If you struggle with depression, you understand how much this condition can impact your life, your work, and your ability to complete daily activities. Unfortunately, obtaining SSDI benefits for depression alone is challenging. However, by demonstrating that you have depression and physical ailments, which combined prevent you from working, you have a better chance at obtaining SSDI benefits. At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we have decades of experience navigating these claims and leveraging strategic planning to secure a favorable outcome for these cases. By demonstrating that you have depression and physical ailment(s), we can help you obtain the benefits you rightfully deserve. Consider scheduling your free initial consultation with our Toledo office at (419) 350-8277 or our Findlay office at (419) 359-8091 today.
What Is Depression?
Depression refers to a group of conditions that impacts how a person thinks and feels, as well as how they handle everyday activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. These serious medical conditions involve more than feeling “blue” every now and then; depression causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
There are several different forms of depression, which may develop due to specific life circumstances:
- Major depression
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Perinatal depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
You may feel hopeless and alone in your struggle with depression. Taking action may feel impossible, but you are not alone. There are a wide range of treatments, coping strategies, and resources available for individuals and families facing mental health disorders.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
The signs and symptoms of depression vary from person to person. Depression may occur only once in your life, or you may struggle with several episodes of the condition over time. During depressive episodes you may experience symptoms that occur nearly every day, including:
- Feeling profoundly sad, empty, and/or hopeless
- Outbursts of anger and/or frustration
- Loss of interest in hobbies and other pleasurable activities
- Problems with sleep
- Change in appetite and weight loss/gain
- Extreme feelings of low self-worth and/or guilt
- Unexplainable physical ailments
- Poor concentration
- Fatigue
For many people, the signs and symptoms of depression are severe enough to cause significant difficulties in all areas of life, including work, community, and home. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks and represent a change in your prior level of functioning in order to be diagnosed as depression.
How Common Is Depression?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression is common across the United States and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the country. Nearly 20% of adults have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their life, with a higher prevalence in women, young adults, and adults with a lower level of formal education.
Does the Social Security Administration Provide Disability Benefits for Depression?
While the Social Security Administration does provide disability for depression alone, it is extremely difficult to obtain. If your depression is so severe that affects your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. Section 12.04 of the Blue Book listing outlines the eligibility requirements for depressive, bipolar, and related disorders. Specifically, to be approved for disability benefits for depression, you must provide medical evidence documenting five or more of the following symptoms:
- Depressed mood
- Reduced interest in nearly all activities
- Disturbance in appetite with weight change
- Sleep issues
- Observable changes in psychomotor behaviors (movement, coordination, strength, speed, flexibility, etc.)
- Decreased levels of energy
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Issues concentrating or thinking
- Thoughts of suicide or death
While depression can cause serious changes in your mood and ability to think, concentrate, and function on a day-to-day level, being approved for disability for depression is difficult. The SSA will consider the severity of your symptoms and how these symptoms limit your ability to perform job activities.
What Medical Evidence Is Required for My Claim?
Being approved for SSDI benefits depends on your ability to prove the severity of your condition(s). While your depression may impact your ability to work and perform daily activities, the SSA must see extensive medical evidence demonstrating that you meet the criteria contained in the Blue Book listing. This evidence may include:
- Progress notes detailing the persistent nature of your symptoms and the severity of your condition.
- Medical opinions from psychologists, psychiatrists, and/or counselors describe your depression and how it interferes with your work and life.
- Treatment notes outlining any medical or therapeutic approaches used to treat your depression.
Proving the severity of your depression can be difficult, as the evidence is typically subjective in nature. MRI scans, ultrasounds, and CT scans cannot decisively prove the existence of depression or its severity. Instead, your doctor will use a variety of tools to determine if depression is the right diagnosis based on the nature and severity of your symptoms.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we understand the complexities of these claims. Connecting your depression diagnosis with a physical condition may improve your chances of being approved for disability for depression.
What Are Common Physical Conditions to Have With Depression?
Depression is sometimes linked with underlying physical conditions, or it may occur spontaneously alongside a physical diagnosis. Oftentimes, physical conditions that cause pain or decrease your quality of life can lead to depression. Some of the most common physical conditions that coexist with depression include:
- Heart disease or attack
- Migraines
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Organ failure
- Chronic pain or fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
What if You Have Depression and a Physical Ailment and Want to Apply for SSDI?
When you apply for SSDI, the Social Security Administration examines the combined effect of all your diagnoses. This is why it is often easier to be awarded disability for depression and physical symptoms, rather than just one or the other.
If you have depression and a physical ailment, it is important to provide medical documentation of both impairments. Even if you do not struggle with an impairment that is severe on its own, you can still be considered for disability if your combination of impairments is severe. For instance, if you have depression, arthritis, and chronic pain, you may qualify for disability if the combination of these conditions limits your ability to work.
Hiring an Attorney Near You to Help You With Your SSD Claim for Depression
Since proving disability solely with depression in a SSDI claim is notoriously difficult, it is important to take the necessary steps to improve your chance of success. At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we regularly pursue disability for depression and physical ailments, using the full range of documentation available to prove that you meet the qualifications for disability benefits.
With dedication and perseverance, we have successfully secured SSDI benefits for countless hard-working individuals across Ohio and Michigan. Consider scheduling your free initial consultation with our Toledo office at (419) 350-8277 or our Findlay office at (419) 359-8091 today to discuss your next steps.
