security disability attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience practicing law and have successfully handled thousands of cases on behalf of clients suffering from severe, debilitating physical and mental illnesses and conditions. We offer compassionate, client-focused guidance and dedicated advocacy every step of the way.

For a free and confidential case evaluation with a member of our team, please call 972-671-9922 or submit an online contact form today.