PTSD can be severely disabling, making it impossible to work. Here's what you need to know about qualifying for disability benefits with post-traumatic stress disorder.
In this article, we'll cover:
- When PTSD qualifies
- SSA's trauma-related listing
- Evidence needed
- Tips for approval
1. When PTSD Qualifies
PTSD can qualify when:
- Symptoms are severe
- Significantly limit functioning
- Despite treatment
- Prevent substantial work
Disabling symptoms:
- Intrusive memories/flashbacks
- Severe anxiety
- Hypervigilance
- Avoidance behaviors
- Sleep disturbances
- Emotional numbness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anger/irritability
When it typically qualifies:
- Severe, persistent symptoms
- Can't function in work settings
- Treatment hasn't controlled symptoms
- Daily life significantly impaired
2. SSA's Trauma-Related Listing
Listing 12.15 - Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders:
Paragraph A: Medical documentation of:
- Exposure to actual/threatened death, serious injury, or violence
- Subsequent involuntary re-experiencing (memories, dreams, flashbacks)
- Avoidance of external reminders
- Disturbance in mood and behavior
- Increases in arousal and reactivity
Paragraph B: Extreme limitation in one, or marked limitation in two of:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
OR
Paragraph C:
- Disorder is "serious and persistent" (2+ years)
- Ongoing treatment that diminishes symptoms
- Marginal adjustment (minimal capacity to adapt to changes)
Important: You need to meet Paragraph A plus either Paragraph B OR Paragraph C.
3. Evidence Needed
Diagnosis:
- From psychiatrist or psychologist
- Using DSM-5 criteria
- Documentation of trauma
- Clinical evaluation
Treatment records:
- Therapy notes
- Psychiatric visits
- Hospitalizations
- ER visits for crisis
Symptom documentation:
- Specific symptoms experienced
- Frequency and severity
- Triggers
- How symptoms affect daily life
Functional limitations:
- Social functioning
- Concentration ability
- Daily activities
- Handling stress/changes
Treatment history:
- Medications tried
- Therapy types (CBT, EMDR, etc.)
- Response to treatment
- Why symptoms persist
Doctor's statement:
- Detailed functional assessment
- Specific limitations
- Work-related restrictions
- Prognosis
4. Tips for Approval
Describe symptoms specifically:
- Not just "I have PTSD"
- What triggers you
- What happens during episodes
- How often symptoms occur
Document avoidance:
- Places you can't go
- Situations you avoid
- How this limits life
- Impact on work ability
Explain hypervigilance:
- Constant state of alertness
- Exhausting
- Affects concentration
- Makes public spaces difficult
Include sleep problems:
- Nightmares frequency
- Insomnia
- Fatigue from poor sleep
- Impact on daily functioning
Show social limitations:
- Difficulty being around people
- Trust issues
- Isolation
- Can't work with others
Describe concentration:
- Can't focus
- Memory problems
- Easily distracted by triggers
- Can't complete tasks
Common Challenges
Avoiding treatment:
- PTSD makes treatment hard
- But treatment helps your case
- Explain why treatment is difficult
- Try to engage in some treatment
Not wanting to discuss trauma:
- Understandable but impacts case
- Don't need graphic details
- Can describe generally
- Focus on current symptoms
Perceived improvement:
- Some better days don't mean cured
- Triggers still exist
- Workplace likely triggers
- Can't sustain improvement
Sources of PTSD
SSA recognizes various sources:
- Combat/military service
- Childhood abuse
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Accidents
- Natural disasters
- Witnessing violence
- Other trauma
Don't have to prove trauma to SSA:
- Medical diagnosis is key
- Therapist documentation
- Focus on current symptoms
- Treatment for PTSD shows diagnosis
Veterans and PTSD
VA vs. SSA:
- VA rating doesn't guarantee SSA approval
- Different standards
- But VA records are evidence
- Apply for both if eligible
Using VA records:
- Request VA medical records
- Submit to SSA
- Helpful documentation
- Shows ongoing treatment
How Purple Helps
Purple supports those with PTSD:
- Simple, calm interface
- Track benefit deposits
- No stressful banking
- Manage finances easily
- Reduce daily stress