Bipolar disorder can damage a person’s mental health by producing alternating manic and depressive periods. In some cases, the condition can even prevent you from working. In such a case, you would be eligible to receive bipolar disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If the diagnosis by a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist, suggests that you suffer from the condition of bipolar disorder, you should speak with a bipolar disability benefits lawyer at The Keener Law Firm. An experienced and knowledgeable disability benefits lawyer at our office can assist you with the initial disability application determination process. In case you received a denial of benefits or other adverse determination of your claim, we can also represent your claim at different levels of appeal.
Bipolar disorder was earlier called manic-depressive disorder. It is characterized by extreme mood swings oscillating between mania and depression. The following symptoms may indicate periods of high mood swings called mania.
The periods of high mood swings or mania are often followed by periods of depression that are characterized by the following symptoms:
A proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not limited to clinical evaluation by trained mental health professionals. It also relies on the statements and reports provided by relatives, friends and other people who observe the person outside of a clinical setting.
For winning bipolar disability benefits through SSI or SSDI, you will have to meet the medical and non-medical requirements for the respective program. However, you also need a diagnosis of the disorder and a treatment plan from your mental health professional to qualify for bipolar disability benefits.
You can qualify for bipolar disability benefits by meeting the criteria of section 12.04 of the Listing of Impairments (or the Blue Book) used by the Social Security Administration. The Listing of Impairments lays down different conditions under which a physical or mental impairment is considered severe enough to cause a disability as defined under federal regulations. Your medical records can be used to prove that you satisfy the listing criteria.
Even if you do not meet the Blue Book criteria for bipolar disorder, you may maintain a detailed daily diary to document how your mental health condition hampers your daily routine. This will furnish evidence to show that bipolar disorder limits residual mental functioning and renders you unable to work.
Consulting a bipolar disability benefits lawyer at The Keener Law Firm can provide you with the necessary advice, guidance, and representation for applying for SSI or SSDI benefits. However, if you receive a denial of benefits, a compassionate and experienced bipolar disability lawyer at our office can challenge the determination through the disability appeal process.