What You Need To Know About PTSD Disability

Living with PTSD can be overwhelming. Flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, and emotional distress can make everyday life difficult. For many people, PTSD doesn’t just affect mental health, but it also impacts the ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life.

Navigating the Social Security Disability system while coping with the effects of PTSD can feel overwhelming. The application process is complex, and many people struggle to meet the criteria required to receive benefits.

Montagna Law helps individuals pursue the disability benefits they may be entitled to. Our team guides clients through each stage of the process, from gathering medical evidence to submitting documentation. If PTSD is interfering with your ability to work, we can help you seek the financial support you need.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events can include serious accidents, assaults, natural disasters, or combat. PTSD symptoms can interfere with daily life, emotional well-being, and the ability to function at work or in relationships.

Common Types of PTSD

The following are some of the most common types of PTSD:

• Normal stress response: This is a short-term reaction to events like accidents or surgeries. It may include stress and anxiety, but typically resolves with support and does not develop into PTSD unless symptoms persist or worsen.
• Acute stress disorder: This condition appears soon after a traumatic event and can include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or emotional distress. If untreated, it may develop into PTSD.
• Uncomplicated PTSD: This type is linked to a single traumatic event. Symptoms may include avoidance behaviors, nightmares, flashbacks, and mood changes.
• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): This condition results from repeated or long-term trauma, such as childhood abuse or domestic violence. In addition to standard PTSD symptoms, individuals may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, self-image, and relationships.
• Comorbid PTSD: This refers to PTSD that occurs alongside other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders.

Why Work With Montagna Law

There is so much on the line when you are unable to work due to PTSD or other complications. You need an experienced disability attorney ready to fight for you. The Montagna Law team brings years of experience, compassionate service, and a deep understanding of disability claims.

Testimonials

“The Montagna Law team worked with me on my disability case and did an absolutely excellent job in getting my benefits approved. They have excellent customer service, very professional and really care about their clients. They always kept me updated on my case and always answered my emails and phone calls in a timely manner. I really appreciate the work they put in on my case. I would definitely recommend their services” — V.N.

“When I found applying for disability very intimidating with ALL this paperwork, forms, doctors etc. I called and immediately they got everything started immediately! Lance was the most thoughtful, patient and understanding person to handle my case. She has a special way about her. If you ever find yourself worrying about filing for disability, do not hesitate to call. You’ll be in great hands!!!” — Tina C.

Common Causes of PTSD

Many experiences may lead to the development of PTSD. If you are applying for disability benefits, it is important to document the traumatic events that caused or contributed to your condition. Common causes include:

• Serious accidents and natural disasters, such as car crashes, floods, or earthquakes
• Physical or sexual assault, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, harassment, or bullying
• Military combat, terrorism, hostage situations, or violent attacks
• Exposure to trauma in the workplace, such as first responders or healthcare workers witnessing death or injury
• Serious medical issues, such as time in intensive care or life-threatening diagnoses
• Traumatic childbirth or the loss of a baby
• Witnessing violence, death, or injury, including through one’s job or personal life
• Ongoing trauma, such as repeated abuse or long-term neglect

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to describe the specific PTSD symptoms you experience. Your disability attorney can help identify how these symptoms affect your ability to work. Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event
• Nightmares or disturbing dreams related to the trauma
• Intrusive and distressing thoughts or memories
• Physical responses to reminders of the trauma, such as rapid heartbeat or sweating
• Avoidance of people, places, or conversations connected to the trauma
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from others
• Withdrawing from relationships, social events, or hobbies
• Negative self-image or beliefs about safety or trust
• Trouble recalling key aspects of the traumatic experience
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Hypervigilance or being easily startled
• Irritability, restlessness, or angry outbursts
• Sleep disturbances or difficulty focusing
• Risky, impulsive, or self-destructive behavior

Physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness

Is PTSD Considered a Disability?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recognized as a disability by several federal and state programs, including the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and some state workers’ compensation systems.

However, each of these programs uses different criteria to determine eligibility. To qualify for benefits, you must provide medical evidence that your PTSD significantly impairs your ability to function and meet the requirements specific to each program.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

The SSA recognizes PTSD as a disability under its category of “trauma and stressor-related disorders.”

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must show that your PTSD causes significant limitations in your ability to function at work or perform basic daily tasks. The SSA requires documentation of the traumatic event and symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, mood instability, and heightened arousal.

You must also show either:

• Extreme limitation in one area of mental functioning
• Marked limitations in two areas, such as understanding, concentration, social interaction, or adapting to changes

In some cases, ongoing treatment for at least two years with documented symptoms may also support eligibility.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), PTSD qualifies as a disability if it substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as working, concentrating, or communicating with others.

