Suffering from a somatoform disorder is particularly maddening because you keep experiencing disturbing and uncomfortable symptoms. But when you attempt to solve them by going to the doctor, they’re unable to find anything physically wrong with you.
It’s the definition of “it’s all in your head,” except in this case your “head” is actually causing you to go through pain and discomfort, even though there’s not a physiological reason it should be happening.
People with somatoform disorders may be eligible to receive Social Security disability, but they have to meet criteria laid down by the SSA just like with any other disabling condition. You can qualify in one of two ways: match the requirements of somatoform disorders in their Listings of Impairments or go through the Five Step Sequential Process and attempt to prove equivalency.
Of the two options, meeting the listing is far more straight-forward. So what exactly is the Listings of Impairments? It’s a sort of encyclopedia of disabilities the SSA recognizes, along with definitions and specific requirements you have to meet in order to qualify for benefits.
Prove that you meet the criteria and you automatically get benefits. Fail and you can still win your claim, but it’s a bit more complicated – we’ll get to that later. First let’s look at the requirements for somatoform disorders.
How to Get Benefits Under Listing 12.07
If you suffer physical ailments related to problems that can be connected to no “known physiological mechanisms,” you probably have a somatoform disorder. But in order to obtain Social Security benefits, you still have to show that your issue is severe enough to warrant it.
That means providing medical evidence related to:
- Multiple physical symptoms that began before you turned 30, have lasted for years, and led you to see your doctor frequently, continually take medicine, and alter your life patterns
- Ongoing disturbances in vision, speech, hearing, movement, sensation, or use of a limb for which no organic cause can be found
- Interpreting physical sensations or signs in an unrealistic manner to support the belief of a serious injury of disease
And that these symptoms have led to:
- Severe restrictions in your ability to engage in activities of daily living
- Social functioning that is severely impaired
- Pace, persistence, or concentration that is severely impaired
- Disturbances in your personality
As with many other kinds of mental disorders, no objective medical tests exist that the SSA accepts as supporting evidence for this disability. Instead, whether you meet the listing will depend upon having a detailed medical history that clearly shows your symptoms.
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Remember, though, matching the listing isn’t the only way to get the benefits you need and deserve. An experienced Social Security disability attorney can show you how to use the Five Step Sequential Process to prove that your medical issue is the equivalent of an impairment listed by the SSA.
It’s not as clear a road as meeting the specific listing definition, but if you can prove that your disability has kept you from working for at least 12 months, your claim should be approved.
Whichever route you choose to qualify through, it pays to understand how the SSA works and what evidence truly helps your case. Because of this, your chances of success can increase if you work with an experienced professional who can answer your Social Security questions and guide you through the process. Learn even more about the claims process by reading our Social Security Disability eBook for free.
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