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

Disability Benefit Denial Options
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We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong appeal.

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We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

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Disability Company Reviews
(641)
Showing 8 of 641 Reviews
New York Life

Keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting

Reviewed by M.T. on February 15th 2024   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
I have been appealing a claim for LTD for 8 months! New York Life keeps claiming they will not approve claim for pre existing conditions but my illness is not preexisting ... read more >
Reliance Standard

Staff Lie

Reviewed by Tanya on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | August 2021 date of disability
I had my disability cut off the day I was scheduled to find out whether I should have surgery. The claims examiner was aware that I had an appointment on that date and sai... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It’s crazy that Reliance Standard would deny your disability benefits when you are suffering so badly that you need surgery.... read more >

Hartford

Former Hartford employee has had life insurance and accidental death policy's revoked for one late premium payment

Reviewed by Becky H. THOMAS on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | February 2024 date of disability
Dislike how they are constantly interrupting the lives of their disabled EE's whom are entitled to benefit which they paid into out of there pay check every pay period onl... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Thank you for your review of Hartford and we appreciate you sharing.  It’s sad they don’t take care of their own employees.

Lincoln Financial

Never received benefits my entire leave - or help with them

Reviewed by Anna on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I used my short term disability insurance for maternity leave and started the process beforehand knowing when I would be out (scheduled induction.) It took a little over a... read more >
Sun Life

Unscrupulous Tactics

Reviewed by Misseekayy on December 19th 2023   Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability
Sunlife uses unscrupulous tactics in order to prevent payment of claims. They wait until it is close to the 30 day mark and then they ask for another form of information o... read more >
New York Life

New York Life said if I had gotten a knee replacement I would have been eligible for benefits. Sorry New York Life, 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, New York Life 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 r... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 17th 2014 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Deb, if New York Life 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 ... 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
(10)
Showing 8 of 10 Answered Questions

Q: Would any new disabling conditions be considered by Metlife when considering whether or not to continue my benefits?

Answered on October 11th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: The change in diagnosis will likely lead to denial so please explain the situation to your treating doctor. Me... Read More >

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 >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 873 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(330)
Showing 8 of 330 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 #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak

If you're seeking long term disability benefits from an insurance company, you may be concern... 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 >
Dell Disability Cases
(372)
Showing 8 of 372 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
(765)
Showing 8 of 765 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 >

Reliance Standard Disability Denial Upheld Due to Claimant's Lack of Strong Medical Record Support

In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of... Read More >

Unum Wrongfully Terminated Disabled Lawyer’s Disability Claim of Depression and Anxiety Despite Improvement in His Condition

This Unum lawsuit and appeal in federal court is a great victory for all Unum disability claimants. This ca... 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 >

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Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

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