Step 1: Understand Mental Health Disability Criteria

To appeal successfully, remember:

• Common disorders include anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
• Your symptoms must notably affect your daily functioning and work capacity.
• Evidence must come from qualified mental health professionals with detailed reports.

Step 2: Prepare Relevant Medical Documentation

Your appeal should include:

• Comprehensive records of diagnosis, treatment, and therapy progress.
• Statements from doctors describing how your condition impairs ability to work.
• Evidence confirming the condition has lasted or will last for at least 12 months.

Step 3: Know SSA’s Work and Duration Requirements

To qualify, you must show:

• Enough work credits based on Social Security tax contributions over time.
• Disability duration meets SSA’s minimum time frames for eligibility.
• Consistent ongoing treatment indicating a serious and long-term condition.

Step 4: Understand the Importance of Functional Capacity Evaluation

During your appeal, the SSA will:

• Review medical evidence to assess your residual functional capacity.
• Evaluate whether your mental limitations prevent substantial work activity.
• Consider if any type of employment is feasible given your condition.

Common Appeal Challenges

Be aware of potential issues:

• Insufficient or unclear medical documentation undermining your claim.
• Missing or incomplete work history to establish eligibility.
• Failure to attend SSA requested evaluations or hearings.
• Mild symptoms that do not meet SSA’s strict disability definition.