Can you get disability for OCD?OCD, or obsessive compulsive disorder, is addressed in the social Security administration's medical impairment listing manual. The condition is not given its own specific listing with its own specific approval criteria, but, instead, is included as a part of listing 12.06, Anxiety-related disorder. By the wording of the listing's preamble, SSA views OCD as a condition in which anxiety is experienced as a result of attempting to master obsessive compulsive disorder symptomology (i.e. trying to resist obsessive or compulsive urges). To meet the requirements of SSI and SSD, and the criterial of the Anxiety-related disorders listing as it relates to Obsessive compulsive disorder, an individual who applies for disability benefits (in either the Social Security Disability or SSI program) must, in their medical record documentation, be able to demonstrate a history of recurrent obessions or compulsions and these obsessions or compulsions must be shown to cause marked level stress. Additionally, a claimant's psychiatric records must show either that the claimant cannot function independently outside their home or has profound difficulties in at least two of the four following areas: 1. Activities of daily living (there must be marked restrictions). 2. Social functioning (there must be marked difficulties). 3. Concentration, persistence or pace (there must be marked difficulties). 4. Repeated extended duration episodes of decompensation. Obviously, to qualify for SSD or SSI on the basis of OCD, a claimant will need to present a substantial and well documented history of treatment provided by a mental health professional (psychiatrist). Can individuals with OCD receive disability benefits if their records do not adequately satisfy the requirements of the anxiety-related disorders listing? Yes, it is always possible to receive an approval in the form of a medical vocational allowance, which takes into account one's limitations, work skills, age, education, and ability or inability to perform past work or forms of other work. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How are Decisions on SSDI and SSI Disability Claims made by SSA? How do you find out how your disability claim is going and where it is in the process? How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security Disability? What is the process for approving a Social Security Disability claim? Getting approved for disability based on being blind Anxiety about a Social Security Disability medical exam Can you get disability for OCD? Can you get disability for Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia? Is Chronic Fatigue considered a disability by Social Security? Is an FCE the same thing as the RFC evaluation done by Social Security Disability? How is memory loss considered by Social Security Disability? Is Morbid Obesity Considered A Disability? SSDI Request for Reconsideration Social Security Disability Back Payment Lump Sum Appealing a Social Security Disability Claim decision SSI Reconsideration vs SSDI Disability Reconsideration These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida |
