When it determines if a person in southern California is eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a set of disability listings called the “Blue Book.” The Blue Book lists several psychological conditions and defines what makes any of them “disabling.” The conditions listed include schizophrenia, autism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and intellectual developmental disorder. But even if you suffer from a mental disorder that isn’t disabling by the Blue Book definition, you may be able to receive disability payments. If you can prove that you can’t reliably perform at a simple, unskilled job due to emotional, psychological, or neurological issues, you can probably receive Social Security disability benefits with the help of an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney.
The diagnosis of a mental disorder does not automatically qualify you to receive either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. By law, Social Security disability benefits are available only to workers suffering from “disabling” psychological conditions. Of course, it’s more difficult to prove a psychological disability than a physical disability. Early on, a psychological disability may not be accurately diagnosed, and the extent of any psychological condition may be difficult to measure. Disability claims examiners are not doctors, so they may not understand the full extent of conditions like ADHD or depression.
The SSA’s Blue Book defines the conditions recognized as disabling; anyone “disabled” under the definition is eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. In the Los Angeles area, if you are a disabled persons applying for benefits, an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney can help. If you suffer from any disability that prevents you from working, a good disability lawyer can guide you step-by-step through the process and help you fight for the benefits you deserve.