Depression & SSDI Benefits

Many people suffer from a form of depression at some point in their lifetime. The Social Security Administration awards disability benefits when a claimant's depression is so severe that it prevents them from performing such basic activities of daily living. Severe depression is paralyzing and is characterized by symptoms such as: anhedonia, appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, psychomotor agitation or retardation, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating or thinking, thoughts of suicide and hallucinations, and delusions or paranoid thinking. It is important that an individual with severe depression treats with a psychologist and psychiatrist who effectively documents the symptoms outlined above.

All Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income determinations are based on medical documentation. It is important that your condition and treatment is thoroughly documented in the form of medical records, clinical evaluations, and narrative reports from your treating physicians. If you do not treat with a doctor, or your doctor is not supportive, your lawyer will not be able to prove your case, regardless of how sick you truly are. Our goal is that you, your doctors and our attorneys can form the winning team to ensure that your pursuit for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits is successful.

At West Coast Disability Legal Center, our experienced attorneys guide people through each step of the Social Security Disability claims process. We can file your initial claim, appeal your claim to the reconsideration level if you are denied, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, or appeal your case to the Appeals Council. To talk with us about your case, please call us at (800) 459-3017 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online and one of our attorneys will get in touch with you. There is never a fee for our services unless we win your case.