Living with a personality disorder can make everyday life more difficult. When symptoms become severe, some individuals may find they can no longer maintain steady employment. In situations like these, the Social Security Administration offers disability programs that can provide financial support to eligible applicants.
If you are unable to work because of your condition, a Fairmont, WV personality disorder lawyer from Berger and Green may be able to help you pursue the disability benefits you need. Our team has spent decades helping people apply for benefits and continue pursuing their claims if they are denied, and we are ready to help you now. Call now to find out how our Fairmont Social Security Disability lawyers can help you.
Do I Need a Personality Disorder Lawyer for a Disability Claim in Fairmount, West Virginia?
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming for many. The process requires detailed forms, medical documentation, and clear explanations of how your condition affects your ability to function in a work setting—something that can be difficult when you are already dealing with serious mental health symptoms.
Instead of trying to manage these matters alone, let a Fairmont personality disorder lawyer who understands help evaluate your disability claim. At Berger and Green, our attorneys guide clients and help them pursue the benefits they may be entitled to receive. For many people, having legal support can make the process less confusing and easier to manage, allowing them to focus on their health while their claim moves forward.
With more than 40 years of experience handling disability claims, Berger and Green has helped thousands of individuals pursue the benefits they need while providing valuable peace of mind during an already challenging time.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationQualifying for Disability Benefits With a Personality Disorder
Personality disorders affect the way a person thinks, manages emotions, and interacts with others. These symptoms can create significant challenges in a work environment, where communication, emotional regulation, and adaptability are often essential. Over time, these challenges can make it difficult to maintain reliable attendance, meet job expectations, or work effectively with others.
In some situations, individuals living with personality disorders may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. To qualify, applicants must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. In general, this means showing that a medical condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet the specific requirements of the program you are applying for:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This benefit is generally available to workers who have built up enough work credits through their employment history. Many applicants qualify with about 20 work credits, which is roughly equivalent to five years of work, though the exact requirement can vary depending on the person’s age.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI provides benefits to individuals who have limited income and financial resources and cannot work because of a disabling condition.
Some of the personality disorders that may qualify for benefits include borderline personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder, among others.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpFrom Application to Appeal: The Disability Benefits Process
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a multi-step process. While some claims are approved after the initial application, many applicants receive a denial and must continue pursuing benefits through additional stages of review.
Initial Application
The first step in seeking disability benefits is filing an application with the Social Security Administration. Applicants must provide detailed information about their medical condition, treatment history, and work background. If you work with Berger and Green, our attorneys complete and file your disability application to ensure the Social Security Administration receives the information needed to evaluate your claim.
Reconsideration
If the initial claim is denied, applicants may request reconsideration. During this stage, the Social Security Administration reviews the claim again and considers any additional information submitted. Our lawyers can continue pursuing benefits on your behalf by filing the reconsideration appeal and ensuring your claim moves forward through the review process.
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
If the claim is denied again, applicants may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing gives applicants the opportunity to present their case directly to a judge who will review the evidence and issue a decision. ALJ hearings may take place by phone, video, or in person. If your case reaches this stage, our attorneys represent you at the hearing and advocate for you before the judge.
Additional Appeals
If the ALJ does not approve the claim, applicants may continue the appeals process by requesting review from the Appeals Council. In some cases, claims may also proceed to federal court review. Our attorneys continue advocating for clients through every stage of the appeals process when necessary.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationBuilding a Strong Disability Claim for a Personality Disorder
When applying for disability benefits, it’s essential to provide medical evidence and documentation showing how your condition affects your ability to function in a work environment. This evidence can include:
- Psychiatric or psychological evaluations
- Treatment records from therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists
- Medication history and treatment plans
- Hospitalization or crisis treatment records
- Documentation describing how symptoms affect daily functioning
Mental health symptoms can also fluctuate over time, which sometimes makes disability claims more complex. Treatment notes may show periods of improvement even though a person still cannot maintain consistent employment. Strong medical documentation and a clear explanation of how symptoms affect daily functioning play an important role in a successful disability claim.
Our attorneys have seen cases where records suggested improvement after a new medication plan, but a closer review of the full medical history showed that severe depressive episodes continued to occur. By explaining how those recurring symptoms would affect reliable attendance at work, our attorneys were able to demonstrate that the claimant could not sustain employment.
We can address all the legal hurdles that may be keeping you from getting a fair settlement.
Speak To An Attorney TodayGet Help Pursuing Disability Benefits for a Personality Disorder
Pursuing these Social Security Disability benefits for a personality disorder can be challenging, but you do not have to handle the process on your own. A Fairmont personality disorder lawyer can assist with filing your disability application and continuing to pursue your claim if it is denied. Contact Berger and Green today to learn more about your options and take the next step toward pursuing benefits.