“Permanent and total disability is defined as a physical or mental condition severe enough to prevent a person from engaging in useful occupations within his competence, such as holding a job or homemaking, and of such nature that it will likely remain static, become worse, or make no substantial improvement in the foreseeable future.”

This definition is not intended to preclude individuals who are capable of self-care or who may be suitable prospects for rehabilitation or physical restoration. Neither the word “permanent” nor the word “total” should be used in the absolute sense.

Disability is defined as a physical or mental condition severe enough to prevent a person from engaging in useful occupations within his competence, such as holding a job or homemaking, and of such nature that it will likely remain static, become worse, or make no substantial improvement in the foreseeable future. Disability is not to be confused with unemployment.

The ability to engage in a useful occupation requires careful consideration. A man might not be able to carry on his previous occupation because of a relatively minor impairment of some part of his body. This does not establish that he is disabled in regard to any useful occupation. He might be able to do another type of work and, therefore, would not be disabled. On the other hand, an individual who has always worked in a particular occupation and is so impaired that he cannot continue in this particular occupation and who is unable to work, or to be trained to work, in another occupation would be considered disabled.

Persons with personality disorders may be found eligible for Aid to the Disabled. There must be evidence that the impairment substantially precluded the applicant from engaging in useful occupations within his competence, such as holding a job or homemaking.

As in other cases, there must be a medical report with supporting diagnosis, which would include an evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist. This is not an on-the-spot diagnosis or impression of the moment. It must be made in relation to the person's social and work history with due consideration to employment opportunity and social setting. The social report is particularly important to assist the team in reaching a decision. For a decision of eligibility in this type of impairment, there is particular need for history of the person which identifies the individual's inadequate responses to intellectual, social and physical demands. There should be documented support that the individual has demonstrated inadaptability, ineptness, poor judgment, lack of physical or emotional stamina and social incompatibility.

There should be documented support that the individual has demonstrated inadaptability, ineptness, poor judgment, lack of physical or emotional stamina and social incompatibility.