Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a daunting task, especially for those who are dealing with mental health conditions. During the application process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will follow a five-step procedure to determine whether an applicant is currently working, whether they have a disabling condition that prevents them from working full-time, and whether they have the capacity to work in jobs they have held in the past or other jobs that are available. During this process, the person's residual functional capacity (RFC) will be determined, which will provide an idea of what types of activities they can perform. For those who have mental health conditions that have led them to apply for disability benefits, understanding how mental RFC is measured can be crucial.

What Is Mental RFC?

Mental RFC is the SSA’s way of determining the extent to which a mental impairment affects a person's ability to work. RFC describes the extent of work a person can perform under the limitations placed on them by a health condition. In cases involving mental health conditions, the SSA will look at several factors to get an idea of whether a person can perform work-related activities on a regular and sustained basis.

If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be wondering if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the condition from which you suffer and how it has affected your ability to maintain gainful employment. If you are approved for SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must then determine the amount you will receive in monthly payments. An experienced disability attorney can help you understand how much you could potentially receive in Social Security disability benefits.

What Types of Medical Conditions Qualify for SSDI Benefits?

There are many medical conditions that may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, including those caused by physical, mental, or emotional issues. Those suffering from a medical disorder such as muscular dystrophy, a severe cardiovascular condition, lupus, diabetes, and certain types of cancers are likely to be eligible if the medical issue prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 consecutive months.

Medical impairments that are not listed by the Social Security Administration could still qualify if they are deemed to be the equivalent of an impairment listed under the guidelines. To determine whether or not you may qualify for SSDI benefits due to a medical condition, it is highly recommended that you seek help from an experienced disability attorney who can assess your disability situation and assist you in filing your claim.

For those who are living with diabetes, gaining access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can make a huge difference in their quality of life. But is diabetes alone enough to qualify you for SSDI benefits? The answer is yes and no. While it is possible to qualify for disability benefits based on diabetes alone, the reality is that most people who have diabetes must also have additional serious medical complications in order to be approved for SSDI benefits. An experienced disability attorney can help you better understand these requirements.

Complications That Could Qualify You for Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers several different types of complications that can be associated with diabetes when determining whether or not an individual should receive SSDI benefits. In general, these conditions include nerve damage, cardiovascular issues, kidney disorders, and vision problems. If a person has any of these complications as the result of their diabetes, they may qualify for SSDI benefits.

The biggest factor in determining whether a person with diabetes qualifies for disability benefits is how the person’s condition affects their ability to work. In many cases, diabetes can be controlled to the point that the person is able to maintain gainful employment. Sometimes, however, the condition—especially if there are complications—cannot be easily controlled, and the person may not be able to support themselves.

Many individuals who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction are unable to keep a steady job due to their addiction. But does this mean that you can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on your addiction? The short answer is no, you cannot. However, it is possible to obtain SSDI benefits for other conditions—even if you have an addiction. Let’s look at what you need to prove in order to get disability benefits for a condition other than substance abuse or addiction.

What Does the SSA Consider a Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, an individual must prove that the impairments that prevent them from working were not caused by their own drug or alcohol abuse.

If Your Condition Is Linked With Addiction

In some cases, however, individuals with an addiction may still be eligible for SSDI benefits if they are able to show that their condition is linked with another medical issue, such as cancer or severe depression. In such instances, it is important for applicants to provide evidence—such as doctor's notes and medical records—that proves the connection between their addiction and the other medical conditions.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and diarrhea. It is a chronic condition with no known cure, and it can severely affect the quality of life for those who have it. If Crohn’s disease is preventing you from working and supporting yourself, we can also help you apply for Social Security disability benefits. If you think you may have Crohn’s disease or are just curious about what it is and how to recognize its signs and symptoms, today’s post will help you understand the basics.

How Does One Get Crohn's Disease?

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unknown. However, research suggests that genetics play a role in determining one’s predisposition to developing the condition. It is likely caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers (such as smoking), and possibly dietary habits (such as eating foods high in saturated fat).

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

The most common symptom associated with Crohn’s disease is persistent abdominal pain. Other common symptoms include bloody stools or diarrhea, fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or chills, anemia (low red blood cell count), and mouth sores or ulcers on the lips or inside the cheeks near the gums. Additionally, people with Crohn's disease can experience nutritional deficiencies due to inadequate absorption of vitamins and minerals from food.