Obtaining Social Security Disability requires an application and review process to assess the extent of your disability. While you can easily assess many physical disabilities and limitations, mental health conditions pose new challenges.
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to a mental health condition, the more evidence you offer, the better it is for your case.
Understanding objective and subjective documentation
Mental health conditions bring complexities to the disability application process that other conditions may not. As a result, you need both objective and subjective documentation for a well-rounded perspective. That means including lab work, medical testing and imaging scans for objective documentation. Add a personal statement or testimonial as well as excerpts of your therapy journals for a more personal insight into how your condition affects you directly.
Gathering strong evidence
The evidence supplied as part of your application should clearly illustrate the chronology of your condition. Include evidence of any psychiatric evaluations, records of your therapy sessions and progression and documentation of your medication history. This information should illustrate the progression of your condition, your treatment plan and your doctor’s expectations for any potential recovery.
Working with a variety of professionals
The supporting evidence for your application should include records from a variety of medical professionals. Gather documents from your psychiatric care providers, your primary care doctor and any neurology professionals you have seen.
Proactive documentation of information is key with invisible illnesses such as mental health conditions. These are some of the most important elements to include when you submit your application.
