Our Washington DC and Baltimore PTSD Disability Lawyer for Help with Your Social Security Benefits Claim

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD, is a serious affliction that can impact a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Psychiatrists estimate that PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of adults in the United States and that one in 11 people will receive a PTSD diagnosis. If you are unable to work because of the symptoms of PTSD, a Baltimore PTSD disability lawyer can help you get the Social Security disability payments that you are entitled to.

PTSD Can Make It Difficult to Work 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be triggered by a number of traumatic events, such as:

• Experiencing or witnessing a violent crime such as assault, rape, or murder
• The death of a loved one
• Being in military battle

Contrary to what many people may think, PTSD causes more than the occasional nightmare or trouble focusing on tasks. It often manifests in the sufferer reliving the traumatic events through flashbacks and through intense and disturbing thoughts and feelings, all of which can occur long after the event has ended. These experiences can hinder one’s ability to perform their essential job functions, which is why it’s important to seek counsel from a Baltimore PTSD disability lawyer if you are suffering from PTSD.

How Do I Know if I Am Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits for PTSD?

The Social Security Administration publishes guidelines on how it determines whether someone is eligible for disability benefits for a mental health condition such as PTSD. There are no official tests you can take to prove that you have PTSD, which can make it hard to prove you have a severe enough disorder to warrant your being on disability. For this reason it is critical to consult with a Washington DC PTSD disability lawyer in regards to your application for disability benefits.

According to the SSA, in order to receive disability benefits, you must experience PTSD that is so severe that it:

• Prevents you from being able to work in a full-time job
• Has impacted your life — or is expected to impact your life — for a year or more 
• Threatens your life

It should be noted that PTSD is often diagnosed along with other physical disabilities and mental health conditions, and your attorney will help you identify the impact of these on your claim. 

How a Washington DC or Baltimore PTSD Disability Lawyer Can Help You Recover Benefits from the Social Security Administration

Unfortunately, the majority of claims for Social Security disability are initially denied by the SSA. It is, therefore, important to understand what information you are going to need to present a case for disability eligibility. While a Baltimore PTSD disability lawyer is in the best position to guide you in this process, you should be prepared to provide medical records that show the following:

• That you have received a PTSD diagnosis and when you were diagnosed 
• Details about the treatments you have undergone, including what prescription medications you have taken over the course of your treatment
• The length of time you have undergone each type of treatment and progress notes 
• Evidence of any other medical conditions — including any other physical or mental disorders — you have been diagnosed with
• Information about your expected prognosis 

Contact a Washington DC or Baltimore PTSD Attorney Today to Learn More About Your Disability Benefit Options

If your PTSD leaves you unable to work, we can help you get the Social Security benefits you need. If you’d like to speak with an experienced disability attorney in Maryland, call The Law Office of Emmett B. Irwin at 443-839-0818 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We work with clients throughout Maryland and the surrounding states, including Washington DC.