Getting disability approval for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)A mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. can be tricky because it’s often seen as a mental illness rather than a physical one.
Insurance companies might deny or limit your benefits unless you can show a physical cause for your condition.
Consulting a Social Security attorney can help you understand your rights and strengthen your case. Here’s what you should know before filing a claim for OCD.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions or "rituals").
These rituals can be overwhelming, exhausting, and interfere with daily life. For many people, OCD is a lifelong condition that needs ongoing management.
In severe cases, OCD can be a disabling condition.
Is OCD a Disability?
Yes, severe OCD can be a disability as it impacts all areas of life, including the ability to work. Symptoms may include:
- Repetitive behaviors or compulsions (e.g., cleaning, checking, counting, tapping)
- Intense fear and anxiety when routines are disrupted.
- Unwanted, Intrusive, and recurring thoughts.
- Feeling detached from your body (derealization).
- Physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, and muscle tension.
The severity of OCD varies from person to person, but in severe cases, compulsions can make it difficult to function in daily life, even with treatment.
How is OCD Diagnosed?
Before filing a long-term disability claim for OCD, you need a proper diagnosis from a doctor. The process may include:
- A physical exam to rule out other health conditions.
- Blood tests to check your thyroid, blood count, and for drugs or alcohol.
- A psychological evaluation to understand your feelings, fears, obsessions, and compulsions.
Appropriate Treatment for OCD
Insurance companies require proof that you are actively seeking treatment for your OCD. Common treatments include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Focuses on exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive therapy.
ERP involves exposing yourself to the source of your obsession and resisting compulsive behavior.
Studies show it can help retrain your brain and reduce OCD symptoms.
Medication:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Prozac, are often prescribed. Antidepressants may also be used, but medication alone is rarely enough to manage OCD symptoms effectively.
Combining therapy and medication is often the most effective approach.
How to File A Long-Term Disability Claim for OCD
OCD symptoms can make it impossible to perform your job. Intrusive thoughts may prevent you from focusing, and time-consuming rituals might interfere with physical tasks.
Key Points to Consider:
Mental Illness Limitation:
Many disability insurance policies limit benefits for mental illnesses to 24 months. To extend benefits, you’ll need to prove that your condition has a physical basis.
Gathering Evidence:
Provide strong evidence that your disability prevents you from working. This includes:
- Medical records showing your diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
- Detailed reports from your doctor about the severity and frequency of your symptoms, their observations during visits, and your specific work restrictions.
Written Narrative:
Write a clear and detailed explanation of how your symptoms affect your ability to do your job. List each symptom and describe its impact on your daily tasks.
Your doctor’s support and your narrative are crucial in proving your disability and strengthening your claim.
These documents can help demonstrate how OCD prevents you from performing your job duties.
To Sum Up
OCD can be challenging to treat, and despite your best efforts, you may not be able to return to work. To file a successful long-term disability claim, you’ll need to clearly prove to your insurance company how your OCD prevents you from performing your job.
Provide a detailed explanation of how your symptoms affect your ability to work. Don’t assume the insurance company will make the connection—you need to explain it clearly and thoroughly.
A long-term Social Security lawyer can guide you through the claims process. They have the expertise to present your case effectively and prove the disabling impact of your OCD to the insurance company.
