Clear & Honest Answers
To Questions About Your Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Attorney Shawn Taylor

Do you have a disability if you have PTSD?

On Behalf of | Apr 5, 2020 | Firm News |

When you are unable to work because of a medical condition, you can’t earn an income to support your family, meet your own basic needs and pay for other things you want. This is a pressing need, and you need to find a way to get help as soon as possible. You may attempt to secure financial support by applying for Social Security disability benefits.

Disability benefits are available to individuals who cannot work because of an injury, illness or mental condition that leaves them unable to meet the demands of their jobs. This includes certain types of mental conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have PTSD and are unable to work as you did in the past, you may be eligible for support from the Social Security Administration. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental disorder that is the result of a particularly traumatic event. A person can develop this by witnessing something terrible or experiencing it. If you have this, you may struggle with adjusting to normal life and participating in everyday things, such as work. The following aspects of struggling with PTSD may make it difficult to earn an income: 

  • Avoidance — This is when you try and avoid thinking about certain things that could remind you of the event, or it may mean that you try to avoid places or tasks that can trigger bad memories.
  • Negative thoughts and moods — You may feel hopeless, have difficulty maintaining relationships, have no interest in certain tasks and struggle with memory.
  • Physical or emotional changes — This includes trouble concentrating, startling easily, having difficulty sleeping, acting in ways that are self-destructive, having anger or aggressive tendencies.
  • Intrusive memories – You may experience intrusive and recurring memories of the event, or you may have flashbacks, bad dreams, emotional distress and other negative emotions.

Any of these PTSD symptoms may make it difficult for you to work, hold onto your own job and be in a professional work environment. Even though you cannot tell that a person has PTSD by looking at him or her, it may be a legitimate disabling condition for you.

Your future interests

If you believe that you are eligible for disability benefits because of your PTSD, you may find it beneficial to work with an experienced West Virginia attorney. From getting help with your initial application to dealing with any necessary appeals, having an experienced legal professional on your side can give you a higher chance of success with your claim.