Impairments that Qualify for PTSD Disability Benefits. Some disability claims for post 
traumatic stress disorder are approved by satisfying the Blue Book listing requirements under “Anxiety Disorders.” To do this, you must meet the requirements of Paragraph A and the requirements of either Paragraph B or Paragraph C.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Condition
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder triggered by a traumatic event. You can develop PTSD when you experience or witness an event that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
Experience of trauma does not always trigger this disorder; most people recover from trauma, given time and effective coping methods. Sometimes, however, the symptoms worsen and last a long time and sometimes they are so severe they interfere with your life. These cases are classified as PTSD.
PTSD has also been called post traumatic stress syndrome, battle fatigue, or shell shock. However, not only does it sometimes affect war survivors and those who have served in combat, it can also result from childhood abuse, rape, violence, or even a traumatic natural catastrophe, such as a hurricane.
PTSD also puts you at risk for problems such as:
•depression
•drug addiction
•alcohol abuse
•eating disorders
•suicide
Not only does PTSD affect the emotions and thoughts, it has also been linked to physical conditions such as:
•chronic pain
•heart disease
•rheumatoid arthritis
PTSD is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation in which the psychologist or psychiatrist looks for the symptoms described below. You may also have a physical exam to check for any other medical problems.
Filing for Social Security Disability with a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis
Post traumatic stress disorder cases are approved by SSA either by satisfying the criteria under Section 12.06 of the Blue Book, or by medical vocational allowance.
Most PTSD claims are approved as a medical vocational allowance. If SSA finds that your PTSD symptoms are not severe enough to meet the listing, it will award a medical allowance if the condition is severe enough to prevent you from working in a former job and severe enough to prevent you from working at another job that would pay you a “substantial and gainful” income.
Ben Winter, P.A. focuses its practice in the areas of Social Security Disability and Workers Compensation in St Petersburg, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.benwinterlaw.com or call (727) 822-0100.