Disability for OCD

Individuals who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often suffer from significant preoccupations that interfere with their ability to maintain outside employment. Qualifying for disability benefits based on a mental illness can be complex, increasing the importance of having a competent legal professional on your side.

To learn more about how we can help with your application for Social Security disability benefits for OCD or another mental illness, contact our experienced disability attorneys in Phoenix at Dayes Law Firm PC. We are experienced at pursuing claims based on OCD and other mental health issues and will work diligently to pursue the benefits you need and deserve.

What is OCD?

OCD is a chronic mental health condition that causes claimants to suffer obsessive thoughts or feelings that can only be extinguished or reduced by performing repetitive acts, such as counting, washing your hands or cleaning. It is an anxiety disorder that is only alleviated by repetitious activity. The symptoms of OCD are uncontrollable, often making it difficult for people to work with this condition.

Meeting a Listing

One way to qualify for disability benefits is to show that you meet the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book of Impairment Listings. These listings outline the requirements claimants must meet to obtain benefits for each condition that is listed. To meet the OCD listing, which is covered under listing 12.06, you must suffer from preoccupations that cause intrusive and unwanted thoughts that are time-consuming in nature or repetitive behaviors that you undertake to reduce your anxiety.

Additionally, you must suffer from either extreme limitation in one or marked limitation in two areas of mental functioning:

Alternatively, you can qualify for these benefits if you have a documented history of the condition for at least two years and you have evidence that you are in a highly structured environment to reduce symptoms of your disorder or that you have minimal ability to adapt to changes in your environment.

There are other anxiety-related disorders in the Blue Book that you may meet if you do not meet the specific requirements under the OCD listing.

Functional Capacity

If you do not meet a listing for OCD or a related anxiety disorder, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your ability to work is inhibited by your condition. The SSA considers whether you can perform work you did before developing the disorder or if there is any other type of work that you are physically and mentally qualified for.

The SSA gives you a rating of the type of work you can do based on your mental residual functional capacity. With proper assistance, you can show how the disorder affects your behavior, ability to concentrate, capacity to complete tasks in a prompt manner, follow directions and otherwise function in your daily life and work environments.

If the SSA finds that you cannot work in any type of work, you will be approved for benefits.

Medical Evidence to Support Your Disability Claim

We can help you demonstrate the severity of your condition by gathering documentation such as:

• Psychiatric medical records
• Treatment history
• Medication history
• Doctors’ notes regarding how your OCD affects your daily life and ability to work

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Assistance

The Social Security Disability attorneys at Dayes Law Firm PC are experienced at helping claimants pursue disability benefits for their mental health disorders. We can assist you with your application or appeal and help ensure your application accurately shows how debilitating your condition is.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your claim and work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not owe us anything unless we help you get your claim approved.

Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.