Is Bipolar Disorder a disability according to Social Security?Bipolar Disorder is considered a severe condition by Social Security, and it may be considered a disability under Social Security guidelines. Social Security considers Bipolar Disorder a disability when it has prevented you from working for the past twelve months or is expected to prevent you from working for twelve months. When you file for disability on the basis of Bipolar disorder, it is important to have a thoroughly documented mental health history, including hospitalizations, therapy and medications (and a medical history that shows you have been compliant with your medications, i.e. have taken them as prescribed). Why is it important to have a documented mental health history? Social Security Disability needs to be able to evaluate how Bipolar Disorder has affected your ability to participate in daily activities including work activities; therefore, medical decisions are based on medical records and various disability forms and information provided by your physicians (medical records), third party persons (sometimes, a relative or neighbor will be contacted regarding your daily activities and what you are noticeably capable of doing), and yourself. What follows is an excerpt from this page: Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI with Bipolar Disorder. "Social Security recognizes that bipolar disorder is a severe medical condition that could prevent an individual from performing work activity at the SGA (substantial gainful activity) level. The Social Security definition of disability maintains that a "disability" is any medically determinable mental or physical condition that has prevented an individual from working and receiving earnings equal to the SGA limit, or is expected to prevent the performance of SGA-level work activity for twelve continuous months, or is expected to result in their death. The Social Security Disability guidebook evaluates the severity requirements needed to be approved for disability on the basis of bipolar disorder under mental impairment listing 12.04 Affective Disorders, section A 3. The listing requires that an individual have a history of episodic periods, documented by the full symptomatic range of both manic and depressive syndrome symptoms (the current episode may be characterized by either or both syndromes)." About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in North Carolina? What does the Severity of your impairment have to do with Your Disability Claim? What does SSA consider a severe impairment for Social Security Disability or SSI Disability Benefits? What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits? How Will Social Security Disability or SSI Look At My Case If I have More Than One Disabling Condition? Social Security Disability Approvals - Medical Conditions and Getting Approved How many Social Security Disability cases are approved for back pain? Will I qualify for disability due to back pain, a bone spur, and bulging discs? Can I Qualify For Disability and Receive Benefits based on Depression? Can a mental illness qualify you for disability? If you have had a heart attack will you qualify for Social Security Disability? How does Social Security consider lupus as a disability? s Bipolar Disorder a disability according to Social Security? Is multiple sclerosis considered a disability by Social Security? How many SSD or SSI denials will you get before being approved? If you apply for disability in in Colorado Getting a Disability Lawyer in Colorado |
