It does not help that those assessing claims are not licensed medical professionals. Employees of the Social Security Administration may not comprehend the full scope of difficulties associated with specific mental illnesses. In fact, many mental disabilities are inconsistent in nature. Bipolar disorder, for example, is not necessarily "cured" just because a person does not display tangible symptoms. While the disorder may be controlled or minimal at the moment, the condition could (and often does) evolve into something very debilitating in the future. It can be a vicious cycle.

The evaluation of mental disorders under the Social Security Disability Program

When a disability examiner is presented with an application for benefits, he or she will first refer to the program's official list of mental impairments (also known as the blue book). The listings encompass medical conditions that the Social Security Administration accepts as inherently disabling. As a result, anyone suffering from a listed mental impairment is presumed unable to work. However, the evaluator will still examine the application carefully to determine if the applicant's symptoms meet the specific criteria of a mental condition on the list.

Conditions that are on the list include the following mental impairments:- Schizophrenia.- Mental retardation.- Autism.- Bipolar disorder.- Depression.- Anxiety.

However, even if one suffers from one of these conditions, which are presumed to be a disability, the evaluator will still have to confirm this via an inspection of medical documents and other supporting evidence.

On the other hand, even if a disability is not listed, this does not preclude the availability of benefits for a particular mental disorder. It just may be a bit harder to establish the presence of a debilitating disability. For this reason, it is helpful to have legal assistance.

If you have been diagnosed with a mental impairment that is interfering with your ability to work, you should contact an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. A lawyer can help you demonstrate the severity of your condition to the Social Security Administration. A professional can help ensure that your application for benefits is detailed and comprehensive. To learn more about the program, speak with an attorney in your area.

Article provided by Midwest Disability, P.A. Visit us at www.midwestdisabilitychicago.com