Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe medical condition that can significantly impact one’s ability to work. If PTSD prevents you from holding a job, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Securing long-term disability insurance can provide relief so that you can focus on your mental health. Learn more about selecting the best PTSD disability lawyer by scheduling a free consultation with Seltzer & Associates.
Experience
A skilled PTSD disability lawyer will understand how to present your case in a way the SSA finds valid. This includes providing documentation from acceptable sources that verify your condition, its severity, and how it impacts your ability to work.
A reliable PTSD disability attorney will also be adept at communicating with insurers on your behalf. They can explain insurance jargon and strategy so that you know their tactics.
Getting PTSD disability benefits can be challenging, even when you meet the SSA’s criteria for a 100% rating under medical vacation allowance. This is because a diagnosis of PTSD can trigger many other conditions that prevent you from being able to sustain employment. These can include a variety of triggers, including odors, noises (such as muffler backfire or music), colors and visuals, and more.
Knowledge of the Law
Many insurance companies deny long-term disability benefits for PTSD, claiming it’s “all in your head” and that you can “get over it.” A qualified PTSD attorney knows how to prove that your condition is debilitating and ongoing and makes it impossible to hold a job.
A PTSD disability rating is based on a combination of your symptoms and how they affect you. Medical evidence and “buddy statements” from family members and friends set forth the full extent of your PTSD and how it has affected your life.
A reliable PTSD disability lawyer can help you determine if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation or Social Security disability benefits. Typical stresses on the job aren’t enough to support a claim for PTSD under the law, but severe PTSD can qualify for disability benefits under SSA guidelines.
Personality
The best disability lawyers have an upbeat personality and a good working relationship with the client. This is especially important for PTSD disability claims. People with PTSD may often feel overwhelmed and discouraged. The memories can interfere with their daily functioning and cause them to avoid people, places, or situations that remind them of the event.
This type of avoidance can affect relationships, work, and daily activities. It can also make it difficult to sleep and can lead to other medical conditions such as agitation, dizziness, and headaches.
PTSD symptoms are real and should be taken seriously. Many long-term disability insurance companies deny claims because they think PTSD is “all in your head” or something you can “get over.” A qualified PTSD disability lawyer can help prove that your disability benefits are warranted.
Reputation
Many people who experience PTSD are unable to sustain work due to their symptoms. Symptoms can include nightmares, flashbacks, and extreme avoidance behaviors that impact quality of life. These symptoms can also cause difficulties in interpersonal relationships. If your PTSD is severe enough that it prevents you from working, then you may be entitled to disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
A reputable PTSD disability lawyer can help you gather and submit strong evidence that supports your claim. They can also ensure the paperwork you submit is correct and satisfies SSA requirements. This includes medical records, buddy statements, and letters. It is essential to have strong medical evidence because a claim that does not have a valid diagnosis will be denied.
Fees
Unlike many other disabilities, such as chronic pain or rheumatoid arthritis, PTSD can be complicated to prove. To be eligible for disability, a person must provide adequate medical evidence that shows they can no longer work due to the symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks or avoiding people, places, and things they associate with traumatic events.
When you choose a veteran disability lawyer, look for materials including testimonials and case histories describing in detail the experience of other clients with their disabilities. They should also provide educational materials to help veterans understand the complexities of applying for and appealing for disability benefits. They should always be willing to answer your questions and prompt you to contact them. They should also be able to explain fees for their services.