Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders SSDI Claims in Iowa

Iowa statewide initial denial rate

56%

Applies to all adult SSDI claims at initial DDS level in Iowa, not this listing only. Derived from SSA initial-level allowance data for FY2024. Source: SSA State Agency Operations Report (via NOSSCR FY2024 allowance rates publication).

National average initial processing time

~7.4 months

(226 days)

National average for all initial disability claims requiring a medical determination (not condition- or state-specific). Data for FY2025. Source: SSA processing time data.

Blue Book body system

12.00 Mental Disorders

Listing 12.06 criteria are federal standards that apply nationwide, including in Iowa.

Medical criteria

SSA Blue Book listing: 12.06 Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
Listing criteria (20 CFR Appendix 1, Part A): (see 12.00B5), satisfied by A and B, or A and C: A. Medical documentation of the requirements of paragraph 1, 2, or 3: 1. Anxiety disorder, characterized by three or more of the following; a. Restlessness; b. Easily fatigued; c. Difficulty concentrating; d. Irritability; e. Muscle tension; or f. Sleep disturbance. 2. Panic disorder or agoraphobia, characterized by one or both: a. Panic attacks followed by a persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences; or b. Disproportionate fear or anxiety about at least two different situations (for example, using public transportation, being in a crowd, being in a line, being outside of your home, being in open spaces). 3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, characterized by one or both: a. Involuntary, time-consuming preoccupation with intrusive, unwanted thoughts; or b. Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety. AND B. Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning (see 12.00F): 1. Understand, remember, or apply information (see 12.00E1). 2. Interact with others (see 12.00E2). 3. Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace (see 12.00E3). 4. Adapt or manage oneself (see 12.00E4). OR C. Your mental disorder in this listing category is “serious and persistent;” that is, you have a medically documented history of the existence of the disorder over a period of at least 2 years, and there is evidence of both: 1. Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing and that diminishes the symptoms and signs of your mental disorder (see 12.00G2b); and 2. Marginal adjustment, that is, you have minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or to demands that are not already part of your daily life (see 12.00G2c).
Body system category: 12.00 Mental Disorders
Common denial reason: Anxiety and OCD claims are frequently denied when panic, avoidance, or compulsions are documented without marked limits in concentrating or adapting.

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