Collecting Bipolar Disorder Disability Benefits Is A Reality

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:

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

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Disability Company Reviews
(627)
Showing 8 of 627 Reviews
Sun Life

What a mess

Reviewed by Unknown on September 12th 2023   Verified Policyholder | July 2020 date of disability
This place has no idea what day it even is. First they attach my claim to my previous claim in which was a new claim. They messed up and denied me then made me wait yet ag... read more >
Reply
Sent on September 12th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear what you are experiencing. Make sure you deal with Sunlife writing and follow up every day. If you would like assistance please contact us.

Sedgwick

I was disabled 2003 by SS. I got SSDI 7 years too late.

Reviewed by Bunny on August 9th 2023   Verified Policyholder
I believe if Sedgwick would have moved on my Claim. They absolutely did everything not to answer my calls, change dates. I had already been through WV comp. Ins. Sold out,... read more >
MetLife

Only care about $$$$$

Reviewed by Allen Cox on August 8th 2023   Verified Policyholder | September 2013 date of disability
PLAY THEIR GAME FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE.....after getting a copy of the insurance policy from my HR. I nipped a lot of the headaches quickly by calling their bluff word for w... read more >
Reply
Sent on August 8th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Allen,
Sorry to hear what you have been through. I am glad you fought back.

Sedgwick

They falsify documents and avoid contact as much as possible.

Reviewed by Jeff Allsop on July 27th 2023   Verified Policyholder | February 2023 date of disability
They avoided sending the documents needed for the claim for two weeks. I had to escalate with a call from my company's HR and Sedgwick (the only way I was ever able to get... read more >
Hartford

This company is a scam!

Reviewed by Hana K. on July 13th 2023   Verified Policyholder | December 2022 date of disability
The Hartford does not pay claims. The Hartford only collects premiums. The Hartford doesn’t care if you are terminally ill. I’ve been employed at my employer since 201... read more >
Cigna

Cigna said if I had gotten a knee replacement I would have been eligible for benefits. Sorry Cigna, my knee had to wait when I was in the hospital 4 times for my bipolar disorder

Reviewed by Deb on June 17th 2014   Verified Policyholder
Well, Cigna has done their Re-Eval, and it looks like it will be a “No.” I had two disabilities when I left my last job. Bipolar Disorder, and need of a knee replaceme... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 17th 2014 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Deb, if Cigna does deny your appeal, please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we may be able to assist you in potentially bringing a lawsuit under ERISA on... read more >

MetLife

I’m not disabled in MetLife’s eyes, even though I cannot do daily tasks and am on over 5 medicines.

Reviewed by Jennifer on May 4th 2013   Verified Policyholder
I have worked for my work for over 4 years. During working for this company I learned I have bipolar, anxiety, and depression. I have gone out of work about 4 times for th... read more >
Reply
Sent on May 4th 2013 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Jennifer, You will need to file an appeal of your MetLife disability denial. Your disability policy should tell you the time frame within which you need to file an appe... read more >

Unum

I don’t understand how they can get away with this

Reviewed by Patti Welch on November 7th 2012   Verified Policyholder
I was living in Fairbanks, Alaska. And got very sick. Ended up in hospital for 2 days. Was told to get my own doctor, which I did. He refused to let me return to work and ... read more >
Reply
Sent on November 7th 2012 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Patti, Did you ever appeal the Unum denial of benefits? If you did, then you may still have time to sue Unum and seek reinstatement of benefits.

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(9)
Showing 8 of 9 Answered Questions

Q: Bipolar on STD Hartford is LTD

Answered on June 6th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: I am sorry to hear what you are going through. It seems like you should easily be approved based upon your ext... Read More >

Q: Can Aetna deny my application on the basis of pre-exisiting condition? Do they discriminate against the mentally ill?

Answered on September 2nd 2020 by Attorney Steven Dell
A: Molly, unlike health insurance plans, a disability insurance carrier can deny application for coverage based o... Read More >

Q: Is 6 month reporting normal?

Answered on March 8th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Joe, six month reporting is very normal, and often Cigna requires monthly or every three months so the six mon... Read More >

Q: Is it true that I can't go on STD again for the same reason as last time?

Answered on January 19th 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Melissa, It depends on the language of the policy. If the policy will only ever cover a certain period of time... Read More >

Q: Does UNUM need to see an ever worsening series of physician reports to keep approving?

Answered on September 14th 2015 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Dan, all disability claims are as strong as the medical support. It takes a concerted effort with your doctors... Read More >

Q: How can Cigna use SSDI as an offset yet not accept me as disabled?

