Disability carriers often challenge a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. How can Disability Insurance Attorneys Dell & Schaefer assist you?
As disability insurance attorneys, Dell & Schaefer have represented numerous long term disability claimants that have been unable to work as a result of bipolar disorder. Disability Attorneys Dell & Schaefer have an expansive understanding of the significant restrictions and limitations that a person with bi-polar disorder must live with on a daily basis. We have worked closely with top physicians in order to sufficiently satisfy a disability carrier’s threshold of evidence necessary to prove that a client is disabled by bipolar disorder is.
Not everyone suffering with bipolar disorder qualifies for long-term disability benefits, therefore the medicals records of each client must be reviewed to determine the level of restrictions. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your long-term disability claim. You can contact us for a free initial consultation.
Attorneys Dell & Schaefer often battle with disability insurance carriers in determining whether bipolar disorder is a mental nervous condition or an organic brain disorder. In a long-term disability policy a mental nervous condition is usually limited to a maximum of 24 months of benefits; whereas a physical condition such as bipolar disorder would usually not be limited to 24 months if it is proven to be an organic brain disorder. Disability carriers will regularly challenge a diagnosis of bipolar as they are aware that it has been classified in the medical literature as an organic brain disorder. There are a variety of legal court decisions around the country that have classified bipolar disorder as an organic brain disorder. If a long-term disability policy does not include bipolar disorder within the mental nervous limitation clause, then a claimant should challenge any attempt to classify bipolar disorder as a non-physical illness. A skilled psychiatrist and psychologist are a critical component in appropriately documenting bipolar disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is an organic brain disorder that causes remarkable shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and can hinder the ability for a person to accomplish everyday tasks. People who suffer from bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia, due to the appearance of psychotic symptoms. It should be noted that even individuals that display psychotic symptoms as a feature of their bipolar disorder, never meet the full diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia.
Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It usually appears between ages 15 – 25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people who have bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder seem to have imbalanced amounts of neurotransmitters called dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which help control persons moods. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain which send messages to different parts of our brain to control various functions.
How the symptoms can affect you
People who suffer with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that are called “mood episodes.” An overly elated or overexcited state is called a “manic episode”, and an extremely sad or despondent state is called a “depressive episode”.
Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a “mixed state”. People with bipolar disorder may also be volatile and irritable during a mood episode.
Physical changes in a person that suffers from bipolar disorder can be equally incapacitating and can include talking faster, racing thoughts, insomnia and impulsive behavior.
Because bipolar disorder is a lifelong and recurrent illness, people with the disorder need long-term treatment, including psychotherapy and medication, to maintain control of their symptoms.
However, sometimes symptoms are so severe that the person cannot function normally. Bipolar symptoms can result in damaged personal and professional relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
Resources and information
There are many valuable sources of bipolar disorder information available. You can also access resources over the internet such as:
There are numerous charities dedicated to bipolar disorder research and treatment including:
Recently Resolved Cases (11)
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- After Aetna denied Ms. Garner’s long-term disability claim, Ms. Garner filed suit against Aetna, and the Court overturned Aetna’s decision and ordered it to pay Ms. Garner’s disability benefits
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- Attorney Cesar Gavidia and Appeal Team at Dell & Schaefer Win Appeal Battle Against Unum to Reinstate Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits to Disabled Software Engineer
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- CIGNA’s attempt to limit claimant to a maximum of 2 years of long-term disability benefits limitation for an organic brain disorder such as bi-polar is reversed by the District Court
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