Disability Benefits for PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder brought on by the resurfacing of memories related to a traumatic event. An individual can develop this condition when an event experienced creates an intense fear or feeling of helplessness. PTSD is often associated with veterans of the military. However, this is not the only instance in which an individual can feel the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In fact, experiencing the trauma of any kind can result in someone having PTSD. In certain cases, it can be debilitating and therefore not allow an individual to work. If this is the case for you, then you may be eligible for disability benefits for PTSD.
Do You Have PTSD?
An individual can be affected by PTSD as a survivor of a traumatic event. This can include experiencing abuse, violence, or living through a natural severe disaster. There is not just one this that can bring on PTSD. It is different for everyone.
Problems that can arise due to PTSD include:
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Alcohol abuse
- Addiction to drugs
- Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms of PTSD can come and go. Most symptoms occur during times of stress, or when an event triggers a memory from the traumatic experience. If you think you or someone you know suffers from PTSD, it is important to consult a medical professional for a diagnosis.
Common Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks of the traumatic experience
- Dreams of the event that are upsetting
- Trying to avoid talking about or thinking of the event
- Avoiding activities
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Quick to anger or feeling irritable
- Feeling an overwhelming sense of shame or guilt
- Having trouble sleeping
- Hallucinations, either auditory or visually
Have you suffered a traumatic event and believe that you may be experiencing symptoms related to PTSD? If you have not yet received a diagnosis and are showing signs of PTSD, set an appointment up with your primary care doctor. Once you undergo an evaluation and receive a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend on-going treatment. It is important to discuss with a licensed physician or psychologist how this diagnosis may affect your ability to work. This too is essential when applying for disability benefits.
Applying for Benefits
If you are not capable of working due to PTSD, you may be entitled to disability benefits. This includes Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Speaking to a medical professional about your condition can help you to understand if you have PTSD. Once you have received a diagnosis, the process of applying for disability benefits for PTSD can begin. An individual with PTSD must meet specific requirements to receive disability benefits. Also, medical records are necessary to show a history of the condition.
The PTSD diagnosis should show that the individual has restrictions in their activities of daily living. For instance, if you are having trouble with personal care, preparing meals, doing house and yard work, getting around, shopping, managing money, keeping up with hobbies and interests and participating in social activities due to episodes of PTSD. Whether or not an individual will qualify for disability benefits depends on the severity of how these activities are affected by PTSD. Once you have received a diagnosis, the process of applying for disability benefits for PTSD may begin.
Disability Support Services is here to provide you with the necessary help through the disability benefits process. Not sure where to start? Fill our form or call one of our advocates (410-244-0006) to being the process.
