Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Conversion Disorder?

Conversion disorder is a debilitating medical condition that can cause blindness, seizures, paralysis and difficulty speaking. People suffering from this disorder may wonder if they can obtain federal disability benefits.

In this blog, our experienced lawyers explain how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates conversion disorder, including medical eligibility criteria and residual functional capacity assessments. We also discuss how to strengthen your application for benefits.

If you are applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for conversion disorder, call Sigman Janssen for help. Our experienced Appleton Social Security Disability lawyers can help you understand your options at no upfront costs. We have decades of experience and have helped many disability applicants obtain benefits.

To learn more about how we can help you, call: (877) 888-5201.

What Is Conversion Disorder?

Conversion disorder is a mental health issue that disrupts brain function and can cause physical symptoms. These symptoms may include seizures, weakness or paralysis.

Individuals may experience other symptoms that cause trouble with their movement and senses, like the ability to see, hear, walk, or swallow.

While the medical community does not know what causes conversion disorder, they have concluded that early diagnosis and treatment, like therapy, can help victims manage symptoms and improve their overall health.

How Can I Medically Qualify for Disability Benefits for Conversion Disorder?

You must provide medical records proving your condition fits the criteria in Listing 12.07 For Conversion Disorder in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The listing says your records must prove at least one of the following:

• Alteration in your sensory or voluntary motor function that cannot be explained by another medical or mental issue
• A minimum of one somatic symptom that causes distress, along with feelings, thoughts or behaviors related to the symptom
• Being preoccupied with having a serious illness, even though you do not present significant symptoms

Your medical records must also show you have an extreme or marked limitation of two of the following:

• Remembering, understanding or applying information
• Concentration, persistence and maintaining pace with a task
• Interactions with others
• Adapting or managing yourself

Applicants with conversion disorder must also prove their condition is expected to last longer than one year and that they have sufficient work credits.

You need to give the SSA medical records showing your conversion disorder diagnosis and symptoms. These records should include detailed reports from your doctor. Your doctor’s reports may describe your symptoms, treatment plans, test results, and how your condition affects your daily functioning.

For example, if you experience paralysis and seizures, your medical records should have notes from neurologists and psychiatrists confirming this. If these episodes prevent you from concentrating or interacting effectively at work, your doctor should document this as well.

What if I Do Not Meet the Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability Benefits?

You could still qualify for benefits based on your residual functional capacity, which is a measure of what you can do at work, given your medical issues.

Disability Determination Services (DDS) will conduct a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment to determine the type of physical activity you can perform, including how long you can:

• Sit
• Stand
• Walk
• Crouch
• Climb or descend stairs

They also evaluate how much you can lift and how often you can lift it.

The goal of these evaluations is to determine what type of work you can still perform with your medical condition. They also need to determine if you can adapt to other types of work.

Conversion disorder can also affect you psychologically, so DDS may also need to do a mental RFC assessment to determine your ability to:

• Comprehend and remember instructions you are given at work
• Concentrate for long periods
• Work with other people and avoid getting distracted
• And more

While the RFC evaluation is important, DDS also places significant weight on what your treating doctors say about your physical capabilities in your medical records. They may also ask you to provide more information to help them decide if you qualify for Social Security Disability.

How Could Conversion Disorder Affect My Residual Functional Capacity?

Conversion disorder can severely impact your RFC in several ways:

Physical Limitations

Symptoms like paralysis or severe weakness can limit your ability to walk or stand, especially for extended periods. Paralysis and an unusual gait can also make it harder to stick to a consistent work schedule.

Struggling to talk can make it much harder to do your job, as you may be unable to ask questions or acknowledge that you heard or understood something your supervisor or a coworker said.

Cognitive and Sensory Limitations

You could lose the ability to see or hear, even though there is no actual vision or hearing loss. Many of your work tasks rely on your ability to see and hear things.

If your condition causes double vision, you might be unable to operate machinery or perform tasks that require reliable vision.

Some people with conversion disorder lose sensation in certain body parts, making it harder to do any number of tasks at a job.

Psychological Limitations

The stress and anxiety associated with conversion disorder can intensify your symptoms and reduce your overall ability to function in the workplace. Anxiety may prevent you from handling stressful situations or interacting with colleagues and supervisors.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Conversion Disorder?

Conversion disorder is usually diagnosed by neurologists, psychiatrists or psychologists. They can use a combination of assessments and tests to make a diagnosis, including:

• Physical Exam: During a physical exam, healthcare professionals look for specific signs, so they can rule out other conditions. They will likely order tests to help them make an accurate diagnosis, including:
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
  • Electromyogram (EMG)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Blood analysis
• Psychiatric Evaluation: This test focuses on your mental health. A mental health professional will discuss your thoughts, feelings and behavior to diagnose what may be causing your symptoms.
• Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5): The DSM-5 is a reference book used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify mental health conditions, such as sensory or motor symptoms. It also identifies significant distress or functional impairment.

How Can I Strengthen My Application for Disability Benefits?

You have the burden of proof in a Social Security Disability claim. You need to take steps to strengthen your case, such as:

• Gathering Comprehensive Medical Records: Include all relevant medical documentation from neurologists, psychiatrists and other specialists who have treated your conversion disorder.
• Demonstrating Functional Limitations: Show how your condition restricts your ability to do everyday tasks and work-related activities. Include doctor’s notes describing your symptoms and a letter from your supervisor explaining how your condition impacts your job performance.
• Providing Detailed Personal Statements: Write a personal statement describing a typical day with conversion disorder, highlighting how symptoms disrupt your daily routine. Emphasize how difficult it has been to live with the unpredictability of your condition and the severity of your symptoms.
• Including Third-Party Statements: Family, friends or colleagues who have seen how your condition affects you can strengthen your case. Ask them to write letters describing how they assist you with daily tasks because of your symptoms.

Need to Claim Social Security Benefits for Conversion Disorder? Call Sigman Janssen

Navigating the SSD application process can be very taxing, especially while dealing with a condition such as conversion disorder.

At Sigman Janssen, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you build a strong case to support your SSD claim.

Call for your FREE case review today: (877) 888-5201.