Is Bipolar A Disability?
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be subtle, or they can be extreme. There are currently 2.3 million Americans who have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder today. There are many more who are suffering from this condition and have yet to be diagnosed. These individuals are suffering and are currently unaware.
People of any age can be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but the condition is believed to begin during adolescence. The mean age of onset is 18 years old. Many people with bipolar disorder apply for disability benefits, but not all of them qualify. Often, they are denied because they apply without gathering enough information on the eligibility criteria for SSD.
Bipolar disorder is considered as a mental health condition. The most prominent symptom associated with this diagnosis is mood swings. These mood swings are vastly different from typical mood changes. The swings can vary significantly from states of mania to depressive states. That is why this condition is also referred to manic depression in the medical community. An individual with bipolar disorder can go from being very subdued and quiet to highly volatile in a short period of time.
What do symptoms of bipolar disorder look like?
Patients with this disorder might face trouble controlling their ordinary life affairs and may need to apply for bipolar disability benefits. There ability to perform their job, maintain positive interpersonal relationships, keep up with academic requirements, etc. can all be easily affected.
One of the most challenging tasks for these patients is maintaining a healthy social life. There are many treatment options for this and, if it can be managed through medications, then the results can be positive.
If, however, the condition is unable to be controlled and the patient can no longer lead a healthy life, it can be considered a disability. There is no permanent cure for a patient suffering from this mental health condition.
Types of Bipolar Disorder-
All types of Bipolar disorder involve mania and depression to a degree. As it is a life long illness, one must consult an expert from an early stage. Many people continue to face multiple symptoms and even take medications or other treatments for their condition. Some may become disabled and eventually opt to file a bipolar disability claim.
Below are some different forms of bipolar disorder-
- Bipolar I disorder: The patient suffers periods of severe mood swings/episodes. These can present as mania or depression.
- Bipolar II disorder: In this case, the individual can experience mild hypomania and major depressive episodes. It is a milder form of mood elevation.
- Cyclothymic disorder: The individual experiences short episodes of hypomanic symptoms, and depressive symptoms. These episodes do not last long as compared to full depressive and hypomanic episodes.
- Mixed symptoms: Many people face multiple symptoms, including depressive episodes, manic or hypomanic episodes. Patients in this situation start feeling irritable, despair, hypomania, and suicide prone. It can also be identified by sleeplessness, high energy, racing thoughts, etc.
- Rapid-cycling: If a person experiences four or more mood episodes within one month, the condition is referred to as “rapid-cycling.”
Can You Get Disability for Bipolar Disorder?
It is possible to receive disability benefits, but one needs to meet a certain number of criteria in order to do so. If an individual’s condition is continuous and impairs all their standard functionality abilities, they will be awarded benefits. Most importantly, the impairments must affect their performance in the workplace.
A person can qualify for Bipolar Disorder benefits if the Bluebook’s conditions match. In case one is attaining a medical-vocational disability endorsement based on the individual’s residual ability of functionality, age, or education, then also they are eligible for the benefit.
There are specific impairments that are defined in the Social Security Administration’s Bluebook. The Social Security Administration has declared that any claimant with a bipolar disorder should exhibit depressive syndromes and a history of consistent manic episodes with blend of both symptoms.
Below is an overview of the specific impairments that can be considered in determining the likelihood of an individual to be awarded disability benefits for bipolar disorder.
- Losing the ability to communicate with people in a healthy way
- Extreme limitation of regular activities
- Repetitive episodes of decompensating that can extend for a long period of time.
How to go about applying for Disability for Bipolar?
Bipolar Disorder is listed in the impairment listing manual of the Social Security Administration. A person with Bipolar Disorder who wishes to file for disability benefits can be awarded by satisfying specific criteria. If you are planning to apply for bipolar disorder disability benefits, you should keep in mind that all Social Disability claims will be granted or denied based on medical records.
There are other aspects that will affect the decision of the Social Security Administration however, medical records will carry a lot of weight in the determination of your case. A history of consistent treatment is vital for success in filing your application. In the situation where your request has been denied, you must prepare to file a disability appeal.
- You can apply for your SSD/SSI benefits online.
- You can even call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 and make an appointment.
- Individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired can call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. The SSA office is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
The officials at the Social Security office near you will help in processing your application. You can also access the starter kits for children under 18 years of age and for adults. These kits can be used to seek all related information about disability benefits related concerns.
In most instances of bipolar disability benefits, a social security disability attorney will be able to offer invaluable assistance. They can help you throughout the application and appeals process. You can find an experienced disability attorney to apply for social security for bipolar disorder online. Choose a reliable and trustworthy law firm to ensure your disability application is accurate and complete.