Social Security Disability Due To PTSD Caused By A Car Accident: Things To Know

Every day, there are numerous car crashes, and most of the people who are involved in these crashes go on about their ordinary lives. Unfortunately, this is not always the case; some people are not only faced with severe physical injuries, but they also suffer traumatic injury to their emotional health. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is actually more commonly associated with car accidents than a lot of people know.

In some cases, the PTSD can be so severe that it interferes with your ability to live an ordinary life and support yourself through gainful employment. Here is a look at some of the things you should know if you plan to seek Social Security Disability (SSD) due to PTSD. 

PTSD is a listed disability according to the Social Security Administration. 

With many emotional or psychological issues, the Social Security Administration will not recognize the issue as enough to warrant a disability. But that is not the case with PTSD, PTSD is actually mentioned in the Social Security Blue Book, which is a book that lists all of the qualifying disability conditions. Even if your PTSD has not resulted in other issues, which it commonly does, you may still be qualified for approval. 

PTSD must be severe enough that it has markedly affected your daily life. 

If you have been diagnosed with PTSD and are seeking SSD, it must be documented by a medical professional that the condition has limited your ability to live an ordinary life. For example, if your PTSD has made you terrified to get in a car, the condition has changed your ability to travel to get back and forth to work. Therefore, it may be hard for you to find employment or maintain a job like an ordinary individual. 

PTSD combined with other issues can make it easier to obtain SSD. 

PTSD has commonly been associated with a full lineup of other psychological and physical ailments. For example, someone who has severe PTSD that eliminates their ability to drive may become severely depressed or have nightmares so bad that it leads to insomnia. Anxiety disorders like PTSD can also trigger physical problems, such as heart palpitations and higher than usual blood pressure. If your PTSD has led to other ailments, you may have an easier time getting your SSD than someone who only has a PTSD diagnosis. Other extended symptoms can have an even more drastic effect on your ability to work. 

For more information, contact an attorney such as Todd East Attorney at Law today.