Proving Mental Disability in a Long-Term Disability Case

Mental health disorders can have serious impacts on your health, your relationships, and your ability to engage in daily activities. When it prevents you from working, it is important to be aware that help is available. Long-term disability benefits can offset lost income, but you will need to provide evidence. Our Chicago long-term disability lawyers explain how to prove mental disability when filing a claim. 

Mental Disorders That Can Cause Long-Term Disability

If you suffer from a mental disability, you are not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), roughly one out of every five people in the United States suffers from some type of mental health disorder. When your condition interferes with your ability to work or perform certain types of tasks as part of your job and is expected to last a year or longer, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits. 

Long-term disability insurance can help in reimbursing up to two-thirds of your lost wages, allowing you to continue to provide financially for yourself and your family. These benefits may be available through an employer-provided policy or by policies purchased through a private insurer. You should carefully review all policy documents to determine what is covered. Psychology Today reports that common mental disorders that are most likely to cause potentially disabling symptoms include: 

• Major depression;
• Anxiety and panic disorders;
• Agoraphobia and other paralyzing fears;
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• Post-traumatic stress;
• Schizophrenia;
• Paranoia;
• Drug or alcohol addiction;
• Chronic psychosis. 

Evidence Needed When Filing a Disability Claim For Mental Health Disorders

Many private and employer-provided long-term disability policies provide coverage for mental disorders. However, you will be required to submit the appropriate evidence with your claim in order to get your benefits approved. This includes: 

• A firm diagnosis from your doctor: This should consist of a statement confirming that you suffer a mental disorder, that your condition is disabling, and that symptoms are expected to last a year or longer. 
• Copies of medical records: These should show any diagnostic testing and treatment you have undergone, hospitalizations and visits to specialists, how your condition has progressed over time, and any current medications you are taking. 
• Statements from your employer: This should detail your usual job duties, rate of pay, how your condition impacts you on the job, and the date you last worked. 
• Statements from you and your family: Explain how your condition has progressed, how it impacts you and other family members, and the ways in which it limits activities of daily living (ADL).

Our Chicago Long-Term Disability Attorneys are Here to Help

You are not alone in dealing with the disabling effects of mental health disorders. At Bartolic Law, we are here to help, providing the caring support and trusted legal guidance you need in filing for long-term disability benefits. Reach out and call or contact our Chicago long-term disability attorneys online and request a confidential consultation today.