Can I Get Disability for Somatic Symptom Disorder?

If you have been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Social Security Listing 12.07

Social Security Administration considers claimants who are diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder or a similar disorder under Listing 12.07.

Under listing 12.07, you will need to have medical documentation of at least one of the following: symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function that are not better explained by another medical or mental disorder; one or more somatic symptoms, along with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms; or a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness without any of the significant symptoms of that illness.

In addition to the above medical documentation, you must have an extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning: your ability to understand, remember, or apply information; your ability to interact with others; your ability to concentrate, persist, or maintain pace; or your ability to adapt or manage yourself.

I Don’t Meet the Listing!

If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. To prove that you are disabled and unable to work, you will need medical evidence that shows the severity of your impairment. Social Security Disability Florida will need reliable medical evidence from your doctors to show them that your condition limits you and prevents you from working.

It is important that you keep a log of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen for your condition, including any inpatient stays or hospitalizations. It is also important that your doctors are supportive of your claim for benefits and properly document your condition in your medical records. One of the most common reasons for an SSDI or SSI denial (especially when it comes to mental health conditions) is a lack of supportive medical evidence.

If you do not meet the above listing (or any other listing), Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC outlines your job restrictions and will be used to determine if you can go back to your past work. Your RFC is also used to determine whether there is other work available for you, based on your mental and physical limitations.

Jacksonville Social Security Disability Attorney

If you have been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder and have difficulty functioning on a daily basis, contact a local attorney today. Social Security Disability Lawyer can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.