Somatoform Disorders and Social Security Disability Benefits

Chicago Disability Benefits Attorney

What Is A Somatoform Disorder?

The name somatoform disorders has been given to a group of disorders that are characterized by symptoms suggesting that the individual is experiencing severe physical pain for which there is no known underlying cause. Somatoform disorders are extremely rare. Some examples of specific somatoform disorders include: body dysmorphic disorder, conversion disorder, pain disorder, and hypochondriasis. In most circumstances individuals suffering from a somatoform disorder perceive their pain just as real as people diagnosed with specific physical conditions. Typically treatment for a somatoform disorder can be quite difficult. This is because the condition combines the psychological and neurological, ultimately requiring a psychologist or psychiatrist to work with a neurologist to treat the disorder.

If you have a somatoform disorder and it is preventing you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI). Feel free to contact us today for more information about disability benefits.

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Suffer From A Somatoform Disorder?

Claimants can feel relieved by knowing that somatoform disorders are recognized by the Social Security Administration. If you suffer from a somatoform disorder and it is preventing you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI). When you apply for disability benefits with a somatoform disorder, the Social Security Administration will first determine whether your condition is severe enough to meet a listing. If you meet a listing you will be found disabled. If you do not meet a listing, the Social Security Administration will then evaluate your residual functional capacity (the most work that you can do despite your medical condition(s)) and determine whether you are entitled to disability benefits.

Is There A Specific Listing For Somatoform Disorders?

The Social Security Administration recognizes somatoform disorders under Listing of Impairments 12.07: Somatoform disorders, which can be found on the SSA website. However, because most of the listing is structured using medical terminology, it can be quite difficult to know whether you will meet the listing for a somatoform disorder. If you or a family member suffers from a somatoform disorder and are unable to work and want to know more about whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits, contact Pearson Disabilty Law LLC.

If I Do Not Meet The Listing, Is There Another Way To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you do not meet Listing 12.07 and a somatoform disorder is preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration will proceed with your case by evaluating your Residual Functional Capacity. To do this, the Administration will determine the most amount of work that you can do despite your limitations. The only way Social Security will understand how debilitating your symptoms can be, is if you are regularly seeing your psychologist and/or psychiatrist and talking with them about how you feel. Your doctors must document severity of your symptoms in their records whenever you visit. Contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC at 312-999-0999 to schedule a free consultation.