In Wednesday’s post, we discussed some of the mental illnesses and conditions that the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes as disabling. This means that if applicants can prove they are suffering from one of these conditions and are therefore unable to work, they may be able to receive disability benefits. However, many applications for mental disorders and disabilities are rejected every year.
Consider first that some of these applications are denied because they do not contain the necessary information or the applicant does not qualify for other reasons (work history, financial situation). However, some applicants are rejected for more complicated reasons. Consider these common causes of application rejection for mental disorders.
- The condition has not lasted long enough. For instance, a soldier may come home from war, find he is psychologically or mentally unable to work, and applies for benefits. Unfortunately, the SSA evaluates some disabilities based partially on how long the applicant has suffered from the condition or injury or is expected to suffer.
- Non-cooperation with doctor’s orders or medications. Because doctors are still attempting to understand how mental conditions affect a person, it is important that patients follow medical advice. If the SSA sees that the applicant has not followed his or her doctor’s orders, it may rule that the applicant has not taken all possible steps to improve the situation.
- No evidence of medical treatment. The SSA will usually not grant disability benefits to applicants without evidence of medical treatment, but this is particularly true for persons with mental illnesses or conditions.
- Poor documentation by medical professionals. This may not be the applicant’s fault, but some doctors and health professionals do not provide the SSA with enough details and records of treatment.
If you are suffering from a mental disorder or illness that prevents you from working, an experienced attorney can help you supply the SSA with all the information you need. If your application has been rejected, we may be able to help you in the appeals process. If you are facing questions or concerns about your application, contact a Tulsa Social Security Disability attorney for more information on how we can help you. We offer free evaluations of your case, so contact us online or by phone at (918) 265-1404 to learn more.
[Disability Tip of the Day: Some people cannot afford to take the medications their doctors prescribe because they cannot afford them. If you cannot pay for medicine, inform the SSA in your application, as the inability to pay is a legally recognized excuse for failing to take medication.]