Employees with PTSD are protected from discrimination in the workplace. The ADA also requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations, such as modified schedules or time off for treatment, as long as these accommodations do not impose an undue hardship on the employer.

What Types of Social Security Disability Benefits Can I Receive for My PTSD Disability?

You may be eligible for one of two types of Social Security disability benefits. This may include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs have different eligibility requirements based on your work history and financial need.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If you have worked for a significant period and have built up enough work history, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This program is designed for individuals with a sufficient work history and who have paid Social Security taxes. If you meet these criteria, SSDI provides monthly benefits based on your previous earnings.

To qualify, the individual’s PTSD must be severe enough to prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity, as defined by the SSA, and meet specific medical criteria under the trauma- and stressor-related disorders listing. If the exact criteria are not met, eligibility may still be granted through a medical-vocational allowance, taking into account factors such as age, education, and work experience.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, it does not require a work history. To qualify for SSI, the individual must demonstrate that their PTSD significantly impairs their ability to work for at least twelve months and meet financial eligibility requirements.

Both SSDI and SSI require detailed medical documentation showing how your PTSD symptoms interfere with your daily functioning and ability to work. You may need to demonstrate marked or extreme limitations in mental functioning to be approved.

How Can I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for PTSD?

If you are living with PTSD and are unable to work, there are several steps involved in applying for Social Security Disability benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for PTSD Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to PTSD, you must demonstrate that your condition severely limits your ability to function in a work environment. Common areas affected include:

• Concentration
• Memory
• Social interaction
• Managing stress

The SSA requires a formal diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified medical provider. Your medical records must show that symptoms interfere with your daily functioning and are expected to last at least twelve months. For SSI applicants, financial eligibility is also required, including proof of limited income and resources.

Applying for Disability Benefits

You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The application will ask for details about your personal background, work history, and medical treatment. Supporting documents may include:

• Psychiatric evaluations
• Therapy records
• Medication history
• Documentation of hospital stays or outpatient care

Because there are numerous steps involved and small mistakes, such as not providing enough information about your medical treatment, could result in denial, make it a point to work with a disability attorney before submitting your application.

The Importance of Medical Documentation in Your PTSD Disability Claim

Medical documentation is one of the most important parts of a PTSD disability claim. The SSA will review all relevant medical records, including:

• Inpatient and outpatient treatment notes
• Psychotherapy records
• Diagnoses made by licensed professionals
• Reports showing how symptoms interfere with your ability to work

Your documentation should explain how PTSD affects your daily activities, mental functioning, and job performance.

SSA’s Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine whether an applicant qualifies for disability benefits. These steps help evaluate whether your PTSD significantly limits your ability to work. Here’s how the process works:

1. Are you working? The SSA first checks whether you are engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you earn more than the monthly limit, you may not be considered disabled under SSA rules.
2. Is your PTSD medically severe? Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities such as concentrating, remembering information, interacting with others, or adapting to routine changes.
3. Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment? PTSD is evaluated under SSA Listing 12.15 for trauma- and stressor-related disorders. To meet this listing, you must provide medical documentation showing:
   • Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or violence
   • Re-experiencing the trauma (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares)
   • Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli
   • Mood and behavioral disturbances
   • Heightened arousal and reactivity
   • Extreme limitation in one area of mental functioning
   • Or marked limitation in two areas, such as understanding, concentration, interaction, or adaptation
4. Can you perform your past work? If your condition does not meet the listing, the SSA evaluates whether your symptoms prevent you from returning to the type of work you previously performed.
5. Can you do any other work? If you cannot perform past work, the SSA will consider your age, education, prior job experience, and residual functional capacity to determine if there is other work you could reasonably do.

What Happens if I Don’t Meet the Medical Listing Criteria?

There are alternative options available if you do not meet the medical listing criteria. For example, you may qualify for a medical-vocational allowance, a type of alternative pathway that involves a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment that evaluates what the person can still do despite their PTSD symptoms and other limitations.

The RFC considers mental abilities, such as concentration, the ability to follow instructions, social interaction, and coping with workplace stress, in combination with vocational factors, including age, education, work history, and transferable skills.

When SSA determines that your symptoms prevent you from working substantially, including in unskilled jobs, you may be able to obtain benefits without meeting the stricter requirements.

This approach recognizes that PTSD can cause significant functional impairments like frequent panic attacks, poor concentration, or hypervigilance that interfere with consistent employment.

Additionally, individuals who do not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to insufficient work credits might explore Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which has similar medical criteria but includes financial need requirements.

