The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines schizophrenia as a serious and chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to differentiate between reality and delusion.
While the cause of this disorder is unknown, there are several treatment options available to help the more than 2.8 million Americans living with schizophrenia. Some individuals can continue working and performing daily tasks with coping mechanisms, antipsychotic medications, and psychosocial therapies.
But, if you are unable to work or perform daily tasks due to this serious mental disorder, then you should consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits.
Is Schizophrenia A Disability That Qualifies For SSD Benefits?
According to Blue Book listing 12.03, schizophrenia is a qualifying disorder for disability under certain conditions. To improve the chances of a successful claim, individuals must provide sufficient medical documentation which proves they are experiencing at least one of the following:
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Disorganized speech, thought patterns, or behavior
In addition to the above, successful claims will typically consist of people who experience additional difficulties in at least two of the four areas of mental functionality listed below:
- Being able to adapt or manage yourself
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating or maintaining a consistent pace on daily tasks
- Remembering, applying, or processing information
While the above criteria is important, this is not an all-inclusive list. As with all disability claims, each case is unique. Individuals with strong medical evidence will be more successful than those with weak evidence.
Medical Evidence For Your Social Security Disability Claim
To give your disability claim a strong foundation for approval, you’ll need to have an active record of treatment for your schizophrenia. While some claimants may find it difficult to attend regular treatment sessions with their medical providers, doing so is important. And, complying with medical treatment demonstrates you are taking all possible steps within your control to manage your condition.
There are other pieces of key medical evidence you’ll need to provide for your claim. Two key pieces of evidence include an initial diagnosis, your medical record, and a history of ongoing treatment documented by your physician.
Testimonials from acquaintances, family members, and previous employers can also be helpful as you build your case.
To better illustrate what a strong disability claim for schizophrenia looks like with regard to medical evidence, we’ve provided an example below:
- The first and most important pieces of medical evidence for a schizophrenia claim should include the initial diagnosis from your treating physician as well as proof of treatment. Other examples of medical evidence could include inpatient stays at a behavioral health facility, psychosocial treatments and education, visits with a psychiatrist or psychologist, and medications taken to help manage your disorder.
- Additionally, testimonials from previous employers or caregivers that describe the claimant’s inability to function personally or professionally would also strengthen the claim.
Some claimants find the disability application process overwhelming. They may have difficulty understanding or completing the application. Or, they may fail to complete a timely appeal when they receive a denial. For these reasons, many claimants and their families often choose to work with a disability lawyer for assistance on their claim.
Discover Our SSD Lawyer Near Greensboro, North Carolina
If you’re living with schizophrenia or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Social Security Disability lawyers of Collins Price for a free, low-pressure consultation. Our Greensboro disability lawyers are local, compassionate and we focus solely on disability claims. Over the years, we’ve successfully represented hundreds of claimants living with schizophrenia as well as helped many others receive benefits for their mental health disorders.
Once we obtain all the necessary information for your claim, our law firm will work diligently on your behalf. If you previously filed a claim but were denied, we can also help you through the appeals process.
Request your free consultation online with our Greensboro disability lawyers today. Or, contact us directly by phone at (336) 793-9680.
