• Written by Gourav Rathore

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be considered a disability in some cases. If symptoms meet specific criteria and interfere with daily life, a person may be able to claim disability benefits.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event or series of events. The symptoms of PTSD can affect a person’s mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.

In certain cases, PTSD symptoms may be severe enough to be considered a disability.

This article discusses when PTSD may be a disability. It also explains how the Americans with Disabilities Act views PTSD and when Veterans Affairs considers PTSD a disability.

PTSD and the Social Security Administration (SSA)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers PTSD a disability in some cases. If PTSD meets certain criteria in the SSA’s Blue Book, a person may be able to file a claim for disability benefits.

The Blue Book is a list of conditions the SSA considers disabilities that may qualify for disability benefits. According to the Blue Book, PTSD may be considered a disability if it meets the following criteria:

Medical documentation of the following:

• Exposure to death or threatened death, serious injury, or violence
  

• Involuntary re-experiencing of the trauma following the experience, such as flashbacks, intrusive memories, or dreams
  

• Avoidance of external reminders of the traumatic event
  

• Disturbances in mood or behavior
  

• Increase in arousal and reactivity, such as sleep disturbances or an exaggerated startle response
  

The above criteria must be combined with the following symptoms:

An extreme or marked limitation of at least two of these areas of mental functioning:

• Understanding, applying, and remembering information
  

• Interacting with others
  

• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
  

• Adapting or managing oneself
  

Or, the condition is serious and persistent the person has medical documentation of the existence of the condition over 2 years, and there is evidence of the following:

• Ongoing medical treatment, psychotherapy, psychosocial support, or a highly structured setting that helps reduce symptoms
  

• The person has minimal capacity to adapt to changes in their environment or demands that are a part of daily life
  

A person with PTSD must also meet the work requirements laid out by the SSA to claim disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and similar benefits are outlined as being for people who once could work but can no longer do so.

People who believe they may qualify for SSA and SSDI benefits due to PTSD can apply for benefits through the SSA website.

If a person cannot apply online, they can find their local Social Security office, where someone can assist them in filing for benefits.

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PTSD and the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits people from being discriminated against due to disabilities. It helps to guarantee that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as people without disabilities.

The ADA describes a person with a disability as someone who:

• Has a physical or mental condition that substantially limits at least one major life activity, such as eating, sleeping, walking, or communicating
  

• Has a history of or record of the impairment, such as cancer that is in remission
  

• Is perceived by others as having an impairment, such as having scars from a severe burn
  

If a person meets any of the above criteria, the ADA automatically covers them. The ADA covers many disabilities, including PTSD.

The ADA protects people against discrimination due to disability in many areas of life, including:

• Employment
  

• State and local government services
  

• Public transit
  

• Businesses open to the public
  

• Telecommunications
  

To learn more about the ADA and how to file a complaint, people can visit the ADA website.

PTSD and the VA

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be able to provide disability benefits for veterans with PTSD.

The VA may provide disability benefits if a person has PTSD and meets the following criteria:

• The stressor, event, or trauma occurred during their time of service
  

• The individual cannot function as well as they once could due to PTSD symptoms
  

• A doctor has diagnosed PTSD
  

The disability benefits the VA offers include:

• Healthcare
  

• Compensation or payments
  

• Treatment for PTSD
  

For a veteran to receive VA disability benefits for PTSD, they need to file a disability claim.

Learn About PTSD

• PTSD: What you need to know
  

• 5 ways to cope with PTSD
  

• Relationships and PTSD: What to know
  

• PTSD ‘should be viewed as a systemic disorder’
  

• PTSD treatment
  

Not everyone who experiences PTSD needs treatment. For some people, the symptoms of PTSD fade over time. However, if symptoms do not fade, a person may consider seeking treatment from a mental health professional.

Some disability benefits may require treatment for an individual to receive them.

Treatment for PTSD may vary from person to person. Some common treatments include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): including cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure therapy, trauma-focused CBT
  

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  

• Group therapy
  

• Medication: including antidepressants, or to help with anxiety and sleep disturbances

• Complementary and alternative therapies: yoga, acupuncture, animal-assisted therapy
  

Summary

Both the SSA and VA consider PTSD a disability in some cases. If PTSD meets certain criteria, such as being diagnosed by a doctor and impairing or limiting areas of life, it may qualify a person for disability benefits.

PTSD is also covered under the ADA. This means it is considered a disability, and people cannot be discriminated against due to the condition.

If a person has PTSD and it is interfering with their day-to-day life, they can contact the SSA to file a claim for disability benefits. If they are a veteran of the armed forces, they can also contact the VA about disability benefits.

Call to Action

If you’re exploring ways to support your mental clarity, calm, and focus, discover how neuroVIZR’s light and sound-based experiences may help promote relaxation and emotional balance

A Neuro-Wellness Perspective

From a brain wellness viewpoint, PTSD doesn’t just affect emotions it alters neural pathways that regulate calmness, focus, and rest. Supporting the brain through non-medical wellness practices such as light and sound-based experiences, mindfulness, or grounding routines can complement professional treatment and enhance overall balance.

These approaches don’t treat PTSD, but they may help create a calmer, more regulated state of mind that supports long-term well-being.

Key Takeaways

• PTSD can qualify as a disability under SSA, VA, and ADA guidelines.
  

• The condition affects not only mental health but also brain regulation and resilience.
  

• Complementary neuro-wellness tools can support recovery and balance.

• Always seek professional guidance when dealing with trauma or related symptoms.