An Overview of SSDI & Mental Illness

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If you are facing a physical disability, it often easier to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) than if you are suffering from mental illness.  Generally speaking, there are several reasons for this discrepancy.  First, it is hard for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assess the symptoms associated with the mental disorder.  Moreover, it can also be challenging to determine the severity of the illness in an objective manner.  Regardless of the circumstances, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Kansas City Social Security Disability attorney who can help you determine the full scope of your legal options.

If you are considering filing for SSDI due to a debilitating mental illness, it is important to understand that SSA claims examiners are not licensed psychiatrists or mental health professionals.  As such, they are not educated as to the range of limitations caused by certain types of mental conditions.  For example, many claims examiners simply fail to understand the “cyclical” nature of certain mental disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.  In other words, people diagnosed with these conditions may experience improvement over time but they can easily relapse at a moment’s notice.  Moreover, other examiners are biased against those who file for disability for certain types of mental illness, making it more likely to be denied.

When evaluating a specific mental condition, an examiner will first consult the SSA’s official list of qualifying conditions, commonly referred to as the “blue book”.  These contain certain types of medical conditions that the SSA considers to be disabling to the point where someone is incapable of working.  The blue book’s list of SSDI-eligible mental impairments includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Down’s syndrome
  • Autism
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Schizophrenia

In the event that you are suffering from a condition that is not listed in the blue book or meets the severity requirements thereunder, you can still file for SSDI.  You need to demonstrate that your disability has lasted for a minimum of a year and also, that it prevents you from working.  Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to have an experienced SSDI benefits attorney to help you.  Since establishing eligibility for SSDI benefits can be a challenging process, having a seasoned attorney to fight for your rights can me a positive difference in your case.

At the Sanger Law Office, we provide top-tier SSDI representation        

For more information pertaining about your SSDI options, give the Sanger Law Office a call now at 785-979-4353.  Ms. Sanger will take the time to evaluate your case and help you maximize your chances of getting SSDI benefits.  The Sanger Law Office is conveniently located in Lawrence, KS and represents clients in both Kansas and Missouri who are facing all types of SSDI issues.

 

 

FAQs Regarding Veterans Benefits & Eligibility

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When applying for Veteran’s Benefits, it is important to educate yourself to the fullest extent possible.  In other words, having knowledge about the law and the associated process of qualifying for benefits can have a significant impact in your case.  While an experienced Kansas City VA benefits attorney can guide you through the process, being well-informed often means the difference between getting benefits or not.  Accordingly, I have put together a list of the most common FAQs regarding VA benefits in order to help you maximize your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.  They are as follows:

  1. 1.      What is veteran’s disability compensation and am I eligible?

You may be eligible for VA benefits in the event that you were injured, stricken with an illness or wounded during active combat while serving in the military. Keep in mind that pre-existing conditions or diseases which were worsened by active military service may also be covered.  Although the majority of service-connected disabilities appear during or right after one’s military service, there are others that do not manifest themselves for years to come.  It is important to speak with an experience VA benefits attorney to help analyze your case and determine whether you may qualify for benefits in this regard.

  1. 2.      How is disability compensation determined?

The ultimate amount of disability benefits awarded hinges upon the severity of your disability.  When applying for benefits, it is important to provide comprehensive medical records so that the VA and determine an appropriate amount of compensation. Oftentimes, a veteran must submit to a medical examination conducted by a VA doctor in order to complete the review process.  The VA rates your disability and expresses it as a percentage.  The payment you receive is based upon this percentage.  Having dependents can increase this amount under certain circumstances.

  1. 3.      What is the VA’s pension benefit and how do I qualify?

A monthly monetary amount may be available to veterans who served during a war who are facing limited income and permanent disability. The disability does not necessarily have to be connected to military service but it cannot result from any intentional or wrongful conduct.

  1. 4.      How is a monthly pension amount determined by the VA?

Pensions are based upon need.  In order to qualify, you must be considered financially needy based upon your income, savings, number of dependents, and the property you own.  If you receive any SSDI benefits, your pension amount may be reduced.  However, your benefits may be increased in the event that you require long term care or are permanently housebound.

  1. 5.      What do I have to do to apply for VA benefits?

If you are a veteran, you may be able to obtain assistance from a VA service officer in order to start the application process.  Keep in mind that veterans and their dependents may file for benefits.  You can call the VA at their toll free number, which is 1-800-827-1000.  You can also speak with a qualified Kansas City VA benefits attorney to help you with the application process, especially if you think you may have difficult proving eligibility.

Call Us to Find out How We can Help You Get the VA Benefits You Deserve

Ms. Sanger has helped numerous veterans during the benefit application process and has also represented them in appealing a denial or rating decision.  The Sanger Law Office is ideally located in Lawrence, KS and represents veterans who have been denied disability benefits both in Kansas and Missouri. If you are having challenges obtaining VA disability benefits or have any questions, contact attorney Danielle Sanger today for an initial free consultation at 785-979-4353.

