How Do You Win A Disability Case For Mental Illness?

On This Page

1. Getting Disability for Mental Illness Based on an Impairment Listing
2. Proving You Qualify for Disability Based on Your Mental Health Disorder
3. Let Berger and Green Help You Get Approved for the Disability Benefits You Deserve
4. Talk to a Pittsburgh Social Security Lawyer About Your Disability Case

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Winning a disability case for mental illness can be difficult because you do not have the same type of medical evidence available you might for a physical ailment. There are no X-rays or scans or laboratory tests to confirm most mental health concerns. Instead, you must rely on notes from your doctor, the outcome of treatments, and other evidence.

At Berger and Green, we can help you prepare and file your claim, or file an appeal if they deny your initial application. Call or text our Pittsburgh office today at (888)-392-8307 to get started.

Getting Disability for Mental Illness Based on an Impairment Listing

In the same way that the Social Security Administration publishes a list of impairment listings and criteria to qualify for physical ailments, the Blue Book contains a section for mental health disorders. If your mental illness prevents you from earning the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit on a monthly basis, and you meet the criteria under the applicable section, you should get approved for benefits.

Section 12.00 — Mental Disorders is the section of the Blue Book you will need to look at to determine the evidence you need to prove your case. As of 2018, the Blue Book covers 11 different types of mental health disorders. This includes:

Section 12.02 — Neurocognitive Disorders

Section 12.03 — Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Section 12.04 — Depressive, Bipolar and Related Disorders

Section 12.05 — Intellectual Disorder

Section 12.06 — Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Section 12.07 — Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

Section 12.08 — Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders

Section 12.10 — Autism Spectrum Disorder

Section 12.11 — Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Section 12.13 — Eating Disorders

Section 12.15 — Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Proving You Qualify for Disability Based on Your Mental Health Disorder

In the Blue Book, each section includes the evidence necessary to qualify based on that diagnosis. Your application information and medical records will need to prove you meet the criteria to get benefits based on the impairment listing.

You can get disability for mental illness without meeting the qualifications under an impairment listing as well. You will, however, need to show that your condition prevents you from working and earning a living. A residual functional capacity assessment proves this for you. This assessment considers:

• Your training, education, experience, and age
• Your ability to work any job you might qualify for
• How long you can work
• How often you can work

If you cannot work your previous job or any other job often enough to earn at least the current substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, and you meet all other qualifications, you will likely get approved for Social Security Disability (SSD).

Let Berger and Green Help You Get Approved for the Disability Benefits You Deserve

At Berger and Green, we know how vital disability benefits can be to you and your family. We understand how hard it can be when you cannot work because of mental illness and how difficult it is to make ends meet when your health does not allow you to work. SSD benefits were historically designed to help you in this instance.

Our team can review your application, help you submit your information, and even file an appeal on your behalf if they denied your initial application. We can work to secure you the most out of Social Security Disability benefits based on your qualifications but only if you call us at (888)-392-8307 for a free review of your disability case for mental illness

Call us as soon as possible if you get a denial letter, we will represent you during your appeal hearing and present a strong case to the Administrative Law Judge. In many cases, we can get our clients approved for disability during this process.

Recovering Compensation for Accident Injuries

If your impairment stems from a personal injury accident, we may also be able to help you pursue additional compensation through an insurance claim or civil suit. Founding partner Laurence B. Green’s four decades of experience with personal injury cases mean our team knows how to pursue compensation and recover damages for our clients. Call us today at (888)-392-8307 to get started.

Talk to a Pittsburgh Social Security Lawyer About Your Disability Case

If you need help filing for Pittsburgh disability, or if they denied your initial claim, the team from Berger and Green is standing by to take your call. We know what it takes to win a disability appeal based on mental illness and can help you build a strong case and represent you during the process.

Call or text our team today at (888)-392-8307 for a free review of your Pittsburgh disability case.