Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. If it is not the sole condition or impairment listed on disability applications, it is often one of several conditions or the unfortunate result of longstanding, chronic pain. The symptoms of depression often include sadness, hopelessness, fatigue and decreased energy, and issues with concentration. Major depression may include suicidal ideations, suicide attempts and inpatient psychiatric treatment. Although it’s not know what causes depression, many factors including biological, genetic and environmental may be to blame. Life events, trauma and stress also contribute to the severity of depression.
To qualify for disability benefits if you are diagnosed with depression, you must either meet or equal a listing published by the Social Security Adminstration (SSA). The “listings” are published by SSA and set forth the criteria you must meet to be deemed disabled. If you do not meet or equal a Social Security listing, you can still qualify for disability benefits under the Medical-Vocational allowance. See our other post for a discussion on the Medical-Vocational allowance.
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