SSI and SSDI Filings for Bipolar Disorder/Depression
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, an evaluation of disability, when based on mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, necessitates obtaining proof of a medically determined impairment, the degree of limitation associated with the impairment and consideration of whether the limitation will last, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months.
SSA Mental Health Classifications
The SSA website further states that mental disorders are grouped under diagnostic classifications, with the categories covering such impairments as organic mental disorders, schizophrenia, somatoform disorders, developmental disorders, substance and addiction disorders, autistic disorder, affective disorders and personality disorders or defects. Criteria in the form of medical findings are given to each SSA evaluator so he or she can best determine the claim.
Definition of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder itself falls under the category of affective disorders – mood-changing behavior that is characterized by disturbances of the mood followed by a partial or full manic-depressive episode. Mood is defined as a contracted emotion that strongly influences one’s psychic life – an emotion that conveys either elation or depression.
Manic-Depressive Episodes
Work-related interruptions that result from bipolar disorder and depression include depressive syndrome, which is characterized by loss of interest in activities, appetite disturbances, insomnia, psychomotor agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or difficulty thinking. More severe cases may present such symptoms as suicidal thoughts, or paranoia. Bipolar patients may also suffer from manic syndrome, supported by such characteristics as hyperactivity, a flight of ideas, easy distractibility, inflated self-esteem or a decreased need for sleep.
Work-related Issues
Bipolar claimants often must ask for disability as their mental impairment results in a marked restriction in daily living activities as well as restrictions on concentration, social interaction and maintaining a consistent work pace.
What Bipolar Patients Must Show to Prove Disability
Our SSD lawyers can help bipolar applicants with medical documentation that chronicles a history noted by chronic affective disorder of at least a period of 2 years, all of which have caused a limitation to engage in work. Medication and psychosocial support should be administered as well. Patients must show in their current history that they have been unable to function outside a supportive living arrangement for one or more years, and that the need to live in this manner will continue.
Why Legal Help Is Mandatory
Needless to say, acquiring the services of an SSDI/SSI legal specialist is needed if you want to file your SSDI/SSI claim properly and gather the proper medical documentation. Concentrate on the aspects of the disorder that prevent daily work and back those reasons up with sufficient medical notes and tests.
Our law firm makes sure that we check every detail and outline of a claimant’s physical and mental history. Filing an SSDI/SSI claim yourself can be done, but, in order to make sure the filing is taken seriously, you want to retain an SSD lawyer for representation.
