Can Depression Qualify As a Medical Disability?
Chronic depression and manic-depressive disorders are recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Our legal team is familiar with the SSA listings and the specific documentation required to convince an administrative law judge (ALJ) to award benefits in your appeal hearing.
Social Security Disability: Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depression Claims
Together, we will work with your doctors to provide medical documentation of persistent:
- Depressive syndrome characterized by at least four of the following: loss of interest in most activities, appetite disturbance and change in weight, sleep disturbance, psychomotor agitation, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts or hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thinking
- Manic syndrome characterized by at least three of the following: hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, easily distracted, hallucinations, delusions, paranoid thinking or involvement in activities with a high probability of painful consequences
- Bipolar syndrome with a history of episodic periods manifested by the symptoms of both manic and depressive syndromes (and currently characterized as one or the other phase)
AND at least two of the following:
- Marked restriction of activities of daily living
- Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning
- Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence or pace (in a work setting)
- Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration
OR
Medical documented history of a chronic affective disorder lasting at least two years that has caused more than minimal limitation of ability to do basic work activities, despite medication or psychiatric/psychological therapy. The claim must include one of the following:
- Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration
- A current mental state that would lead to decompensation with even a minimal increase in mental demands or change in environment
- A current period of one or more years of inability to function outside of a highly supportive living arrangement and indication of continued need for the arrangement
You may read these descriptions and say, "Yes, that's my life!" The trick is in documenting symptoms and limitations, and convincing an ALJ that you cannot work even in a less demanding job. Our disability benefits lawyers excel at filling in the holes in your medical records and preparing you for your hearing.
We Can Help You With Your Initial Application or Appeal Your Denied Claim
Social Security Disability (SSD) claims for severe depression and other mood disorders are almost routinely denied. Naturally, the disappointment of this rejection only compounds your symptoms and adds to the hopelessness and helplessness of your situation.
At Schwartzapfel Partners P.C., we understand that depression is very real and how it could prevent you from working for a living. We urge you not to give up, but instead to reach out to our New York law firm to talk about your claim in a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys have helped numerous clients win disability benefits for depression and affective disorders.*
Contact Our SSD Benefits Attorneys to Learn More. You Pay No Attorneys Fees Unless We Win.
To learn more about Social Security Disability for depression and affective disorders, call us at 888-801-1914 or contact our New York law firm online. There is no upfront cost for our case evaluation, and we charge no fees for our representation unless we win money and benefits for you.
*Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
