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Is Bipolar Disorder a Disability?

Bipolar disorder, marked by intense shifts in mood and energy levels, can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and ability to work. If you or a loved one has bipolar disorder and struggle to maintain employment, you might wonder whether this condition qualifies as a disability under Social Security. The short answer is: Yes, bipolar disorder can be considered a disability.

We’ll explore the process of obtaining disability for bipolar disorder and how a Social Security Disability lawyer at Ascend Disability can improve your chances of approval.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, previously called manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings ranging from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). These shifts affect energy levels, judgment, behavior, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

There are several types of bipolar disorder:

  • Bipolar I Disorder: Involves at least one episode of mania, which may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by episodes of depression and hypomania, which are less severe than full mania.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Involves chronic, fluctuating mood swings that aren’t as intense as those seen in Bipolar I or II.

The unpredictability of bipolar episodes can make maintaining consistent employment or managing daily responsibilities difficult. As such, many people with bipolar disorder find themselves unable to work full-time, leading them to seek disability benefits through Social Security.

Is Bipolar Disorder a Disability?

Yes, bipolar disorder is recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA) if it meets certain criteria. Mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder, fall under the SSA’s “Blue Book” listing of impairments. Specifically, the SSA evaluates mental disorders based on their severity and impact on the person’s ability to function in a work environment.

There are two main types of Social Security Disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

bipolar disorder concept, is bipolar disorder a disability?

Can You Get Disability for Bipolar Disorder?

Receiving Social Security disability benefits for bipolar disorder is possible, but the Social Security Administration imposes strict eligibility standards. Merely having a diagnosis is not enough. Instead, you must prove that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working or performing essential life activities.

The SSA uses a two-step process to assess eligibility:

  • You have bipolar disorder AND
  • Your bipolar disorder severely limits your mental functioning OR
  • Your bipolar disorder has persisted despite treatment for two years or more

Proving You Have Bipolar Disorder

The SSA’s definition of bipolar disorder covers specific symptoms:

  • Pressured speech or rapid talking
  • Racing thoughts (flight of ideas)
  • Reduced need for sleep
  • Distractibility
  • Impulsive behavior that may result in harmful consequences
  • Over-inflated self-esteem
  • Psychomotor agitation (restlessness or involuntary movements)

To meet the criteria, you need to demonstrate at least three of the above symptoms.

Proving Severe Mental Functioning Limitations

The Social Security Administration evaluates how the disorder affects your ability to function by assessing four areas:

  • Understanding, remembering, or applying information
  • Interacting with others
  • Concentrating and staying on task
  • Adapting to changes or managing yourself

You must show that your condition either results in an extreme limitation in one area or a marked limitation in two or more areas. A marked limitation means you are severely impaired, though still somewhat capable of functioning independently. An extreme limitation means you cannot function independently for a prolonged period.

Proving Long-Term, Serious Symptoms

Suppose you do not meet the above criteria for severe mental functioning limitations. In that case, you may still qualify by proving that your bipolar disorder is persistent and serious despite at least two years of continuous treatment.

This can include ongoing therapy, medication management, or other mental health interventions. Daily support may also qualify, such as living in a group home or having family members assist with daily activities.

To prove your condition is serious, you must show that you’re mostly or completely unable to adjust to new demands or changes in your environment.

The Importance of Medical Documentation

A strong disability claim for bipolar disorder depends heavily on medical records and treatment history. Your chances of approval improve if you can provide:

  • Records of consistent psychiatric care (monthly visits to a psychiatrist and weekly therapy sessions)
  • Details of hospitalizations or emergency treatments due to bipolar episodes
  • Documentation showing how your symptoms impact your ability to work or manage daily activities

Social Security Disability concept with words on a clipboard

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the Social Security disability application process is complex, especially for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. Working with a disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving benefits.

Here’s how our attorneys at Ascend Disability can help you.

Building a Strong Case

Our attorneys understand the criteria for Social Security disability benefits. We can help gather the necessary medical records, testimonies, and evidence to support your claim.

Managing Deadlines and Applications

Filing a complete and accurate disability application is critical. Missing documentation or minor mistakes can lead to a denial. We ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.

Handling Appeals

If your Social Security disability claim is denied, we guide you through the appeals process. Many applicants are denied on their first try but succeed during the appeal stage. Having legal representation increases your chances of winning an appeal.

A disability lawyer can help by:

  • Identifying missing documentation or weak points in your initial application
  • Preparing you for an SSD hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
  • Presenting additional evidence, such as updated medical records or expert testimony

Personalized Support

Every client’s situation is different. At Ascend Disability, we provide tailored legal advice based on your individual circumstances. We’re committed to helping clients across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and nationwide obtain the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.

By partnering with Ascend Disability, you’ll gain the peace of mind that comes with having skilled advocates in your corner. Let us help you secure the benefits you deserve and focus on what matters most—your health and well-being.

Take the First Step Toward Disability Benefits Today

Living with bipolar disorder can make maintaining a steady job or managing daily responsibilities extremely challenging. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits are available to those whose condition prevents them from working. However, meeting the SSA’s strict requirements can be difficult without experienced legal help.

At Ascend Disability, we are dedicated to helping clients secure the benefits they deserve. With decades of experience in disability law and a compassionate approach, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from the initial application through appeals.

If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder and unable to work, contact Ascend Disability today at (855) 445-9787. We’ll provide a free consultation to help you understand your options and take the first steps toward obtaining the financial support you need.

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