SSD Benefits for Personality Disorders Liberty, MO

Personality Disorders

Proving Personality Disorders for Social Security or SSI Disability Benefits

Clients with severe personality disorders tax the patience of all who come into contact with them. They are a treatment challenge, and a legal challenge when it comes to proving personality disorders for Social Security or SSI disability benefits.

Social Security says that personality disorders are disabling when the dysfunctional traits are “inflexible and maladaptive” and also cause other significant impairments in social and occupational functioning. The regulation goes on to say that these characteristics are typical of a person’s long term functioning, and are not “limited to discrete episodes of illness.”

When considering whether we can help you win such a case, we look for exactly what is in the regulation – long term patterns of behaviors that preclude ability to work. It is often somewhat easier to help a client who is older. A forty-five year old man may have a long history of failed short-term work attempts, relationship instability and often an arrest record for altercations. Together with competent psychological evaluations these can illustrate an inability to work on a predictable, full time basis.

Personality Disorders That May Qualify You for SSD Benefits

Many different types of personality disorders can qualify you for SSD benefits. Some of the most common personality disorders that we see at the Grundy Disability Group include:

In the past, many people with personality disorders came to Social Security with a dual diagnosis – an alcohol or drug addiction problem in addition to this underlying psychiatric disorder. When substance abuse was a basis for disability payments, evidence of personality disorder was often unnecessary for the success of the claim. With substance abuse long gone as a basis of disability – in fact it has become a strong negative factor – it becomes more important to carefully develop the psychiatric evidence. A judge will want to know whether the condition exists in the absence of substance abuse.

Many people with personality disorders are very intelligent and highly verbal. They can appear extremely functional in short-term contact. However, a review of the social and vocational history will often tell the story. Ideally, there will have been a substance-free period to determine whether the symptoms persist in sobriety.

As with all mental disorders in Social Security cases, first the symptoms are considered – reclusiveness, hostility or aggression, paranoia, oddities of thought or behavior, pathological dependence, unstable relationships, and impulsive and destructive behaviors. Along with symptoms, the constellation of functional impairments resulting from the symptoms are evaluated and a decision on disability can be made.

Contact us if we can be of assistance in filing a claim on personality disorders as a basis for Social Security or SSI disability benefits.

Further Resources:

Mental Health America: Personality Disorders– Personality disorder must fulfill several criteria – see more information here.

Personality Disorders: MedlinePlus – Personality disorders are long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that cause serious problems with relationships and work.

Disability Evaluation Under Social Security – Most mental illness fall under this listing under the Listings of Impairments.

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I cannot say enough
good about Matthew Grundy and
ALL of his staff.

I contacted his office October 2020, because I had and still am, fighting breast cancer. I had numerous surgeries, still doing chemo, finished radiation and still fighting the fight. They took care of everything and that was such a blessing because I was too sick and weak to do it myself. I would absolutely recommend them and I am so grateful that a friend referred them to me. They were always polite and punctual returning my calls and emails. Don’t go it alone, let them take care of it, reserve your strength to fight for your health.”

— D.S. Kansas City

Dear Matt

I want to take a moment to say I appreciate all you do for clients (me) throughout the SSD process. You provided me top-shelf representation, case knowledge and follow up. Thank you!”

— A.S. Leawood, KS

A friend referred
me to Matt Grundy.
He was amazing!

I felt the weight lift off my shoulders. He was caring and efficient and took over the whole process. He handled all correspondence and was my voice in my hearing. I was ecstatic when Matt got my disability approved. I wish I had started with Matt before I ever filed.”

— W.T. Kansas City

After being denied trying to file on my own
I was fortunate to have Grundy Disability Group
recommended to me.

A short survey and a visit then they took control of my case. This was the best decision I’ve ever made. Matt answered all my questions without hesitation and gave me confidence about my case. I’ve already recommended them to others and will do so gladly. Thank you Matt and his team!”

— W.S. Kansas City

I had a great experience
working with this office.

They are thorough, and get the job done with the least amount of stress on the client as possible. I would recommend them to anyone I know who needs help navigating their SSDI claim. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

— W.W. Kansas City

I’m epileptic and you recently
just helped me get disability.

I just wanted to email you guys and say thank you guys so much! I appreciate your hard work and dedication.! you guys have helped me get my income back since I haven’t been able to work. Now I can pay my bills again and get caught up again that is a relief. thank you guys again so much god bless you and all your families.”

— A.D. Kansas City

Thanks again for
your help on all this.

From the first conversation I had with Susan Frank, whose advice set me on a course to lay the groundwork of a successful claim – months before I hired you. I spoke to a couple of other places before I spoke to her and there was no comparison. The difference between my initial contact with Susan VS the others was a personal connection and actual value in the phone call. It was informative, connected and extremely helpful. This built trust and made my decision to choose your organization easy. My ongoing dealings with you only confirmed my choice. Matt is extremely connected with his clients and communicates promptly and thoughtfully.”

— T.C. Kansas City

To the Law Office of Matthew R. Grundy

I, Delisa Cadenhead, would like to extend my appreciation for the dedicated work I received from your firm. Thank you for standing by me and my case. I hope you and your firm have many blessings. Thank you very much!”

— Delisa Cadenhead

Matt, Regina, Nina, and everyone else that helped work on my disability case:

You were ALL an awesome, cohesive, genuine TEAM and I appreciate all your help!”

— Shannon D. Bonner Springs, KS

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