2.1 Anxiety

Including: Anxiety is either the predominant disturbance or it is experienced if the individual attempts to master symptoms.

In order to be granted Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, the anxiety must be affecting the claimant to the point that he or she would not be able to do any kind of work. Consider if there are any jobs that this person could reasonably take on without needing additional help or special treatment from the employer. Medical treatment, especially from a psychologist or psychiatrist will be almost essential to any anxiety claim for Social Security disability benefits or SSI.

When a disability claim for mental anxiety is reviewed, Social Security will want to know if there are medically documented findings showing motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, apprehensive expectation, vigilance and scanning, persistent irrational fear of something, recurrent severe panic attacks, recurrent obsessions or compulsions, recurrent and intrusive recollections of a traumatic experience, restrictions of daily living activities, difficulties maintaining social functioning, difficulties maintaining concentration, pace or persistence, or complete inability to function independently outside of one’s home. The more of these symptoms that are displayed, and the more severe, the higher the chances are of a social security disability or SSI claim being granted. Generally, anxiety claims are not so severe that disability would be granted. But, anxiety in combination with other disabilities can make for a strong claim.

As with any disability, your chances of being granted increase if you have consistent medical records of your condition. If you have not seen any doctors within a few months of your application, you may be sent to a doctor who will evaluate your condition. It is best to have your own doctor.

If you are not sure whether or not your claim would qualify for benefits, give us a call. It is always best to get an application in if you are unsure. Some people wait so long that they lose their eligibility for Social Security, and many lose months of benefits for waiting to apply.

The medical listings that describe the criteria for Anxiety are; 12.06 Anxiety Related Disorders – Adult.