Social Security disability benefits are available for people with OCD
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is an anxiety disorder that results in unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations, or behaviors that make people feel driven to do a certain type of behavior.
OCD is a relatively common disorder, and is diagnosed almost as frequently as asthma or diabetes. It is estimated that 1 out of 50 adults suffers from OCD.
The Social Security disability listing for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The Social Security Administration Listing of Impairments includes obsessive compulsive disorder as a subcategory of anxiety disorders.
Obsessions are persistent involuntary thoughts or ideas that are considered as either meaningless or repulsive. Some frequent obsessive thoughts involve violence, fear of contamination (especially the hands), and doubt (repeatedly wondering if some action was performed, or whether some event took place).
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors. Although the compulsive behavior may appear to have purpose, it is not done for that reason. Instead, the purpose of compulsion is to relieve the discomfort of obsession. Some common compulsions are repeated hand washing, counting, or checking and touching things.
OCD usually arises in people in their 20s or 30s with some degree of familial predisposition. It affects men and women equally.
Functional incapacitation from obsessive compulsive is a serious disorder and can qualify as a disability for purposes of Social Security disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration requires two parts to the proof for disability benefits OCD
The Social Security Administration’s anxiety disorder listing requires proof of two elements before granting disability benefits.
The first element (part A of the listing) is medical evidence that you suffer from OCD. The second element can be either of two things, called part B and part C.
To satisfy part B you must have at least two of the following:
- Marked restriction of activities of daily living.
- Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning.
- Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace.
- Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration.
To satisfy part C you must prove that you have a complete inability to function independently outside the area of your home.
Get help from an experienced Tennessee disability lawyer
Disability claims based on OCD can be complicated. If you are not already represented by a Tennessee Social Security disability lawyer, consider asking for our evaluation. Give us a brief description of your claim using the form to the right, or you may e-mail or call our office.
Joseph Sullivan
Law Office of Joseph P. Sullivan
Knoxville Social Security disability law firm
523 West Lamar Alexander Parkway, Suite 1
Maryville, TN 37801
