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Is anxiety a disability? Anxiety is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and there is no doubt that anxiety is debilitating for some people. It can transform an average moment into a terrifying experience, often eliciting such a reaction for reasons that remain uncertain. For those with chronic anxiety, this may be an important question. Is anxiety a disability?
If you are applying for Social Security Disability, it is important to understand how the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes anxiety and when you can seek financial support for it.
Remember that contacting a Rutherfordton Social Security disability lawyer is the best way to learn if your debilitating anxiety qualifies for disability compensation.
When Is Anxiety a Disability?
Anxiety falls under the SSA’s classification of mental disorders. It is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which means that a person cannot be discriminated against for having it.
Under the SSA’s rules, a person may receive disability compensation if their symptoms severely limit major life activities. To qualify, you must demonstrate the following:
- Provide medical evidence that shows a diagnosis of debilitating anxiety, noting that the condition is severe
- Note that the condition is expected to last at least 12 months
- Demonstrate that the condition causes extreme and marked limitations on critical functions of life, including adapting to change or maintaining focus and coordination
If you believe that these elements apply to you, then anxiety is a disability recognized by the SSA, and you can apply for compensation for it if it eliminates your ability to work and earn gainfully. However, even if you believe you meet these qualifications, you may find it very challenging to get approval. Hiring an SSA disability attorney can help.
Under the SSA’s Blue Book
Anxiety falls under the SSA’s Blue Book under Listing 12.06 (12.00 Mental Disorders). This rule states that a person with anxiety must have medical proof of the diagnosis of anxiety disorder and demonstrate their extreme limitations in some area of mental function.
Or, they must have marked (considered serious) limitations in at least two areas. The four areas include the following:
- Understanding and using information
- Interacting with other people
- Focusing on and completing tasks
- Managing behaviors on their own
In situations where you know that your anxiety meets one of these elements to a level considered extreme or two areas at a level of serious, then you may receive approval for disability coverage.
Be sure to have evidence that supports these claims. Just stating that this is what happens is not enough to receive approval for benefits.
What If It Does Not Fit Just Right
Anxiety is a very complex mental health disorder, and no two people suffer the same level of symptoms or limitations. In situations where your condition does not seem to meet one of these previously mentioned limitations, a Residual Function Capacity (RFC) assessment will be done.
This report provides more elaborate details about the limitations and the type of work you can still do with your anxiety limitations.
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Many Forms of Anxiety Are a Disability
Another factor that can make this process more confusing is that anxiety is a very versatile condition that impacts people in numerous ways. The SSA recognizes that anxiety may be very specific and limited or expansive and all-inclusive.
The following are some types of anxiety disorders that may fall under the SSA’s Blue Book listing to help you qualify for benefits:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: Referred to as GAD, this is one of the most common forms of anxiety noted to include extreme symptoms related to excessive worrying. It is less focused on a specific factor and typically zeroes in on many different conditions and factors.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Known as OCD, a person with a diagnosed condition may experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts called obsessions. They may also suffer from compulsions, or repetitive behaviors they feel they must perform. A formal diagnosis may help you qualify for SSA.
- Panic Disorder: SSA recognizes panic disorder as a condition that causes recurrent and unexpected panic attacks or intense moments of debilitating fear. Panic attacks, or the fear of future attacks, can range in severity, but the most extreme forms may qualify for SSA.
- Agoraphobia: This mental health disorder causes a person to struggle with intense fear of being in places or in specific situations where escaping or leaving that area can seem difficult. It may also relate to situations where a person fears being embarrassed. In this situation, a person may fear leaving the home and refuse to do so.
- Social anxiety disorder: This condition, sometimes called social phobia, is also recognized by SSA and relates specifically to feelings of intense fear of being judged, scrutinized, or humiliated in social situations. A person may avoid such situations as a result.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: PTSD is a debilitating form of anxiety that causes a person to relive traumatic experiences, often with flashbacks or suffer from hyperarousal or avoidance as a result of their traumatic experience.
Is anxiety a disability in all of these situations? In all cases, having a diagnosis is just one component of the process; you must also show that it impacts your ability to work, including difficulty concentrating, missing time at work, interacting with coworkers, or managing high-stress situations. You also must show that your anxiety makes it hard for you to adapt to change and may impact your safety at work.
How to Prove Your Anxiety Is a Disability
To prove anxiety is disabling, work closely with your mental health doctor to have a formal diagnosis. You then need to show that your anxiety is a disability and in what ways it is.
Based on the severity of your condition and whether you are likely to continue to experience it long term, SSA will determine if you qualify for benefits.
Your Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help You
Is your anxiety a disability? To gain insight into whether you may be able to receive SSA for anxiety, set up a consultation with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC.
Our team will review the details of your diagnosis and offer you guidance.
