Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can keep you from holding a job and earning a living for yourself. If you feel trapped in a cycle of obsessions, such as fear of germs or danger, and compulsive behaviors to quell those obsessions, such as repetitive hand-washing or locking and relocking doors, it can become impossible to keep up with the daily responsibilities that a career requires. If this has happened to you, you deserve disability for OCD.
Up until recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) did not recognize OCD as a disabling medical condition. However, in 2017, the organization made an update to its list of qualifying conditions to create a specific entry for OCD. A disability attorney from the Disability Advantage Group, can help you meet the qualification criteria in this listing and receive the benefits you deserve.
Our legal team can help you whether it is your first time applying or you have applied in the past and received a denial of benefits. If you were previously turned down, we can help you navigate the appeal process, with the goal of getting the SSA to reverse its original decision.
The first step is to come in for a free consultation. There, we will review your diagnosis, determine what evidence is available, and answer any questions you might have about the process. If you decide to move forward at that time, our attorneys will get to work right away, assembling a claim that makes a convincing case for your disability benefit eligibility.
To schedule your free consultation, call our office today at 865-566-0800.
What Is OCD?
OCD is a mental disorder in which the afflicted person experiences constant unwelcome thoughts and fears—or obsessions. The only way to alleviate these obsessions is by performing certain actions—or compulsions.
Maintaining the cycle of obsessions and compulsions has the potential to disrupt a person’s life to the point that sustaining meaningful, gainful employment becomes impossible.
If you are unable to work because of OCD, we want to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Can I Get Disability for OCD?
Winning disability for OCD requires us to prove that your diagnosis meets the Blue Book criteria for the condition. The SSA’s Blue Book is its master list of approved conditions for disability. To receive benefits for a condition on the list, you must demonstrate that you meet all the criteria for that listing.
The Blue Book listing for OCD requires medical documentation showing you suffer from an involuntary obsession with intrusive, unwanted thoughts, as well as proof that you engage in repetitive behaviors as a way to mitigate your anxiety. You must also suffer limitations in your ability to:
- Learn, understand, or remember instructions given to you;
- Interact with others in a socially appropriate way;
- Finish tasks in a reasonable time; or
- Manage your behavior, care for yourself, or regulate your emotions.
If you do not suffer limitations in any of these areas, you may still qualify if your OCD has lasted at least two years, you have sought professional treatment, and you still cannot adapt to the demands of daily life.
What If I Do Not Meet These Criteria?
If your OCD does not meet the above criteria, we can use a different tactic to win benefits. A residual functional capacity (RFC) test allows you to receive benefits by demonstrating that your condition prevents you from working.
First, we have to show that due to your OCD, you are unable to continue performing your old job. However, if the SSA feels there are other jobs you are capable of working, it will reject your application. We must provide evidence that no jobs exist that, given your condition, you can reasonably perform in a satisfactory manner.
To make this case, we must gather extensive medical evidence, including psychiatric evaluations, lab tests, and behavioral analyses. Your doctor must also provide his or her opinion on your ability to perform work-related tasks.
Does the SSA Have Other Criteria for Disability?
The SSA will examine other evidence before it considers you disabled. Since the organization only awards benefits to applicants who cannot work due to a medical condition, we must provide proof that your OCD prevents you from earning a living.
The SSA’s two programs have different requirements relating to your income, assets, and work history. Our attorneys can examine your financial situation to determine which program you qualify for. Â
To Schedule a Free Attorney Consultation, Call 865-566-0800 Today.
The attorneys at the Disability Advantage Group, understand the challenges you face from your OCD. We want to help you win the benefits you deserve.
Set up a free consultation with a member of our legal team today, so we can answer your questions and let you know what to expect from the disability application process. To schedule an appointment, call us at 865-566-0800.