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IF YOU HAVE A MENTAL DISABILITY

My firm wins cases frequently based on mental or psychological impairments, ranging from depression to PTSD to schizophrenia.  But mental impairments may be difficult to prove.  Here are a few things that can help the case:

1)  Visit the doctor regularly and follow appropriate treatment, which may include counseling or medications.

2)  See a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist, if possible.  They carry more
evidentiary weight than general practitioners.

3)  Try to get a professional opinion in writing from your doctor about how your mental impairment restricts your ability to perform work-related activities.  The more specific the opinion, the more helpful to your case.  There are forms that may be used for this purpose and they cover all the bases.

If you have no income and simply cannot go to a doctor or mental health clinic, then ask Social Security to send you for a consultative examination.  This isn't as good as seeing your own doctor but it's better than seeing no doctor at all.  Social Security will pay for the exam and sometimes it helps you get benefits.  I repeat, this is a last resort.

If you need help with any type of Social Security disability claim, please contact me at the Forsythe Firm, 7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108, Huntsville, AL 35806.  (256) 799-0297.  Initial consultations are free. I never charge you a fee unless you win and also collect back pay from Social Security.  If you don't get any back pay, you do not owe me a fee.

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