Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious, often debilitating mental health condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed traumatic events \u2014 including combat veterans, first responders, survivors of assault, accident victims, and many others. For those whose PTSD symptoms are severe enough to prevent consistent employment, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may be available.<\/p>\n
The SSA evaluates PTSD under Listing 12.15 \u2014 Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders \u2014 in its Blue Book. To meet this listing, you must demonstrate:<\/p>\n
If your PTSD doesn’t meet the exact criteria of Listing 12.15, you may still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance at steps four and five of the SSA’s evaluation. The SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) \u2014 what you can still do despite your symptoms \u2014 and determine whether any jobs exist that accommodate your limitations. PTSD commonly causes significant limitations in social functioning, concentration, and stress tolerance that can eliminate most work environments.<\/p>\n
PTSD frequently co-occurs with other disabling conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and substance use disorders. When evaluating your claim, the SSA must consider the combined effects of all your conditions. Multiple impairments together may meet or equal a listing even when no single condition does.<\/p>\n
Veterans who receive a VA disability rating for PTSD are not automatically entitled to SSDI \u2014 the two programs use different eligibility standards. However, VA records are important evidence that the SSA must consider. A 100% VA rating for PTSD can be compelling evidence in an SSDI hearing.<\/p>\n