Qualifying Mental Disabilities

Qualifying Mental Disabilities

Having a mental condition is not like having a broken leg. In the latter case, anyone can see how that would affect your ability to perform work-related activities. In a mental disability case, the impact on a person’s ability to work is often far less obvious.

When deciding whether or not people have qualifying mental disabilities, the Social Security Administration will look at four areas or domains of function. These are:

  • Activities of daily living
  • Social functioning
  • Concentration, persistence and pace
  • Adaptive functioning and decompensation
Mental Health Awareness — Rome, GA — Davis, Davis & Patterson

At Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome, Georgia, we review these domains of functioning with clients and discuss how their mental impairments may affect their ability to perform work-related activities. We will also prepare you for the disability hearing and show you how to present the facts of your condition in the most effective way.

You can give a completely false picture of yourself without lying. For instance, the administrative law judge may look at “activities of daily living” and ask, “Can you tie your shoes, comb your hair and make your bed?”

Without guidance, you may be tempted to respond, “Of course I can,” and let it go at that. But if, for example, depression, bipolar disorder or another mental illness causes you to lie in bed all day and never actually perform any of these daily tasks, the judge may never know. You will have missed your opportunity for showing the judge exactly how your condition affects your life.

In the constellation of possibilities that the judge could focus on, our lawyers are here to direct the judge to the lodestar — the primary truth that affects your case. To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys, call Davis, Davis & Patterson at 706-232-3090 or send us an email.

Depression

Having Depression May Qualify Your For Benefits

At the Rome, Georgia, law firm of Davis, Davis & Patterson, we understand that depression can be far more than a passing feeling. It can be a debilitating condition. If your depression or any other affective mood disorder prevents you from working for at least 12 months, turn to us. Our lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal system surrounding Social Security Disability benefits.

Providing Proof Of Your Impairment

Depression is one of many psychological conditions that can result in impaired functioning. Extreme fatigue, anhedonia or loss of ability to experience pleasure, “zoning out” and inability to concentrate — all these symptoms of depression can cause a person to be inattentive at work and lose his or her job. Often, people suffering from severe depression find it impossible to get out of bed in the morning or go to work at all.

Our attorneys have more than 80 years of combined experience and have assisted thousands of clients. This means we have the in-depth knowledge necessary to effectively present your case to the Social Security Administration. We will gather as much medical proof as possible to support your claim, including any evidence of:

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Concentration problems
  • Hallucinations
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Severe sleep disturbances
  • Loss of interest in life
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Contact Us

The attorneys at Davis, Davis & Patterson represent clients suffering from severe depression and other conditions throughout North Georgia. Contact our office at 706-232-3090 or by email to get a free initial consultation today. Because we charge contingency fees, you pay nothing at all unless we win your case.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder And Disability Benefits

Do you suffer from bipolar disorder? If your condition makes it impossible to work and lasts for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

At Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome, Georgia, we have more than 80 years of experience handling SSDI claims and appeals for clients throughout North Georgia. We understand how difficult it is to work with bipolar disorder and are here to help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Holding You Back?

In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must not only be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. You must demonstrate that your condition is so severe it makes it impossible for you to maintain employment. If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you know how badly it can disrupt your ability to work. Symptoms of this mental health impairment include:

  • Distractibility
  • Disordered thoughts
  • Risk-taking behavior
  • Physical agitation
  • Difficulty interacting with others
  • Impaired concentration
  • Impaired memory

In many cases, people with bipolar disorder are turned down for benefits initially. With experienced guidance during the appeals process, however, you can demonstrate just how badly you are suffering and how difficult it would be to hold down steady employment.

Our attorneys can guide you through the process of filing your application for disability benefits or appealing a denied claim. We are well-versed in the filing requirements as they pertain to bipolar disorder, depression and other mental health impairments. 

Let Us Help

The process of obtaining SSDI benefits for bipolar disorder may seem daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. To arrange your free initial consultation, contact our Rome law offices by telephone at 706-232-3090 or reach us online by filling out a brief contact form.

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