Are you struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mood-related condition that makes daily life difficult or full-time work impossible? If so, Social Security Disability benefits could provide the support you need to stabilize your situation. But getting those benefits isn’t easy. Many mental health disability claims get denied because they lack sufficient detail or documentation.
A lawyer from Wambach Disability Law in Evansville can help you build a strong case using the medical records, personal history, and support documentation the SSA needs to see. Attorney Joe Wambach knows what claims reviewers look for and how to present your case clearly and completely. Contact our law office today to get started with your free consultation and learn more about what comes next.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes depression and bipolar disorder as serious medical conditions that can prevent someone from working or functioning in daily life. Both adults and children can qualify for disability benefits based on these conditions if their symptoms meet the SSA’s standards. The core criteria are similar for both groups, though the SSA evaluates kids and adults differently.
For adults, the SSA looks at whether applicants can perform full-time work on a consistent basis. That includes managing tasks, dealing with coworkers, and showing up to work regularly. If a person’s mental health symptoms make these things impossible, they may qualify for benefits.
For children, the SSA evaluates whether the condition stops the child from functioning age-appropriately. That means keeping up with schoolwork, relationships, and everyday tasks to the same degree that would be possible for most other kids of the same age.
The SSA’s Blue Book lists three sets of criteria for evaluating claims involving depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions. For both children and adults, these criteria are grouped into paragraphs A, B, and C of the Blue Book section on Mental Disorders.
Paragraph A focuses on the medical side of things, including whether the person shows a certain number of symptoms from a list included in the Blue Book. For example, someone with depression must have at least five listed symptoms. Those with bipolar disorder must have at least three from a different list.
Paragraph B considers how the applicant’s condition affects their ability to function. The SSA evaluates four areas of functionality: understanding information, interacting with others, staying on task, and managing emotions or behavior. A person must have extreme limitations in one area or marked limits in two or more to meet this criterion.
Paragraph C provides another route for eligibility if an applicant doesn’t meet paragraph B criteria. It applies to people with long-term, serious conditions. The SSA will look for two things under paragraph C: a history of the condition lasting at least two years, and signs that the person relies on ongoing treatment or support and struggles to adapt to any changes.
The SSA lists specific symptoms for both depression and bipolar disorder under paragraph A. To qualify, applicants must show at least five symptoms for depression or at least three for bipolar disorder.
Depressive disorder symptoms (five or more required):
Bipolar disorder symptoms (three or more required):
A diagnosis alone isn’t enough to qualify for disability benefits. The SSA will want to know how an applicant’s condition affects their daily functioning. For mental health claims, they look at four key areas under paragraph B. Applicants must show extreme limitations in one area or marked limitations in two of the following:
The SSA requires detailed records to support every disability claim. Good claims include both medical and nonmedical evidence that backs up the severity of the applicant’s symptoms.
Helpful records in mental health disability claims may include:
The SSA will also look for consistency across records. If different sources and settings paint a similar picture of a person’s symptoms, that can add weight to their claim. Ongoing treatment records can show that a condition is serious and not short-term.
Not every condition fits the exact wording of the SSA’s Blue Book criteria. However, even if someone doesn’t meet a listing, they may still qualify for benefits. The SSA can approve a claim if it finds that the applicant’s condition is just as severe as a listed disorder. This is called medical equivalence. The SSA looks at the full picture, including symptoms, treatment history, and how the condition limits the person’s life, to determine medical equivalence.
Another option is a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. This type of assessment focuses on what the person can still do on a regular basis. For adults, the SSA considers whether they can handle basic work tasks, stay on schedule, manage stress, or get along with others. If the person can’t do these things well enough to work full-time, they may qualify for benefits.
An Evansville disability lawyer from Wambach Disability Law can guide you through every stage of your disability claim for depression, bipolar disorder, or a related mental health condition. When you choose our law firm, you’ll work directly with lead attorney Joe Wambach. Joe will handle your case personally from day one by listening closely, reviewing your records, and preparing a strategy that fits your situation. You won’t have to worry about getting passed off to junior lawyers or layers of staff.
Joe focuses his practice exclusively on Social Security disability cases and has handled over one thousand disability hearings. He knows how to present medical evidence per the SSA’s expectations and how to show the real effects of mood disorders on daily functioning at work, school, and home.
If you have already received a denial, Joe can handle your appeal and prepare you for hearings. He doesn’t charge anything up front, so you only owe legal fees if Joe helps you win your claim.
If you’re living with depression, bipolar disorder, or another serious mental health condition, a lawyer from Wambach Disability Law can help you prepare a strong disability claim. Contact our Evansville law firm today to get started with your free consultation with attorney Joe Wambach.
If you need help with a disability claim, reach out to Wambach Disability Law today. We can review your situation, explain your options, and guide you through the claims process. Your first consultation is free, and you won’t pay any legal fees unless we help you win your case.