What if My PTSD Disability Claim Is Denied?

It is essential to first understand the reason behind the denial and then work with an attorney to resolve the issue. Here’s what to expect.

Common Reasons for Disability Claim Denial

Social Security disability claims for PTSD are frequently denied for several reasons, including:

• Insufficient medical evidence supporting a PTSD diagnosis or its impact on work ability
• Lack of documentation showing the condition prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Not following prescribed treatment plans, such as skipping medication or therapy
• Incomplete or incorrect application materials
• Errors during SSA’s processing of the claim
• Refusal to attend a required independent medical exam
• Earning income above the 2025 SGA limit of $1,620/month for non-blind individuals

Your Next Steps

If you are denied, which is not uncommon, you have limited opportunities to file an appeal. Most often, this is 60 days. This process will include:

• Request for reconsideration: A different SSA examiner will review the claim and may approve or deny it again.
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration is denied, the applicant may request a hearing, during which they can present new evidence and have witnesses, including medical experts, testify. Hearings may be conducted in person, by phone, or via video.
• Appeals council review: If the ALJ denies the claim, the applicant can request a review by the SSA Appeals Council.
• Federal court: If the Appeals Council denies the claim, the final option is to file a lawsuit in federal district court.

During the appeals process, it is crucial to gather comprehensive medical documentation, follow prescribed treatments, and consider seeking assistance from disability attorneys experienced in PTSD claims. Many initial denials are overturned on appeal, making persistence and proper preparation key to success.

How Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer at Montagna Law Help Me?

A Social Security disability lawyer at Montagna Law provides exceptional resources and support throughout this process. We have helped many people successfully navigate these types of claims. Some of the ways we help you include:

• Guide you through the complex disability application and appeals process
• Help gather and organize medical evidence showing PTSD severity and work limitations
• Connect you with treatment providers and confirm your medical records are current
• Prepare your claim to meet SSA’s five-step evaluation criteria
• Pursue a medical-vocational allowance if you do not meet medical listings
• Represent you during reconsiderations, hearings, and appeals
• Explain legal requirements and work with your medical providers
• Emphasize how PTSD limits your ability to work
• Reduce stress and minimize procedural mistakes
• Strengthen your case to increase the chances of approval

Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Disability

When is PTSD Considered a Disability?

PTSD is considered a disability when it severely impairs your ability to work and perform daily activities consistently. According to the SSA, to qualify for disability benefits based on PTSD, the condition must meet specific medical and functional criteria outlined in Listing 12.15 for trauma- and stressor-related disorders.

What Are Some Medical Treatment Options for PTSD?

Numerous treatment options exist. Some include trauma-informed psychotherapies such as:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are also used to manage symptoms. Additional therapies, such as stress management techniques and mindfulness, may also be beneficial, and treatments can often be delivered in person or via telehealth.

What if I Have Other Health Conditions Along with PTSD?

Co-occurring mental and medical conditions are very common. It can be a part of your disability evaluation. SSA recognizes that many people with PTSD also suffer from:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance use disorders

These may be a component of your claim and initial application. Be honest about all of these conditions when formally diagnosed.

Can I Get VA and Social Security Disability Benefits at the Same Time?

You can receive both VA disability benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits simultaneously. These programs are separate, with distinct eligibility requirements and funding sources, so receiving one does not affect or reduce the eligibility for the other. Often, VA disability approval can support a Social Security disability claim by providing strong medical evidence.

Can You Live a Normal Life with PTSD?

Yes, many people with PTSD can live fulfilling, productive lives, especially with the right treatment and support. While symptoms can be challenging, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and support groups often lead to meaningful improvements. Early intervention, a strong care plan, and consistent follow-up can help you manage PTSD effectively and regain stability in your daily life.

Can PTSD Symptoms Improve or Go Away With Treatment?

It’s not uncommon for PTSD to “go away.” Many experience substantial improvement or complete recovery with appropriate treatment. You may have fewer symptoms, especially with early intervention and ongoing support.

How Much Can You Get for PTSD Disability?

SSDI benefits for PTSD vary based on your lifetime earnings and work history. The average monthly SSDI benefit is roughly $1,483, but it can be higher or lower depending on your past income. You cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is about $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.

How Hard is It to Get Disability for PTSD?

Getting Social Security Disability or VA disability benefits for PTSD can be challenging. With the guidance of an attorney, it may be possible for you to minimize the frustrations of this process.

Let Us Handle Your PTSD Disability Claim

Montagna Law can guide you through your PTSD disability claim. To learn more about how we can help, call (757) 622-8100 or fill out our form online today.