As strange as it may seem, the day you got diagnosed with a mental illness was one of the best days of your life. Having a medical professional put a name to your condition actually gave you a sense of relief. If only it had happened earlier, it would have saved all those problems with teachers at school. That said, having a diagnosis has not made getting a job any more straightforward. You have tried working for a few different San Diego employers, but you always get fired. It’s not that you don’t want to work, its that you genuinely can’t.
Does a mental disorder qualify as a disability? Unlike using a wheelchair or having only one arm, your disability is invisible. You find that people sometimes don’t behave as if your disorder is really a disability, simply because they can’t see it. However, it does not matter what other people think. If you wish to claim disability benefits, what matters is what the Social Security Administration (SSA) thinks.
SSA’s Blue Book divides adult mental disorders into 11 categories. They set out specific criteria for each class to decide if you qualify or not. However, failing to meet its strict definition does not make your claim invalid. Many people still have their applications approved when they show the combination of conditions and limitations they suffer from is disabling.
It is vital to seek the help of an experienced San Diego SSD attorney when making your claim. You know your condition prevents you from working, but proving it to someone sitting in an assessment office is far from easy. Your attorney can look at your unique situation and help you gather all the relevant evidence that supports your claim.