Marc Whitehead & Associates

Denied Claims for Bipolar Disorder Disability Benefits

Bipolar disorder disability prevents millions of people from being able to handle everyday activities, including their ability to earn a living. The unfortunate reality is, disability claims for mental impairments such as bipolar disorder, whether they are filed on an insurance policy, or through the Veterans Administration or Social Security disability programs, are frequently rejected.

Even the most medically supported and valid claims for bipolar disorder disability may be denied initially. This is all the more reason why claimants should to seek the help of a skilled and experienced disability lawyer.

About Bipolar Disorder Disability

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. It is a brain disorder that can cause excessive mood swings, where the person cycles between depressive states and high states (mania). These cycles can occur over long periods, or may occur at the same time.

During mania, the person may experience euphoria, rage, sleeplessness, and rushed thoughts and speech. In severe manic episodes, the patient may become delusional or suffer hallucinations. In the depressive state, the person suffers extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, too much or too little sleep, and suicidal thoughts. These unusual shifts in energy levels lead to an overall inability to function normally.

Many factors are cited as causes of bipolar disorder disability:

• Imbalance in brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters
• Hormonal imbalance
• Genetics
• Traumatic experiences or extreme stress

Can You Get Social Security Disability for Bipolar Disorder?

Yes - bipolar disorder is designated in the Social Security Listing of Impairments manual under Mental Disorders, Listing 12.04 - Affective Disorders. If your affective disorder – in this case, bipolar disorder - is severe enough to meet or equal the listing, you will be considered disabled.

The listing characterizes bipolar disorder as “a disturbance of mood, accompanied by a full or partial manic or depressive syndrome. Mood refers to a prolonged emotion that colors the whole psychic life; it generally involves either depression or elation.”

As a claimant, you must be viewed to be unable to work any job for at least twelve consecutive months in order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

In our work with people suffering from bipolar disorder disability, we know that the very symptoms of the condition can create a misleading representation of the victim. When a person is in a state of elation and high energy, they may appear to be able to function in the workplace. Other problems include an “on and off” work history, which may affect their eligibility for benefits.

Claims for Social Security Disability for bipolar disorder will be approved or denied to a great extent based on medical records. Sufficient records must be provided, as well as evidence of symptoms and psychological abnormalities that demonstrate your inability to work.

The best way to help your own cause is to get proper medical treatment, and follow the advice and medication regimen your doctor gives you. By establishing a record of mental health treatment, your case for bipolar disorder disability improves.

Because your claim has been denied, you may think your chances of winning benefits are over. Do not give up hope. Most initial applications for SSDI benefits are denied. As Board Certified Social Security Disability attorneys, we want you to know that we will personally work with you to provide the help you need to appeal the denial. No matter where you live, we can help.

Veterans with Bipolar Disorder Disability

Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders that occurred in or were aggravated during service may obtain disability compensation. Bipolar disorder is considered to be a disability by the VA, and is listed in their Schedule for Rating Disabilities under Mental Disorders, and specifically under Mood Disorders.

Disabilities are rated by the VA according to loss of function and the effect on your ability to work and earn a living. Not all forms of mental conditions are covered in the VA schedule, despite how disabling the condition may be. Thus, a wrong diagnosis could result in denial of benefits you would otherwise be entitled to receive for bipolar disorder disability.

As accredited Veterans claim attorneys, we know VA disability law. By understanding the reasons the VA denies and delays claims, we have helped many veterans with bipolar and other mental disorders win their rightful benefits.

We work with your doctors, family members and other third parties to substantiate your bipolar disability claim. We are able to support your physician and others with appropriate counsel and information regarding your condition to promote an accurate diagnosis according to VA disability requirements.

We understand what rating should be assigned for your level of bipolar disorder. We will gather the needed documentation to support the level of severity, and present all evidence to the VA in the most beneficial manner.

Denied Bipolar Disorder Disability Claims for LTD Insurance

Marc Whitehead & Associates aggressively represents insurance policyholders that have had bipolar disability claims unfairly denied. We can help you fight the insurance company’s denial whether you personally bought the policy, or the policy was issued through your employer.

Many disability insurance policies contain language that classifies mental impairments such as bipolar disorder, as a mental nervous condition. Defined as such, typically only 24 months compensation is allowed. However, this may not be accurate if the bipolar disorder is a biologically based illness. This then becomes an argument of an unacceptable assignment of the disorder in the policy language.

Insurance companies will use many other tactics to defend their decision to deny your award of disability benefits. Claims of misdiagnosis, lack of medical evidence, or clauses in the policy language about pre-existing conditions are common.

Strategies to overturn denied claims for bipolar disorder disability will vary greatly depending upon which type of long term disability policy you are fighting. We understand the reasons and excuses that insurance companies use to deny claims for mental disorders. Let us fight to hold your insurance company accountable, so you may recover the benefits you are due.

Working with Our Disability Claim Attorneys

Do not hesitate to appeal a denied claim. Our firm helps people across the country overturn claim denials for bipolar and other mental disorders. In most cases, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that no retainer is required, and there are no fees until we win.

Please call our attorneys toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us here to discuss your bipolar disorder disability.