Can You Get Disability for an Anxiety Disorder?
Feeling worried is a normal part of life. But when anxiety becomes so overwhelming that it interferes with your work and daily activities, it may be time to consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits. If your anxiety is so severe that it prevents you from working a full-time job on a sustained basis, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Navigating this process can feel confusing and difficult, but you are not alone. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about applying for disability benefits for an anxiety disorder.
What Anxiety Looks Like in Daily Life
Anxiety isn't just a feeling of worry; it can manifest in many ways that disrupt your ability to function. The symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
Physical Symptoms: You might experience chest pain, a rapid heart rate, sweating, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues like nausea or diarrhea. Dizziness and tremors are also common.
Psychological Symptoms: These can include constant, excessive worry, feeling tense or on edge, and having trouble concentrating. Many people also struggle with irritability, restlessness, panic attacks, and sleep problems. You may feel overwhelmed, avoid social situations, or live with a persistent feeling that something bad is about to happen.
Common Diagnoses in Disability Claims
While many types of anxiety disorders exist, the Social Security Administration (SSA) often evaluates claims for two common conditions: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Following a traumatic event, you might experience intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, hypervigilance (being constantly on guard), and significant changes in your mood. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anger, aggression, and an avoidance of anything that reminds you of the trauma.
Building Your Medical Record: Where to Get Care
To approve a disability claim, the SSA needs to see strong medical evidence that documents your condition and its severity. Consistent medical care is crucial.
Your first step is often your primary care doctor (PCP). They can provide initial treatment and refer you to mental health specialists like a psychiatrist or therapist.
If you don't have a PCP or need immediate help, going to an urgent care facility or a hospital emergency room is an option. It's vital to have documentation from every one of these visits, especially if you cannot afford regular specialist care. Sometimes, your symptoms may become so severe that you need to be admitted for inpatient hospital care. Records from these stays are powerful evidence for your claim.
The Role of Medication and Therapy
The standard of care for most anxiety disorders involves a combination of therapy and medication management. The SSA will want to see that you are following the treatment prescribed by your doctors.
Medication Management is Crucial
Your records need to show more than just a list of your prescriptions. It's important to document any changes.
Does a medication not work for you?
Did your doctor have to adjust the dosage?
Do you require multiple medications to manage your symptoms?
These changes show the SSA that your condition is serious and that you are actively trying to manage it. Everyone responds differently to treatment, and a detailed medication history helps illustrate the unique and persistent nature of your condition.
Common medications include antidepressants like Sertraline (Zoloft) and Fluoxetine (Prozac), as well as anti-anxiety medications like Alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin). Other drugs like Buspirone (Buspar) or Gabapentin (Neurontin) may also be used.
Therapy Provides Essential Support
In addition to medication, therapy sessions are an important part of your treatment. Talking with a therapist gives you an opportunity to discuss how you feel and how your symptoms affect your daily life. Your therapist’s notes can provide the SSA with a clear picture of how your anxiety makes it difficult for you to work.
How the SSA Evaluates Mental Health Claims
The SSA has two main ways of determining if you are disabled due to a mental health condition.
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): This is the most common path to approval. An RFC assessment determines what you can still do despite your limitations. To be found disabled, you must prove that your anxiety prevents you from performing full-time work on an ongoing basis. This includes not just physical tasks but also your ability to concentrate, interact with others, and manage stress in a work environment.
Meeting an SSA Listing: In some cases, a condition is so severe that it meets the criteria of an official SSA Listing. For anxiety disorders, you would be evaluated under Listing 12.06 (Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders) or Listing 12.15 (Trauma- and stressor-related disorders). These listings have very specific and strict criteria that can be difficult to meet.
What to Submit for Your Claim
The key to a successful claim is detailed documentation. Your doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists should provide treatment notes that show the timeline of your care. It is also very helpful when they offer their opinions by completing questionnaires or writing letters that detail how your condition affects your daily activities and ability to work.
What if You've Already Been Denied?
A denial is not the end of the road. In fact, most initial applications are denied. If you receive a denial letter, it's important to act quickly, as you typically only have 60 days to file an appeal.
If your claim is denied, it’s important that you don’t just resubmit the same information. An experienced advocate can analyze your denial letter to understand exactly why the SSA denied your claim. From there, they can help you build a stronger case for your appeal by gathering new medical evidence and making targeted arguments that address the SSA's concerns.
How an Advocate Can Help
The disability process can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it by yourself. The team at Binder & Binder can lift the administrative burden from your shoulders so you can focus on your health.
We handle the entire process, from gathering evidence and filling out complex forms to developing a case theory and preparing you for a hearing. We know how to translate your condition into the language the SSA understands. Our goal is to manage the fight for your benefits from start to finish.
If you are struggling with an anxiety disorder and can no longer work, help is available.
You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact Binder & Binder® Social Security Disability Advocates today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your claim.