social security disability

Is getting social security disability easier for mental or physical problems?


 
Some individuals assume that a claim for SSD or SSI disability benefits will be easier to process and get approved if it is based on a specific condition, or a condition that is either physical or mental in nature. However, speaking as a former disability examiner for social security, this is simply not the case. While there are some conditions that may potentially receive faster processing because they are identified as compassionate allowance conditions (often these conditions are specific forms of cancer) and while some cases may be processed faster because they have been identified as a TERI case (terminal illness), the strength of most claims has little to do with the specific illness or impairment that has been alleged.

Why is the case and why would it be true that a mental disability claim is no stronger than a physical disability claim, or vice-versa? Because the social security disability program and the SSI disability program are not concerned with which condition a claimant has, but, instead, with how severe their condition is. Of course, the word "severe" is somewhat subjective. However, the social security administration does delineate what is not a severe impairment. Impairments that are not severe are those that result in only a minimal inability to engage in basic work activities. For children, non-severe impairments are those that only result in a minimal inability to engage in age-appropriate activities.

To answer the question with which we started, it is no easier or harder to receive disability for a physical condition versus a mental condition. The social security administration will award benefits to those adult claimants who can prove that their condition (which may result from several different impairments, and, in fact, this is often the case) is severe enough to prevent work activity at the substantial gainful activity level, and those child claimants who can prove that their condition is severe enough to sufficiently inhibit age-appropriate activities (often demonstrated by grade performance and achievement and IQ testing scores).














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    Topics and Questions


  • If you get denied on a disability appeal can you get another appeal ?

  • What happens if you are working when you file for disability or after you apply for disability?

  • The Social Security Disability Approval

  • Social Security Disability, SSI and Being Over the Age of Fifty, 50

  • What happens if you are working when you file for disability or after you apply for disability?

  • What Can You Do TO Make Sure Your Social Security Disability Reconsideration Gets Approved?

  • Do I Need a Lawyer for My Social Security Disability Hearing?

  • How Long Does Your Attorney Have To File Your Social Security Disability Appeal?

  • Will You Get Social Security Disability Benefits If You Cannot Work Your Old Job?

  • Social Security Disability and the Job that You Worked

  • Does Social Security Disability Come With Medicaid Benefits?

  • Social Security Disability Lawyers - Fees and Representation Information

  • How does the Social Security disability (and SSI) appeals process work?

  • What happens when you go to a Social Security disability hearing ?

  • Social Security Notice of Denial for a Disability Application or Appeal

  • Social Security Disability Hearing-How Do I Request One?

  • What Does It Mean If you Are Denied For Disability Because Of Other Work?

  • If I Get Denied Twice For Disability, What Do I Do?

  • When Social Security Disability Is Awarded Do You Get A Notice, And What Does It Say?

  • How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Take?

  • How Long Does It Take To Get SSDI If You Have To Appeal?














    Special Sections


  • Answers to Social Security Disability and SSI Questions

  • Social Security Disability SSI - Income and Financial Issues

  • Social Security Representation Questions

  • Medical Evidence, Records, and Limitations

  • The Social Security Hearing Process







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    Return to -- Social Security Appeals Time Limit

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    Return to -- What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee?

    Return to -- Do Most People Need To See A Judge To Get Disability Benefits From Social Security?

    Return to -- Social Security Disability Lawyers and 25% Back Pay

    Return to -- Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case?

    Return to -- What Is The Difference In SSD and SSI?

    Return to -- How is Social Security Disability and SSI Awarded?

    Return to -- Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability?

    Return to -- Why Does It Take So Long To Get A Call Back From The Social Security Office?

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI Blog ,

    Return to -- Social Security Disability and Money in the Bank

    Return to -- How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)?

    Return to -- The first appeal in a social security disability or SSI case

    Return to -- Using a Lawyer for an SSDI Disability Case

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI, Medical and Mental Conditions and Problems

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers - Questions about Hiring a Disability Attorney

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers in Various States