Houston residents, like many around the country, do not hesitate from putting in long hours at work to get the job done. Not ones to shy away from doing hard work, often times they might find themselves working through illnesses and injuries, brushing them off as not a big deal. However, when someone is suffering from a mental condition that affects their ability to function normally, whether it is long or short term, that person should consider filing for disability benefits rather than put their own selves and others in danger.
There are certain qualifying mental conditions that are mentioned in Section 12 of the Blue Book used by the Social Security Administration. This means that if someone suffers from one of those, they may be able to receive benefits that can help them maintain their standard of living without risking their health. These listings are divided into 11 categories, including neurocognitive disorders, bipolar and related disorders, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders and trauma and stressor related disorders.
The section details the criteria that must be present in the medical evidence and also lays out the disorders that will be evaluated. For example, the characteristics of bipolar disorder include an irritable, depressed, elevated or expansive mood or a loss of interest in many or most activities. Suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness could also be attributed to depressive or bipolar disorders. Examples of the disorders evaluated under this category include bipolar disorder I or II, major depressive disorder or depressive disorder due to another medical condition.
The Social Security Administration requires evidence to prove these mental illnesses. Based on each individual case, medical reports from physicians, psychologists or other medical sources could be required.
Suffering from a mental condition that affects one’s day to day functioning is difficult enough, so wading through legalities to get financial support might be overwhelming. An experienced attorney could help Houston residents wade through the paperwork to get the help they need.