Living With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the affective disorders named in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) impairment listing for mental disorders. It is caused by a severely traumatizing event, such as the death of a loved one, a serious accident or natural disaster, or suffering sexual or physical abuse. It is also a very common disorder among soldiers and other people who have been exposed to war. Approximately three out of 10 combat veterans experience PTSD, while an additional two or three will suffer from partial PTSD at some point in their lives.
For more than 20 years, Milam Law has represented people applying for Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income (SSD/SSI) benefits. Our experienced lawyers provide compassionate representation as we work to obtain the benefits you need.
Information on this website is provided as a service of Milam Law. Contact us regarding Social Security Disability claims and denials.
PTSD and Social Security Disability
PTSD medical records should describe a doctor's observation of the applicant's anxiety reaction, which may include some of the symptoms listed below. You must also provide evidence of difficulties with concentration, periods of decompensation or restriction of daily activities. Evidence demonstrating total inability to function outside of the person's home may also qualify a person for SSD benefits.
PTSD causes symptoms which may include:
- Panic attacks
- Flashbacks to the traumatizing event
- Extreme fear of event recurrence
- Avoidant behavior
- Compulsive or obsessive behavior
- Muscular tension
- Increased heart and breathing rate
- Restlessness
These symptoms can result in unpredictable behavior, social isolation, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, eating disorders, heart disease and chronic pain. People with PTSD may have difficulty interacting socially, especially when under stress. This may render them unable to work or complete daily tasks such as running errands.
Individuals who suffer from a mental disorder often suffer from an additional mood or affective disorder, such as clinical depression or anxiety disorder. Clinical depression includes major depression (episodic) and dysthymia (chronic depression). Anxiety disorder has many of the same symptoms as PTSD. The compound effects of multiple disorders can be very dangerous and cause additional difficulty maintaining a job.
While it is not uncommon for people with PTSD to drink heavily, use illegal drugs or overmedicate, this typically makes it more difficult to obtain SSD or SSI benefits.
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Milam Law has offices across the Central Valley, including Fresno, Sacramento and Modesto. For a free consultation with an attorney, please contact us online or call us toll free at 877-840-3508.
