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The SSA Proposes Major Changes to Mental Disorder Claims

If you have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness or disability, you may qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits, which are made available by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

According to a report from Disabled World, the SSA is proposing major changes to mental disorder claims. The criteria used to evaluate both adults and children may see some significant revisions take place.

This will be the first time since 1985 that changes have been made to the Listings of Impairments for adults in regards to this aspect of health. These proposed revisions are due to recommendations, reports, a policy conference and advancements in medical technology.

Some of the proposed changes to mental disorder claims include:
 

• removal of the general diagnostic description and paragraph "A" criteria;
• claimants must show a "medically determinable mental disorder" for one of 10 listings;
• claimants must show marked limitations in 2 criteria or extreme limitation in one criteria; and
• broader categories.

 

In addition, the SSA plans to change the term "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability."

The SSA will now begin to move forward with implementing some of the changes. Those who have questions about changes to the criteria should consult with a Social Security disability attorney. This is the best way to determine if your condition will qualify you to receive disability benefits.

When you are interviewing Social Security Disability attorneys ask critical questions, like: how many Social Security Disability hearings do you have per month; do you understand the SSA's POMS (the manual Social Security employees use to process claims); and, do you understand the date last insured and how it affects my disability onset date?

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Contact us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.