You’ve been a proud and honest worker your entire life, but this has changed recently. You’ve suffered an injury that impedes your ability to work as usual.
After receiving medical treatment, you have been given an expected timeline for your physical recovery. However, doctors have also uncovered some mental health issues that require treatment as well.
You may be eligible to claim SSD benefits for both physical and psychological injuries, and this will help greatly with the financial burden of your condition. However, the criteria for mental health conditions that are covered are quite specific. Outlined below are some examples of when you may be eligible.
Are you chronically depressed?
Being unable to work and function as normal can be frustrating and disheartening, but sometimes, it becomes much more than this. You may develop depression and if this continues for any period of more than a few days, the condition may be classified as chronic. Depression limits your ability to work and the Social Security Administration will certainly give it careful consideration in your application for benefits.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Another complication that can occur on top of your physical condition is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of this condition can vary, but it often involves mood swings, flashbacks, phobias and a reluctance to revisit the site of an accident.
The stigma around mental health conditions is gradually starting to shift, and this is reflected in the Social Security Administration’s inclusion of mental health conditions as qualifying disabilities. However, these claims can be complex. To give yourself the best chance of a successful claim, it is advisable to seek some legal guidance.