Bipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability (SSD) Guidelines
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines bipolar disorder as an affective disorder and defines it as being "characterized by a disturbance of mood, accompanied by a full or partial manic or depressive syndrome." Manic symptoms include being easily agitated, easily distracted or over-involved in activities, as well as needing a minimal amount of sleep and participating in reckless activities. Depressive symptoms include numerous episodes of extreme sadness, the inability to concentrate, the loss of pleasure in favorite activities, suicidal thoughts and isolationism.
If your bipolar disorder is keeping you from holding a job, you can seek the financial support you need in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability (SSDI) Guidelines
There are three forms of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar disorder I: Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder I, previously known as manic depression, have experienced numerous periods of severe depression and at least one period of mania.
- Bipolar disorder II: Individuals with this level of bipolar disorder experience less severe bouts of depression along with episodes of hypomania, which involves periods of high energy that do not equal full mania.
- Cyclothymia: Individuals with cyclothymia are often diagnosed incorrectly, as this level of bipolar disorder is characterized by minor episodes of hypomania and mild depression.
The severity of your highs and lows, or manic and depressive episodes, determines your diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Such a determination then affects whether the SSA will find that you have the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform gainful employment. We can ensure you have the medical reports and other documentation necessary to prove your impairment level.
Providing You With the Legal Support You Need to Get the Benefits You Deserve
Whether you need help properly documenting your disorder and submitting a comprehensive initial claim or if you are in need of strong representation to fight for you in an appeal after being denied benefits, the dedicated team of professionals at Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. is here to help guide you through the SSDI benefits process. With extensive litigation and appellate experience, and a strong record of success,* our New York disability attorneys have what it takes to properly advocate for you.
You Pay No Attorneys Fees Unless We Win. Call Our NY SSDI Lawyers to Learn More.
Our Social Security Disability attorneys are available to discuss your potential claim for benefits. Contact our New York law firm online or call us at 888-801-1914 to schedule your initial consultation. We will not charge you any attorneys fees unless and until we win your claim and obtain money and benefits for you.
*Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
