SSDI Claim For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is sometimes a tricky condition when it comes to Social Security Disability. There are several things that make these cases sometimes difficult to win. The condition causes the individual to have extreme highs and lows. When someone suffering from this disorder is in a manic phase they tend to be very active and this may give the mistaken appearance to SSA that the claimant has the ability to work. Another potential problem is that people who suffer from this condition sometimes have alcohol or drug abuse issues. Social Security will not find someone disabled if drugs or alcohol is material to a finding of disability. In other words if the substance abuse were taken away would the limitations from the bipolar still be disabling. This can be very difficult to show and it can help to have a statement of the individuals limitations absent drugs or alcohol from the treating psychiatrist. For further reading on the subject see "Social Security Disability and Bipolar Disorder."