 

SSDI Benefits and Depression

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Depression is one of the main causes of disability for those dealing with non-fatal illnesses in the United States.  Although depression comes in various forms, it is nonetheless a serious medical condition that causes persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness and in certain severe cases, suicidal ideations.  In addition to these emotions, a person suffering from depression often deals with further complications such as a lack of energy, insomnia and fatigue.

In order to qualify for disability benefits due to depression, you must meet certain criteria set forth in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) impairment manual, also known as the “blue book”.  Or, you may be granted what is known as a medical-vocational allowance based upon the level of your depression and other factors, such as your work history, age and education level.  In other words, a medical-vocational allowance is sometimes granted to a person who suffers from a condition that is severe yet does not match a blue book disability listing.

There are many types of illnesses that are listed in the blue book which allows a person to qualify for benefits if their condition meets certain criteria.  The purpose of the blue book is to allow for people facing severe disabilities to be compensated in an efficient manner. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits on the basis of depression, your condition must be severe and involve at least four of the following symptoms:

  • A lack of interest in pleasurable activities
  • A decrease in energy
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Decreased appetite
  • Overeating
  • Insatiable feelings of
  • Difficulty concentrating or focusing
  • Problems thinking clearly
  • Lack of the ability to engage in physical activities
  • Paranoia, delusional thoughts or hallucinations
  • Suicidal ideations

In addition to the above, those facing depression must also experience difficulty in the following:

  • Engaging in activities of daily living
  • Functioning in social settings
  • Focusing, or
  • Have worsening symptoms

To illustrate, if a person is having problems concentrating on menial tasks, difficulty maintaining normal standards of hygiene or cannot function in a social setting, he or she may be eligible to collect SSDI.  Conversely, you they have had reoccurring bouts with depression for a period of two years or more, they may also be able to qualify for SSDI.

Regardless of the circumstances, if you are suffering from depression and cannot work, you may be eligible for benefits.  Don’t wait to consider your options due to fear or uncertainty about whether you qualify.  Only an experienced SSDI benefits attorney can evaluate your case and determine your legal rights and options.

At the Sanger Law Office, we provide top-tier SSDI representation        

For more information pertaining about your SSDI options on the basis of depression, give the Sanger Law Office a call now at 785-979-4353.  Ms. Sanger will take the time to evaluate your case and help you maximize your chances of getting SSDI benefits.  The Sanger Law Office is ideally located in Lawrence, KS and represents clients in both Kansas and Missouri who are facing all types of SSDI issues.

 

Veterans Benefits and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Members of the armed services who engaged in prolonged combat or experienced some other type of traumatizing event while serving in the military may be at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  PTSD, also commonly referred to as battle fatigue or “shell shock”, has been a recognized as a condition suffered by soldiers for several centuries.  However, only recently has PTSD been recognized in the United States as a serious and benefit worthy condition.

When people suffer from PTSD, they often full range of different symptoms that start soon after facing a life threatening event.  Moreover, PTSD is one of the most common mental health conditions that members of the military face after being in combat.  Specifically, from 1999 to 2007, the number of veterans benefits claims for PTSD more than doubled.  According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, soldiers suffering from PTSD often face the following serious difficulties:

  • Flashbacks of the traumatizing event
  • Avoidance of situations that cause you to remember the event
  • Feeling withdrawn from family and friends
  • Substance abuse problems, such as alcoholism or drug addiction
  • Feeling constantly irritated, jittery or “on the edge”
  • Problems handling relationships
  • Feeling depressed, hopeless or shameful
  • Trouble working or holding a job
  • Physical problems

Additionally, in order to receive PTSD benefits, a veteran must meet the following requirements:

  • Receive a clear PTSD diagnosis;
  • Provide evidence of the event that occurred during military service that caused the condition; and
  • Establish through evidence that the cause of one’s PTSD stems from the traumatizing event

Once a veteran is able to establish that their PTSD is connected with their military service, the VA will then determine the appropriate amount of disability award.  For service connected PTSD, the VA determines the benefit amount based upon the level of impairment.  Specifically, there is a disability scale that begins with zero and goes up to 100 percent.  To illustrate, for PTSD condition that does not cause disability, a veteran will likely receive a 0 percent rating.  In the event that someone is completely debilitated by PTSD, they may receive a much higher rating, perhaps between 70 and 100 percent.

Establishing your right to disability compensation for PTSD can be extremely challenging and complex.  However, you can maximize your chances of obtaining VA benefits by working with an experienced Kansas City VA benefits attorney.   Only a skilled attorney can evaluate your case and help you fight for your rights.

Call Us to Find out How We can Help You Get the VA Benefits You Deserve

Ms. Sanger has helped numerous veterans during the benefit application process and has also represented them in appealing a denial or rating decision.  The Sanger Law Office is conveniently located in Lawrence, KS and represents veterans who have been denied disability benefits both in Kansas and Missouri. If you are having challenges obtaining VA disability benefits or have questions about the application process, contact attorney Danielle Sanger today for an initial free consultation at 785-979-4353.