To apply for disability coverage for stress-related symptoms, you must be able to prove that you have an anxiety disorder. Proof entails having a diagnosis from a doctor.
If this anxiety disorder (or anxiety disorders) have prevented you from working for at least one year, or the symptoms are expected to last for more than one year, then you can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Anxiety and Disability
Anxiety disorders can cause a fear of crowds, panic-related feelings, or a compulsive avoidance of stressful situations. Such disorders can cause sleeplessness, excessive sweating, tense musculature, and speech difficulties.
Some of the disorders a doctor may diagnose related to anxiety include:
- Agoraphobia
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Listing 12.06 of the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments covers mental disorders relating to anxiety. To fulfill the SSA’s requirements for the listing, your disorder must include at least three of these conditions:
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Becoming tired easily
You also must demonstrate that this disorder limits your ability to function and complete the required tasks of your job.
For the majority of approved anxiety-related claims, the person either has a seriously limiting (“marked”) issue in two areas, or an extreme problem in one area:
- Taking care of oneself or adapting to change
- Concentrating or maintaining pace in performing tasks
- Remembering, understanding, or using information
- Interaction with others
For more information, you can read more about “Disability Caused by Anxiety Disorder.” Contact our Cincinnati law office for assistance.