Some people are still uneducated about schizophrenia, but it’s really more common than you may think. Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that may prevent an individual from being able to work, and it is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a disabling condition. If you or someone that you love has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may be able to receive monthly Social Security disability benefit payments, but you’ll want and need the help of an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney.
Medical Documentation Required
To apply for benefits, you must provide medical records documenting symptoms consistent with schizophrenia, such as:
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Delusions or hallucinations
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Catatonic or disorganized behavior
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Incoherence or illogical thinking
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Poor speech patterns
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Emotional withdrawal or social isolation
You must also demonstrate that your symptoms cause at least two of the following conditions:
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Substantial impairments in daily living activities
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Substantial impairments in social functioning
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Substantial impairments in concentration
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“Decompensation” episodes lasting at least two weeks, occurring at least three times per year
Some long-term schizophrenia patients have found medications that allow them function relatively well. If your symptoms of schizophrenia are not currently severe enough to cause the substantial impairments listed above, you might still be considered disabled by the SSA if you would decompensate with any increased demands on you or any changes to your environment. Even if your condition does not meet the specific requirements of the SSA, you may still qualify for benefits if your symptoms prevent you from working full-time.
Talk To A Los Angeles Social Security Disability Lawyer
Social Security needs more than a description of your symptoms. The SSA requires evidence showing your diagnoses, therapies, and hospital visits. No objective tests like X-rays or blood exams can prove a diagnosis of schizophrenia, so it is imperative to have records from mental health specialists who have treated you and accurately assessed your symptoms. It’s also imperative in the Los Angeles area to have the help of an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney who knows what it takes to prevail on your behalf. If you’re unable to work because of schizophrenia or any other condition, make the call today.