Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes. When properly treated, many people with bipolar disorder are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
However, for others, the condition can be severely debilitating, impairing their ability to function and sustain gainful employment. If you experience bipolar disorder so severe that it prevents you from working, you may qualify for various types of disability benefits and assistance.
Private insurance, Veteran’s Administration, Social Security, and other sources can provide monthly income assistance for those unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a disabling mental or physical impairment. A disability denial lawyer can help you through the process.
Can You Get Disability for Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition involving dramatic mood swings between manic and depressive states. For some, the condition is so severe that it significantly impairs their ability to function and maintain employment.
If you suffer from debilitating bipolar disorder that prevents you from working, you may qualify for various types of disability benefits and assistance.
Overcoming Insurance Company Biases Against Mental Health Claims
Insurance providers often harbor skepticism towards mental health disability claims like bipolar disorder. They may argue that the condition is not severe enough, suggest the claimant is exaggerating symptoms, or claim it’s simply a pre-existing issue.
Insurers routinely deny valid mental disability cases as a means to reduce costs and preserve profits. You can expect pushback that you have not sufficiently followed treatment plans and taken prescribed medications, with the assumption that doing so would alleviate your disability.
Do not be surprised if your long-term disability claim for a mental health condition is initially rejected. To overcome these biases and get your rightful LTD benefits, you need a highly experienced disability lawyer. Do not sign any paperwork or accept a denial without first consulting our lawyers.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Disability Insurance for Bipolar Disorder
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be able to receive disability payments from one or more of the following sources due to your bipolar disorder:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) / Supplemental Security Income (SSI): These federal programs provide monthly cash benefits if you meet the criteria, showing your bipolar disorder causes marked functional limitations and inability to engage in substantial work activity for at least 12 months.
- Private Long-Term Disability Insurance: Many employers provide long-term disability (LTD) coverage in the event you become disabled from your own occupation due to a condition like bipolar disorder. Individual disability insurance policies are also available.
- Veterans Disability Benefits: For Veterans, a bipolar disorder that was incurred in or worsened by your military service may make you eligible for tax-free disability compensation from the VA.
- State Disability Programs: Some states offer short-term or permanent disability benefits for residents who cannot work due to disabling mental or physical conditions like bipolar disorder.
Qualifying for benefits can be extremely challenging, as you typically need comprehensive medical documentation clearly showing how your specific bipolar symptoms cause severe occupational and functional limitations that prevent you from working.
Is Bipolar a Disability?
Bipolar disorder is considered a disability by the ADA. However, actually getting your claim approved is often an uphill battle. Some of the biggest challenges include:
- Providing sufficient objective medical evidence: It can be difficult to “prove” the extent and severity of your bipolar symptoms. Detailed clinical notes and mental status exams from providers are crucial.
- Citing specific work-related functional limitations: You need to demonstrate exactly how manic/depressive episodes, mood swings, concentration issues, etc., prevent you from reliably performing job duties.
- Establishing your condition is persistent and unrelenting: Documentation needs to span at least 12 months and show you cannot sustain any substantial, gainful work activity.
Unfortunately, many deserving bipolar disorder claims are denied each year due to a lack of strong evidence and legal support.
How a Disability Lawyer Can Help With Your Bipolar Claim
While it is possible to be approved for disability for bipolar, having an experienced disability lawyer handle your case from the outset can significantly improve your chances of success while relieving additional stress.
Our team has in-depth knowledge of how government entities and private insurers evaluate and award benefits for mental disorders like bipolar. We take a comprehensive approach to gathering the clinical proof required, including:
- Obtaining all medical records from treatment providers
- Soliciting supportive opinion statements from doctors and therapists
- Having you complete daily activity reports and functional assessments
- Citing your condition’s specific listing criteria and limitations
- Developing persuasive legal theories for functional restrictions
- Preparing you to articulate symptoms and limitations at hearings
Our attorneys ensure every aspect of your bipolar disorder disability case is addressed in a meticulous and compliant manner, giving you the best chances of approval.
Additionally, we work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to you.
Contact a Disability Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
Living with a debilitating mental illness like bipolar disorder can be incredibly difficult. If you cannot work, you should not have to suffer further stress navigating the disability system alone.
Let the compassionate and experienced team at Marc Whitehead & Associates lift that burden by skillfully handling your claim while you prioritize your health and stability.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about getting the bipolar disorder disability benefits you need and deserve due to your bipolar disorder. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible while maximizing your chances of success.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form