Seasonal Depression And SSD Claims: When Your Ability To Work Is Partially Disrupted

In this article, you will discover:

• Whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers seasonal affective disorder (SAD) a disability
• Which treatments for SAD the SSA would expect you to try before approving your disability claim
• How a Social Security disability attorney would effectively present your SAD claim

Can Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Qualify As A Disability For Social Security Benefits In North Or South Carolina?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is challenging because it’s an impairment that’s only active for a portion of the year. That’s unlikely to meet Social Security’s basic definition of disability, which requires that the disability last for at least 12 months or result in death.

If there’s an element of seasonal depression that persists year-round, that may be something SSA would consider. However, if it’s limited to the winter months, then it’s probably not going to meet the basic definition for disability.

What Treatments For Seasonal Affective Disorder Does The SSA Expect You To Try Before Approving Disability Benefits?

Treatment for SAD would follow the types of treatments you’d expect in any mental health-related claim, whether it’s therapy, seeing a psychiatrist, medications or any testing that might identify physical origins for the issues. The more objective information that you can provide, documenting the severity of the condition, the better.

Indeed, for any alleged mental impairment, medication management or therapy will be Social Security’s preferred modality of treatment and what they’d be looking for in their evaluation.

Attorney David Lund is a skilled lawyer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, who has helped countless clients like you navigate the intricacies of Social Security Disability law. With decades of experience, he is prepared to assist you in getting your claim approved by demonstrating how your disability profoundly affects your health and daily life.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Lund Law Carolina today to schedule an initial consultation.

Can You Still Qualify For SSD Benefits If Seasonal Depression Only Limits Your Ability To Work During Part Of The Year?

Suppose your depression is periodic but ongoing, something that might affect you every other month. In that case, you may be able to establish that this is a condition that will keep you from functioning at work. However, if it’s isolated to a single season, it doesn’t meet Social Security requirements.

How Can A Social Security Disability Attorney Present Your SAD Claim Effectively To Highlight Its Real Impact On Your Daily Life?

Suppose you’re looking to claim Seasonal Affective Disorder. In that case, it’s probably going to be tied to other underlying health issues, whether it’s depression, anxiety or other physiological responses.

Identifying which treatment avenues are available, which diagnoses are present and bringing them together is essential to the effectiveness of the disability claim. That’s why working with an attorney who can identify those issues is crucial.

Have You Ever Had To Explain To An Administrative Law Judge How Seasonal Depression Affects Functionality?

From the perspective of depression as a whole, that’s something that we see consistently. Seasonal issues and location-specific factors, such as allergens, cause limitations you might encounter.

There will be issues with consistency of the impairment for the individual because seasonal affective disorder. Disability would likely have to be tied into the other existing impairments.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on seasonal depression and SSD claims, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (704) 412-4773 today.