It’s hard to watch a loved one suffer from PTSD. Find out what you can do to help your loved one and support his Social Security disability claim.

Your loved one is suffering in a way that no one should ever have to suffer. His flashbacks and anxiety are debilitating. His doctors have diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and he is in therapy and taking medication, but they aren’t having the desired effect. He is still unable to work and his doctors don’t know if he will ever work again.

Social Security Disability May Be an Option

If your loved one’s PTSD causes severe anxiety or makes it so that he is unable to work, he may be able to recover Social Security disability benefits. However, the benefits will not automatically begin once a doctor diagnoses him with PTSD. Instead, your loved one will need to file a disability application with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the SSA will need to approve that application.

You can support your loved one during this time by:

Making sure he gets medical help. Not only does he need medical help for his own health, but he will need documentation of that help for his Social Security disability application.
Understanding Social Security disability eligibility. Not everyone with PTSD qualifies for Social Security disability. You can help your loved one understand that Social Security disability is only available for people with severe conditions that are expected to impact them permanently.
Offering the practical support and encouragement that your loved one needs. Your loved one may be unable to complete his own application or research his own rights. His condition may prevent him from doing these things and he may need your support to move forward.

Your loved one is lucky to have you helping him through this difficult time and looking out for his rights and well-being. With your help, we hope your loved one gets the benefits he deserves. If his application is denied despite your efforts, contact our office before filing an appeal. We are here to help.

Comments are closed.