Ghitterman & Feld have protected the rights of California residents since 1956.
Over more than six decades, much has changed, including how the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews disability claims to include necessary mental health conditions.
Unfortunately, obtaining SSDI benefits for individuals with mental health conditions can be more challenging than for those with physically visible disabilities, as the eligibility criteria are stringent and the application process can be complex.
However, it is possible to navigate these challenges successfully, and we can help. Here, we discuss how to help build your mental health disability claim for success.
Understand the SSDI Listing for Mental Disorders
Overcoming challenges associated with obtaining SSDI benefits for a mental health condition requires understanding the SSA’s Listing of Impairments for mental disorders. This listing outlines the criteria for various mental health conditions that may qualify for SSDI. It will allow you to understand where your diagnosis falls so you fully understand your claim and its objectives.
Seek Professional Medical Treatment and Documentation
Receiving consistent and comprehensive medical treatment for your mental health condition is crucial to your SSDI claim approval. This includes seeing mental health professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.
Ensure that your healthcare providers document your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment plans, medications, and the impact of your condition on your daily life.
Detailed medical records are instrumental in proving the severity of your condition.
Follow Your Medical Treatment Plan
To strengthen your SSDI mental health claim, complying with your treatment plan, including taking prescribed medications and attending therapy sessions is crucial. Consistency in treatment can demonstrate your commitment to managing your condition.
Maintain Open and Honest Communication with Your Healthcare Providers
Communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms, limitations, and how your mental health condition affects your daily functioning. This information can be crucial in building a solid case for SSDI benefits, as your physicians can write a supporting statement that strengthens your claim or testify as a medical expert on your behalf.
Contact Our Trusted SSDI Mental Health Benefits Attorneys for Help
Our SSDI attorneys are true mental health advocates specializing in these crucial claims. We can help you navigate the complex application process, gather the necessary medical evidence, and represent your claim during an appeal if needed.
We will collect medical records, treatment history, and assessments from mental health professionals, hospitals, and clinics to clearly demonstrate the severity and persistence of your mental health condition and how it has affected your daily life, work, and social interactions.
We have six physical offices in Bakersfield, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura, and Visalia, and our top-tier technologies provide a virtual reach to serve clients throughout California. We offer free in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations to offer straightforward legal advice for your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn how we can significantly increase your chances of a successful SSDI application for mental health conditions.