MANIC SYMPTOMS & DISABILITY BENEFITS

UNDERSTANDING MANIC SYMPTOMS & SSD BENEFITS

Manic symptoms affect daily life in serious ways. Many people with bipolar disorder struggle to keep a job, manage money, and maintain stable relationships. Additionally, manic symptoms impact your focus, your mood, and your ability to function at work and at home. As a result, you may find it hard to keep a job or even complete simple tasks.

Manic symptoms impact your focus, your mood, and your ability to function at work and at home. As a result, you may find it hard to keep a job or even complete simple tasks. A manic episode can cause fast speech, racing thoughts, poor judgment, and risky behavior. Some people sleep very little and still feel full of energy. Others experience anger, frustration, or extreme confidence. If you experience manic symptoms, then you may wonder if you should apply for Social Security disability benefits.

However, winning a claim based on your manic symptoms is not easy. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not list mania or manic symptoms as a stand alone condition. Even so, they can be a strong part of your SSD claim. You can still win SSD benefits if you show how severe your manic symptoms are and how they impact you. Therefore, the key is proving how manic symptoms limit your daily life and your ability to work 40 hours a week.

In this blog, you will learn how to prove your manic symptoms affect your ability to work. You will also see how you can build a strong SSD case around bipolar disorder. Most importantly, you will understand what steps you can take right now to improve your chances of winning SSDI and SSI benefits.

HOW MANIC SYMPTOMS IMPACT YOUR ABILITY TO WORK

Manic symptoms often begin with increased energy and unusual behavior. A person may talk rapidly, spend large amounts of money, or take dangerous risks. Some people feel euphoric, while others become aggressive or impulsive. These behaviors create serious problems in the workplace. For example, your performance may drop and mistakes may increase. If the symptoms go on long enough it will come to the attention of your boss and other workers.

In addition, manic symptoms create poor concentration. Sleep problems also appear during mania. Many people sleep only a few hours each night. Over time, lack of sleep increases confusion and emotional problems. For example, you may forget tasks or lose track of time. As a result, you may struggle to complete even simple duties. Worse, you may fail to get to work on time. These problems can make it very difficult to keep a steady job.

Severe manic symptoms may include delusions. A person may believe their grandiose ideas about power, success, or importance. In severe cases, you may even experience psychosis. Obviously, these manic symptoms make working extremely difficult. Employers expect consistent attendance, focus, and for you to control your emotions. Mania makes it impossible for you to use these skills.

Moreover, manic symptoms can make you feel anxious, angry, or show symptoms of depression. Consequently, working with others or handling stress will be difficult. When you combine all these issues, it becomes clear that manic symptoms can limit your ability to work at almost any job.

WHY A DISABILITY CLAIM FOR MANIA CAN BE CHALLENGING

Even though manic symptoms are a serious problem, the SSA does not approve claims based on mania alone. Instead, they look at how your manic symptoms affect your overall ability to function.

For instance, manic symptoms often occur along with other conditions like bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder. Because of this, your claim may depend on those medical conditions. The manic symptoms that occur with bipolar disorder are part of what is required to meet the SSA listing under step three of their rules. In other words, mania alone will not meet SSA’s criteria, but if it is part of another mental disorder, then it will help you win benefits.

Furthermore, the Social Security Administration requires strong medical proof. This means you must have records that support your symptoms. Without this evidence, your claim may not succeed. That is why proper medical records are so important from the start of your SSD claim.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE PROVES MANIC SYMPTOMS ARE DISABLING

To win your SSD case, you need consistent medical records that prove your manic symptoms. First, you should see your doctor on a regular basis. This shows that your condition is ongoing and serious. Next, you need to explain how your manic symptoms affect your daily life. For example, you may struggle to focus or complete tasks. You may also have racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, severe mood changes. Because of this, your ability to work becomes limited.

Medical evidence shows your manic symptoms are real and, despite treatment, ongoing. Therefore, you need records that come from regular medical visits. These records help prove that your manic symptoms are not a short term issue. Instead, they are chronic condition that affects your daily life.

Progress notes from your doctor describe your manic symptoms in detail. For example, your doctor may record conflicts at work, trouble in your relationships, and inappropriate behavior. Did you spend all of your savings gambling in Vegas? Or, did you throw out your record collection that took years to collect? Likewise, did you stay up for three nights in a row? Your doctor can document these issues.

Moreover, your treatment history matters a great deal. You may try medication, therapy, or other treatment plans. Even so, if your symptoms continue, this shows your manic symptoms are not responding to treatment. Therefore, your medical records show that you are trying to get better, but it isn’t working.

Finally, statements from your doctor can make a big impact. When your doctor explains how manic symptoms affect your ability to work, it adds strength to your case. Because of this, you should make sure your doctor clearly documents your mania. In turn, this helps you present a better claim for disability benefits.

LIVING WITH MANIC SYMPTOMS AND SEEKING SUPPORT

Living with bipolar disorder requires ongoing care and support. Manic symptoms often create stress for both the individual and their family members. Financial ruin, job loss, and emotional conflict may occur during severe episodes or mania.

At first, many people with manic symptoms feel like they can conquer the world. They may start large projects, make multiple plans, or believe they can achieve impossible goals. While this confidence sometimes appears productive in the beginning, it often becomes difficult to control. Over time, bad judgment and poor behavior begin to create serious problems.

