Determining whether a disability is a physical or mental impairment is not always easy, as victims might have symptoms relating to both types. However, it’s necessary for anybody who is filing a Social Security disability claim to ensure they have the necessary evidence to support proof of either impairment. Before hiring a lawyer to file a claim, here’s what you need to know about the differences between a physical and mental impairment.

What Is the SSA’s Definition of “Impairment”?

The Social Security Administration states that a physical or mental impairment “results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities that can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques.” Under federal law, these conditions must be expected to last for at least 12 months. To prove you have a physical or mental disability, you’ll need a doctor to collect evidence that will support your claim; if you submit an explanation of your symptoms without diagnostic testing to support them, your claim will likely be unsuccessful.

Is Your Impairment Physical or Mental?

The SSA has a public list of impairments that’s available online. Depending on the severity of your condition, the following diagnoses might fall beneath the definition of a mental impairment:

• Neurocognitive disorders
• Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
• Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders
• Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Eating disorders

On the other hand, conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and other anatomical structures will be defined as physical impairments. Here are some examples of conditions that could be considered physical impairments:

• Spine disorders
• Respiratory disorders, such as asthma
• Cardiovascular impairments, such as a heart transplant

Impairment claims are frequently denied when the applicant doesn’t provide adequate evidence to support their case. If you plan to submit a claim for Social Security disability, an attorney can ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. The Social Security attorney at David W. Kapor & Associates helps clients all over the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area, including veterans. Visit their website or call (513) 721-2820 to take advantage of a free consultation today.