Why Does Social Security Disability Require Telehealth Evaluations?

Anyone who has gone through the Social Security Disability (SSD) process is familiar with the thoroughness of the evaluation process. This includes various types of evaluations, such as mental health assessments, which are often used to provide a comprehensive understanding of a claimant's overall condition. This article explores the reasons behind these evaluations and dispels some common misconceptions about SSD requirements.

Comprehensive Assessments for Disability Evaluations

It is a common practice within the SSD process to conduct thorough evaluations, including mental status exams, for several reasons. Firstly, these evaluations are designed to comprehensively assess the overall condition of the claimant, not just the primary cause of disability. For instance, a physical impairment like a non-functioning leg doesn't necessarily mean the individual is incapable of performing any jobs. Many people with disabilities can and do continue to work, despite their physical limitations.

Mental Health Evaluations and Psychotropic Medication

The claimant's mental health and the use of psychotropic medications are also taken into consideration. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can be a direct result of physical pain or other disabilities. Therefore, mental health assessments are sometimes required to ensure a thorough understanding of the claimant's complete medical picture.

For example, a client might be asked to undergo a mental status exam due to mention of psychotropic medication in their application or simply because Social Security is being cautious. This approach is standard, as they need to consider all relevant aspects of a claimant's conditions. This is similar to how a court gathers information to make a fair decision. A case in point is my sister, who received disability benefits after breaking her shoulder from breast cancer. She was required to undergo a mental status exam, but it was not a big concern.

Temporary vs. Permanent Disability

Some claimants may wonder if a shattered leg would qualify for short-term disability but not for SSDI. The key distinction is that SSDI does not offer temporary disability benefits. While a shattered leg might be eligible for short-term disability, it is generally not considered a permanent disability by SSDI standards. This is especially true if the individual has regained function or is able to work within a certain timeframe.

Consider the case of Brian, who lost his leg 18 months ago due to a motorcycle accident. His lower leg was amputated, and he received a prosthetic. Despite the tragedy, Brian returned to work as a Sheriff's Office correctional officer nine months post-injury. Many individuals with prosthetics find them to be more mobile and less painful than the surgeries and other interventions required to treat a shattered leg. Hence, Brian's case does not align with permanent disability criteria for SSDI.

Combatting Fraud and Ensuring Fairness

A significant reason for the rigorous nature of the evaluation process is to combat fraud. There are far too many people who seek financial compensation without earning it. Given the financial strain on both the federal and state governments, Social Security Disability personnel are trained to identify and mitigate fraudulent claims. Unfortunately, a few cases do slip through, and this leads to both genuine and false claims being denied.

It is a harsh reality that some individuals face, as was the case with the author of the article. The author went through an extensive and challenging process to be approved for SSD benefits due to life-altering injuries. In recent years, the approval process has become more difficult, with some states requiring a much longer wait time and the involvement of legal representation to secure benefits.

Advice for Claimants

To those facing similar challenges, the author's advice is crucial. It's essential to fight the battle for benefits, stay persistent, and explore opportunities to retrain and become gainfully employed. This proactive approach can significantly impact one's outlook on life and future prospects. If needed, individuals can reach out to the author for support or guidance.

The evaluation process, although demanding, is necessary to ensure that those who need SSDI benefits truly deserve them. By understanding the reasoning behind these evaluations, claimants can better navigate this process and advocate for themselves with confidence.