It may be easy to think that there are only a few reasons that people qualify for social security disability. Dire impairments like paralysis or severe PTSD make sense as those can clearly impact your employment and quality of life.
The net of SSD is wide though, and with enough documentation and evidence it can be possible to prove that whatever impairs you likewise falls under one of the many categories the Social Security Administration has established. If your disability is permanent or has been affecting you for 12 months or more, it may be worth looking into.
On the SSA’s site, their Adult Listings detail 14 separate fields representing major body systems. This can include bone, blood or mental disabilities that affect millions of beneficiaries.
For example, the Mental Disorders category details several iterations including:
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Eating disorders
More are listed and each of the 14 fields have many topics they tackle. Some obvious – others less so. The important thing is proving that the disability affects you on a daily and long-term basis.
These records can include many forms or doctor’s notes. MRIs, health records and other reports can assist you in filing. If there is not enough to warrant qualification, the SSA may further investigate your situation: employee records, your daily routine or drug and treatment regimen. SSD is there to support you, but will not hold your hand through the qualification process. The medical terminology can get confusing. It may be prudent to schedule a consultation with medical and legal services regarding the care and resources available to you.