Yes, you can qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) if you have bipolar disorder. However, qualifying for benefits requires more than just a diagnosis.
Many people ask, “Is bipolar disorder a disability?” The answer is yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), bipolar disorder is considered a disability.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) also recognizes bipolar disorder as a serious medical condition that can prevent people from maintaining employment. However, the SSA requires extensive evidence that the condition prevents you from working before approving a disability claim.
If you’re trying to apply for SSD with bipolar disorder or another mental health condition, contact our law firm. We offer free case evaluations and superior legal representation.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder comes with many symptoms that impact daily living. It is a serious mental health condition involving extreme mood swings. The high, or manic, periods usually involve heightened energy and activity, extreme happiness, and/or irritability. The lows are usually categorized by feelings of extreme sadness and hopelessness.
The SSA recognizes both the depressive and manic aspects of the condition when evaluating disability claims.
You can receive disability for bipolar disorder if your condition prevents you from working. The key factor is demonstrating how severely your symptoms affect your ability to maintain employment and function in daily life.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Mental health professionals recognize several types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: Involves manic episodes that can come before or after hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Mania can lead to psychosis in some individuals.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Marked by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Bipolar II does not involve the same intense level of mania seen in people with bipolar I.
- Cyclothymia: At least 2 years of many periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms. (Symptoms during low periods don’t meet the criteria for major depression.)
- Other Types: Types of bipolar and related disorders that don’t meet the criteria for the others listed. Unspecified types can be caused by drug use, alcohol, or other medical conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).
How Bipolar Disorder Affects Your Ability To Work
Bipolar disorder can stop you from maintaining long-term employment in many ways. Some symptoms people with this condition experience include:
- Impulsive decision-making
- Poor judgment
- Risky behavior
- Difficulty following directions
- Racing thoughts that make it hard to focus
- Difficulty getting out of bed during depressive episodes
- Trouble concentrating and remembering things
- Lack of energy
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Inability to handle workplace stress
The unpredictable nature of mood swings can make attending work regularly and maintaining performance challenging.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability With Bipolar Disorder
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must demonstrate that:
- Your bipolar disorder prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- You cannot adjust to previous forms of work or new work due to your condition
- Your condition meets the SSA’s qualifying medical criteria
Meeting Blue Book Criteria
The SSA evaluates bipolar disorder under section 12.04 in the Blue Book. The Blue Book lists Social Security Disability qualifying impairments. They range from physical disabilities to mental disorders.
To qualify for SSD with bipolar disorder, you must provide medical documentation that shows you meet the criteria in the Blue Book listing. This includes documentation of bipolar disorder that is characterized by three or more of the following:
- Pressured speech
- Flight of ideas
- Inflated self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- Distractibility
- Involvement in activities that have a high probability of (unrecognized) painful consequences
- Elevated goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation
AND
Extreme limitation in one, or marked limitation in two, of these areas:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with people
- Concentrating or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
If the second set of criteria cannot be met, you may qualify for benefits if you satisfy the first set in addition to the following:
- Your disorder is “serious and persistent.” This means you have a medical history of the disorder spanning at least 2 years, and there is evidence of:
- Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that reduces the signs and symptoms of your bipolar disorder
- Poor ability to adapt to changes in your environment or to new demands in your daily life
Evidence for Your Disability Claim
To prove your bipolar disability qualifies for SSD, you need strong medical evidence. Your disability application should contain comprehensive medical records. Some examples of supportive evidence include:
- Psychiatric evaluations and ongoing treatment notes
- Hospitalization records
- Medication history and treatment results
- Therapy records
- Documentation of manic and depressive episodes
- Records showing how symptoms affect your daily activities
- Written statements from mental health professionals about your limitations
The more thorough your medical documentation, the stronger your claim will be. It’s also beneficial to include non-medical evidence in your claim, such as statements from coworkers or family members about your symptoms.
Work With Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC
When struggling with manic episodes and bipolar depression, disability benefits are a crucial lifeline that can offer financial support. If you’re unable to work because of bipolar disorder or another medical condition, contact our attorneys now.
Proving disability for bipolar disorder is difficult. Mental health conditions often face more scrutiny than physical disabilities when it comes to filing for SSD. Our experienced Tennessee disability attorneys understand the complexities of bipolar disorder cases and know how to:
- Present your symptoms and limitations effectively to the SSA
- Gather and organize compelling medical evidence
- Work with your healthcare providers to document your condition
- Navigate the appeals process if needed
- Guide you through every step of the claims process
We serve clients throughout Tennessee and areas in North Carolina, providing compassionate representation for people struggling with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Our team will fight to secure the benefits you deserve.
Don’t face the disability application process alone. Contact Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, today at (865) 299-7080 for a free consultation about your disability claim. Our experienced professionals will evaluate your case and help you understand your options.
