Those who struggle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) often have difficulties in daily life – with their job, in relationships, completing tasks and much more. If you have PTSD, you might be wondering if it is a disability, especially if you struggle a lot with holding down a job or getting things accomplished in life. Post-traumatic stress disorder doesn’t always qualify someone for disability income. However, in certain cases, it does.
Here at Blue Hills Treatment Center, we have helped thousands of people who struggle with PTSD. We have people asking us whether PTSD qualifies as a disability. It really depends on the circumstances of each case and what your situation is. For example, there are specific criteria that someone must meet in order to qualify for benefits.
There are also different levels of disability, especially through the VA such as 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100%.
Continue reading here today to find out more about whether your post-traumatic stress disorder could be considered a disability and what you can do to manage it in the meantime, as well.
Types of Disability Benefits for PTSD
As noted above, every case is unique. Not every case qualifies someone for the same types of disability benefits. For example, there are those who qualify for Veteran’s Affairs benefits and others who qualify for Social Security disability insurance benefits.
When it comes to Social Security paying out for post-traumatic stress disorder benefits, you would receive a monthly payment if you qualify and meet all their requirements. For example, they need to know what your ability is to work in the average profession, do you get income from other places and your ability to perform certain tasks.
When it comes to the VA, they will also make similar determinations. However, the payments will be paid out through Veteran’s Affairs. In addition, the condition must have been caused or made worse due to the time you spend within the armed forces. In addition, as noted above, you will receive a disability rating (percentage) and receive payments based on that rating.
There are also employer-sponsored and private disability insurance policies you can check into. These can cover both short and long-term disability claims, depending on the wording of the policy. Some of the factors may include:
- How you quality
- How long you lost your income
- What disability you have (with PTSD – how severe it is and what caused it)
- Can you accomplish general job-related tasks
You can find out more about these different disability benefits and plans today by calling the policyholder, reaching out to the VA, contacting the Social Security Administration or reaching out to our team for general assistance today.
Receiving PTSD Disability Benefits
It is important to know a bit more about the process of applying for and receiving PTSD disability benefits. Most of the time, you will need an attorney to help you through all the paperwork and claim information for your case.
The first action you need to take is to work with an insurance company or agent to file a claim if you have a disability insurance plan. Before you file, be sure you look over all the requirements that are provided within your insurance plan. Make sure you have all the paperwork that is needed before you file this claim. If you need help filing that claim, talk to the provider of your benefits or work with someone you can trust like an attorney or someone else who is knowledgeable in disability benefits through insurance plans.
Applying Through Social Security
If you are applying for these benefits through the Social Security Administration or Veteran’s Affairs, the process is a bit different. You will still need to make sure you have all the paperwork, documents and other records that are required to submit on your case. However, you will likely be applying for benefits online through the government website. If you are unable to fill the paperwork out yourself, these government entities will provide assistance for you.
The best strategy when trying to apply for a claim is to first think of whether your disability of PTSD qualifies for benefits. If you do meet the requirements or have a doctor who states you do, then you can move onto your claim. It is much better to have all your documentation and proof submitted with your initial claim rather than having to turn it all in later. Plus, you are more likely to get approved for a claim if you can prove ahead of time that you do, in fact, have a disability due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Some General Requirements for PTSD as a Disability
The requirements to qualify for disability due to PTSD can vary depending on who you are filing through and your individual case. However, some of the general requirements to file for PTSD as a disability include:
- Not being able to make over $1200 each month through work
- Condition must limit your ability to work for 12 months in a row
- Condition must be severe enough to limit ability to do certain daily tasks
- Case must be considered disabling by medical professionals
- Aren’t able to do the work you did in the past
- Can’t do other general types of work
It can be tough to apply for disability benefits through any organization or government entity. This is why most people don’t apply for benefits on their own, they usually work with an attorney or other legal professional.
Denying Your Claim
There are many people who do get denied for PTSD disability benefits, who later get approved. One of the most common reasons for this is due to not having enough proof of a disabling condition. For example, the government may want you to have more treatment or documentation of the condition. If this is the case, you can attend a Blue Hills Treatment Center program to treat the PTSD. There isn’t a guarantee you will qualify for disability, but the additional documentation may be what you need. Not only that, but our treatment centers have helped many people learn how to better cope with their condition.
Get Treatment for PTSD Disability Today
Do you have PTSD or the symptoms of it? Does this condition present as a disability for you? Whether it does or not, you can reach out to our Blue Hills treatment center for the help, support and treatment you need.
Contact us today to get treatment for PTSD disability.