Ohio Mental Illness Disability Lawyer

Mental illnesses can adversely affect how you function daily, as well as your quality of life. Whether it is your ability to go to work and stay focused, or have great interpersonal relationships, a psychiatric disorder can take a huge toll on you. If you are unable to work due to a mental illness you may be eligible for benefits from the Social Security Administration. The SSA offers two types of benefits; SSDI and SSI.

We understand that living with a mental illness that prevents you from working brings its own set of challenges. At Berger and Green, our experienced Ohio mental illness disability attorneys ease that burden by guiding you through every stage of the process, from your initial application to any denials or appeals that follow. And because we know your time and energy are limited, we are happy to work with you remotely via phone, text, or email. Contact us today to speak with a Social Security disability attorney.

Mental Illnesses That Qualify for Disability

The SSA uses an official guide known as the Blue Book to evaluate disability claims. This manual outlines the specific medical criteria and documentation required to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. The mental illness listings in Section 12.00 of the SSA’s Blue Book include:

• Autism spectrum conditions
• Depressive disorders
• Bipolar disorders
• Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and paranoia
• Severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Personality and impulse control disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorders
• Neurodevelopmental disorders

In addition to an official diagnosis, your condition must be so debilitating that it interferes with your ability to work or carry out substantial gainful activities (SGA). This means that the illness limits you to the extent that, even if you do any work, your earnings fall below the SGA threshold.

Our attorneys can evaluate your mental illness diagnosis, medical history, and past work, and walk you through whether your condition meets the SSA’s criteria for disability benefits in Ohio.

Proving Your Case When Applying for Disability for a Mental Condition

The SSA evaluates mental health disability claims against a specific set of criteria before approving benefits. These include:

• The duration of the impairment will exceed 12 months or will result in death
• The illness must limit your ability to do previous, current, or future jobs
• Your disorder must be diagnosed and confirmed by a recognized medical professional

In addition to meeting these conditions, you must also show that your ailment severely impairs your ability to do your normal activities. Examples include extreme or marked limitations in the ability to interact with other people, managing yourself, remembering and applying information, or concentrating or maintaining pace with other people.