When a person in Kissimmee has a mental illness, he or she might not be aware that they are able to file for Social Security disability benefits for mental conditions. While many issues that lead to an approval for disability are clear-cut, there are some that might not be as obvious. One example is when a person is suffering from Somatoform disorders. Understanding what this disorder is and how benefits might be provided because of it is a key to being approved.
Somatoform disorder sufferers are often referred to as hypochondriacs for believing there’s something physically wrong with them when there isn’t a medical evaluation to prove that it exists. But people who have this mental illness might also be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. For a person to receive benefits, he or she must meet the requirements of the Social Security Administration (SSA) for categories A and B.
Category A requires that the person have medically documented evidence of either: 1) multiple physical symptoms occurring for several years prior to age 30; or 2) the person must have persistent disturbances of sight, speech, hearing, use of one or more limbs, coordination problems, and reduced or heightened sensations. There must be an unrealistic viewpoint of having a severe disease or injury. Category B requires the person to have two of the following conditions: a restriction of daily activities; a difficulty in social functioning; difficulty in concentrating, persisting or pacing; and repetitive episodes of decompensation.
Many people are not aware of Social Security disability for mental illness and how they might be eligible to receive benefits. It’s not just a medical evaluation that leads to approval. Those who have questions or are concerned that they are suffering from Somatoform disorders should discuss the matter with an attorney experienced in disability for mental illness.
Source: SSA.gov, “Somatoform disorders,” accessed on Jan. 27, 2015