Answered on November 1st 2014 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Bethbug, The law is clear that receipt of SSDI does not guarantee the right to benefits under a private disabi... Read More >

Q: Should I add my physical illnesses to my exsisting STD claim or file a new claim?

Answered on September 2nd 2014 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Rodney, Yes. Disability insurance claims consider all conditions that may be resulting in your inability to wo... Read More >

Q: Is bipolar disorder considered a mental or physical condition subject to the 24 month term for mental health?

Answered on June 6th 2013 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Lori, The answer is dependent on the language used in your policy. Some policies exclude Bipolar from the 24 m... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 805 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(329)
Showing 8 of 329 Benefit Tips

Should bipolar disorder be classified as a mental nervous condition and limited to 24 months of benefits?

Attorneys Dell & Schaefer often battle with disability insurance carriers in determining whether bipolar disorder is a mental nervous cond... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company

When you're seeking disability benefits under a long term disability policy, your medical rec... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

One thing many long term disability claimants don't know about (or expect) from the claims re... Read More >

How Do You Fight a Long-Term Disability Denial?

Getting a denial letter from your disability insurance company is one of the ultimate insults... Read More >

Disability Denial Reason #2 - Change of Disability Definition & Vocational Review

One of the top reasons for terminating a claimant's long term disability benefits involves th... Read More >

Disability Denial Reason #1 – Paper Review & IME

At Dell Disability Lawyers, we've seen insurance companies give countless reasons to deny lon... Read More >

How to Apply for Reliance Standard Disability Benefits & Top 5 Reasons for a Claim Denial

At Dell & Schaefer we’ve handled hundreds of long term disability insurance claims against Reliance Standard, and have learned a few thi... Read More >

Applying for Standard Disability Benefits? Top 5 Claim Denial Reasons

At Dell & Schaefer, we've helped hundreds of clients recover long term disability benefit... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(359)
Showing 8 of 359 Dell Disability Cases

Prudential overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for Oregon Software Engineer

Our client, Mr. B, formerly worked as a Software Engineer for an International Software Corporation. In November 2014 a number of issues inclu... Read More >

CIGNA overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for New Jersey Account Manager

Our client, Mr. W, formerly worked as an Account Manager for a large entertainment Company. In May 2015 a number of co-morbid physical and psy... Read More >

Senior Global Tax Director for billion dollar worldwide industrial company is again receiving disability benefits from MetLife after Appeal by Attorney Alexander Palamara

To say my client had an intellectually demanding job is an understatement. The corporation he worked for operates in 35 countries and employs ... Read More >

MetLife Reinstates Disability Benefits to Attorney on Appeal

Our client is an accomplished attorney working for a large international law firm who despite suffering from Bipolar Disorder was able to comp... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(763)
Showing 8 of 763 Lawsuit Stories

After being denied disability benefits, Rabbi suffering from bipolar disorder sues CIGNA

An Indiana disability attorney recently filed a federal lawsuit against the Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (Cigna). The Plaintiff, b... Read More >

Prudential Insurance pays disability benefits for 12 years to former Prudential employee then denies claim

Robert Bankston worked for Prudential Insurance Company of America from 1988 to December 1997 as an insurance and financial services agent. Mr... Read More >

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

Cigna attempted to deny lifetime disability benefits for a claimant suffering from a psychiatric organic brain disorder, but the district cour... Read More >

Former financial trader files lawsuit against Connecticut General Life Insurance (MetLife) seeking lifetime long-term disability benefits

Attorneys Dell & Schaefer has filed a long-term disability breach of contract lawsuit in federal court against Conneticut General Life Ins... Read More >

Federal Court Overturns Aetna Denial Of Disability Benefits

In the recent case of Ferrin v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. a federal judge from the Northern District of Illinois determined that Aetna improperly te... Read More >

Court Finds Irregularities in Procter & Gamble Long Term Disability Benefit Denial

In ERISA cases filed in a district court asking for judicial review of a plan administrator's denial of benefits, the court is generally limit... Read More >

Federal Judge Makes Companion Life Insurance Pay Long Term Disability Benefits

Companion Life tried to play games and deny long term disability benefits, but thankfully a New Mexico Federal Judge made them pay disability ... Read More >

NFL Disability Review Board Ignores Evidence of Disability and Appeal Court Reverses Lower Court Decision

In Darren Mickell v. Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Players Retirement Plan (Plan), Mickell spent nine years in the NFL as a defensive e... Read More >

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