Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits are not only for older individuals or those with physical impairments. Serious mental health conditions can be just as disabling. Unfortunately, younger applicants often face greater challenges because Social Security frequently believes they can adjust to other types of work even if they cannot perform their past work. Our client’s case shows how proper legal representation can make a critical difference when seeking SSD benefits.
We represent a 36-year-old woman from Huntington with a long history of mental health conditions, including PTSD, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic depression, PMS disorder, and ADHD. After she applied for SSD benefits on her own and was denied, she contacted our office to take over her case. We strengthened the medical and vocational evidence, and secured confirmation from her doctors that she was significantly limited in her ability to function in a work setting, which became a key part of her case.
Ultimately, we requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). At the hearing, a vocational expert evaluated whether jobs existed in the national economy that our client could perform. Based on the mental health limitations, the expert testified that there were no jobs our client could perform on a sustained, full-time basis. After reviewing the evidence and testimony, the ALJ approved her application for SSD benefits. This case exemplified the difficulty that younger individuals with mental health conditions face with the disability process. With our experienced representation, recognizing the type of medical support needed, and careful preparation, our client was able to secure the SSD benefits she deserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment