Created on September 22, 2026
Example Scenarios
The following tables contain examples of phrases found in psychological evaluations or chart notes and the corresponding rating:
Jamie applies for ABD cash and states depressive disorder is keeping them from working.
| Examination findings (chart notes) | Effect on work activities | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Patient has Dx of depressive disorder and reports sleep disturbance. Patient manages symptoms with yoga, meditation, nutritional supplements and counseling sessions as needed. | No effect on basic work-related activities. | None |
| Patient has Dx of depressive disorder and frequently experiences a depressed mood with diminished interest in almost all activities on most days of the month. Misses approximately 1 day of work per month due to decreased energy that impact ability to perform required tasks. Currently manageable with biweekly counseling sessions and Citalopram. | No significant effect on basic work-related activities. | Mild |
| Patient has Dx of depressive disorder with frequent thoughts of it being easier if they weren’t alive but no reported plans for self-harm. Experiences severely depressed mood a few days per month with difficulty concentrating, low energy and difficulty sleeping. Calls out of work once or twice a month. The provider notes limits on their ability to attend a job regularly, self-advocate and problem-solve. Patient attending counseling services as need and is taking Citalopram. | Limits on basic work-related activities. | Moderate |
| Patient has Dx of major depressive disorder with frequent suicidal thoughts and has a plan. Calls out of work more than once per week for depressed mood, lack of sleep and feelings of hopelessness. Patient experiencing trouble remembering new information and has had to restart training program at new job. Fears losing employment based on probationary period and conversations with new supervisor about attendance. Was prescribed fluoxetine and sees psychiatrist weekly. | Significant limits on basic work-related activities. | Marked |
| Patient has a Dx of major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, feelings of worthlessness, reduced appetite with recent unplanned weight loss, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in almost all activities. Was recently discharged from inpatient following fourth suicide attempt. Patient is attending group therapy twice a week and individual intensive outpatient counseling. Lives alone and has not been able to work for past three months. Significant limitations getting along with others and managing personal care needs like grocery shopping, taking out the trash, paying rent on time an being on time. Currently taking fluoxetine. | Unable to perform at basic work-related activities. | Severe |
Kai applies for ABD cash and states generalized anxiety disorder is keeping them from working.
| Examination findings (chart notes) | Effect on work activities | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Patient has Dx of generalized anxiety d/o (GAD) and complains of intermittent work and concern for well-being. Manages d/o with regular exercise, sleep and counseling services when needed. | No effect on basic work-related activities. | None |
| Patient has Dx of GAD and experience frequent anxiety episodes with racing thoughts and difficulty sleeping three days per month. Misses approximately .5 days of work per month due to anxiety episodes that impact ability to concentrate and perform required tasks. Currently manageable with biweekly counseling sessions and Lexapro. | No significant effect on basic work-related activities. | Mild |
| Patient has Dx of GAD with frequent anxiety and excessive worry. Experiences anxiety attacks ~1x per month, difficulty concentrating, irritability and difficulty sleeping. The provider notes limits on their ability to attend a job regularly, handle conflict and problem-solve. Patient attending weekly counseling services and prescribed Lexapro. | Limits on basic work-related activities. | Moderate |
| Patient has Dx of GAD with weekly anxiety attacks. Condition limits patient’s ability to follow through on attending medical appointments and calls out of work more than once per week. Written up twice this year for attendance issues. Patient experience irritability, loss of appetite and fear of change. Has been prescribed Xanax. | Significant limits on basic work-related activities. | Marked |
| Patient has Dx of GAD with severe and frequent anxiety attacks. Recently treated inpatient for anxiety, advised to attend group therapy and individual outpatient counseling. Has not been able to work for past six months. Struggles with maintaining concentration, irritability and obtaining enough sleep. Difficulty grocery shopping and driving due anxiety being in public. Currently taking Valium and Klonopin. | Unable to perform at basic work-related activities. | Severe |
Charlie applies for ABD cash and states post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is keeping them from working.
| Examination findings (chart notes) | Effect on work activities | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Dx with PTSD following being robbed at gunpoint six weeks ago. Having flashbacks of event and has avoided going out after dark since. Continued feelings of fear and unexpected episodes of tearfulness. Having trouble sleeping. Seeking a counselor once a week. | No effect on basic work-related activities. | None |
| Patient Dx with PTSD following concert shooting two months ago. Experiencing difficulty with self-care activities (decreased personal hygiene, has stopped attending group exercise classes, social avoidance). Having recurring nightmares and flashbacks of event. | No significant effect on basic work-related activities. | Mild |
| Patient Dx with complex PTSD. Having nightmares and flashbacks of recurring traumatic events. When at work, visits restroom to cry once or twice daily. Is late to work a few times a month due to difficulty sleeping. Has terminated contact with abuser. Avoids contact with strangers and has increased sensitivity to loud noises. Attending trauma-focused CBT twice per week. | Limits on basic work-related activities. | Moderate |
| Patient Dx with complex PTSD. Has repeated flashbacks multiple times a day with frequent night terrors. Difficulty concentrating, and is currently on medical leave from work. Was having difficulty getting along with coworkers and remembers tasks. Has been avoiding crowded spaces and shops late at night to avoid crowds. No longer takes the public bus for fear of safety. Prescribed Prazosin for nightmares and sees counselor for EMDR therapy once per week. Attends support group twice per week. | Significant limits on basic work-related activities. | Marked |
| Patient Dx with complex PTSD. Recently discharged form inpatient treatment following severe panic from traumatic event and inability to sleep for more than four days. Reports repeated night terrors when able to sleep, has flashbacks. Severe limitations with managing personal care needs like cleaning house, making meals, remembering medications, running errands or keeping social arrangements. Reports avoidance and difficulty being around other people. Taking aripiprazole and continuing intensive outpatient treatment once per week. Attending grief support group once a week. | Unable to perform at basic work-related activities. | Severe |