During mania, a person may jump from one idea to another without finishing conversations or tasks. Speech becomes rapid, loud, and difficult for others to follow. Friends and family members often notice these changes before the person experiencing mania fully recognizes them.

Family members can provide statements to the SSA about your daily behavior and emotional changes. These statements help explain how mania affects your relationships, finances, and personal safety. Outside observations often provide valuable support for a disability claim. As a result, these statements can help the SSA understand how serious your condition is.

HIRE US TO HELP YOU WIN SSDI & SSI BENEFITS

Chronic manic symptoms can be hard to prove. Therefore, many people who file Social Security applications are denied after they apply for benefits. In fact, only 30 percent of initial SSD applications are paid without the need for an appeal. The remaining 70 percent of people must go through the appeals process in order to win benefits.

The appeals process includes three steps. First, there is the initial application. If you lose there, you can appeal. If the SSA denies your case on appeal, then you can request a hearing. You will need to prepare for your SSA hearing, by knowing in advance what questions the judge will ask at the hearing.

You should not go to a hearing without an attorney. At the hearing, the judge is likely to call witnesses to testify. For example, the judge may call job expert (VE) or a medical expert (ME) to testify at your hearing. The ME is there to testify about your medical records. Likewise, the VE is at the hearing to testify about your past work. Also, the VE will testify about your ability to do other jobs in the national economy, even if you have manic symptoms.

In order to win your case, you have to question these experts. This is a job for an attorney. One who has experience in SSD law. Don’t leave your future to chance. Hire an attorney to help you.

THE MEDICAL EXPERT CAN TESTIFY ABOUT YOUR MANIC SYMPTOMS

Medical Experts (ME) often testify at Social Security hearings. The ALJ calls them to review your mental health  records for bipolar disorder. Also, they explain your other medical conditions to the judge. Your attorney can request that an ME testify in court. This is, however, mostly done in complex medical cases.

The medical expert who appears at the hearing is not your treating doctor. The doctor at the hearing must have never met you before. Because, the medical expert is there to give testimony about your medical records and should not be in favor of either side of the case.

Usually, the ME attends the hearing. However, they can also testify by video or by telephone. It is also possible for an ME to answer written questions after the hearing. The judge sends written questions to the expert. The ME’s report requires review and possibly filing objections. If you do not know how to do this, then hire an attorney. Do not fail to prepare for the medical expert.

MANIC SYMPTOMS & THE TESTIMONY OF THE JOB EXPERT 

The VE is also an expert witness, just like the medical expert. Normally, the SSA Judge calls a VE to testify at the hearing. The Judge will ask the VE about jobs that are available to you based upon your residual functional capacity (RFC). VEs have training in placing people in jobs. They also understand the numbers and types of jobs that exist in the nation. They are at the hearing in order to answer questions about jobs in the national economy.

Once the Judge asks you questions about your manic symptoms and mental disorders, she will decide what you are capable of doing during an 8 hour work day. The SSA calls this your RFC. Therefore, your answers to the questions at the hearing are very important. They are just as the important as the medical records you submit.

The Judge listens to your hearing testimony and then takes the symptoms from your medical records to determine how your manic symptoms impact you on the job. At the end of your hearing, the Judge will ask the VE questions. Likewise, your attorney will ask questions. If you do not know how to question the VE, then you should hire an attorney.

WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR MANIC SYMPTOMS

You do not need to try to win SSD benefits for manic symptoms on your own. We can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you file an appeal after every SSA denial. That way, you can focus on your health. Our attorneys and staff can:

• Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
• Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
• Inform the SSA to pay your benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
• Request an appeal if you get an initial denial
• Help you confirm your free SSA doctor exam
• Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
• Prepare you to testify at your ALJ hearing
• Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
• Understand why job expert testimony is needed at the hearing
• Learn about the importance of medical expert testimony
• Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
• Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court

If you file your application for benefits on Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back.

Additionally, once you receive a denial from the SSA, you have 60 days to file an appeal. You must meet the time limit set by the SSA. If you do not, then you will have to start the process over again. That means you will lose any benefits you could receive on any prior application.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO HIRE OUR LAW FIRM?

Another important factor to consider is what it costs to hire an attorney. At our law firm,  you do not pay an attorney fee until we win your case. The attorney fee comes out of your past due benefit. If we do not win your case, then there is no back benefit. Therefore, you will not owe an attorney fee.

How much is the attorney fee? It is 25% of your back benefit. But, the fee is capped at $9200. The SSA raises the attorney fee cap every few years. You do not pay more than the cap. If you win, then you will pay either 25% of the back benefit or the fee cap. You pay whatever amount is less. For example, if your back benefit is $10,000, then you would pay 25% of the back benefit, which is $2500.

If there are costs in your case, then you pay for those costs. However, the costs are minimal. For example, you must pay for copies of your medical records if we cannot get them for free. The medical records cost whatever your doctor charges for them. You owe costs whether we win or lose your case. To hire most lawyers, you have to pay a fee upfront. That doesn’t happen when you hire our law firm to help you win SSD benefits. It is important to learn as much as you can about attorney fees in SSD cases.

WHAT WILL IT COST YOU IF YOU DON’T HIRE THE RIGHT LAWYER?

What will it cost you if you don’t hire a lawyer with the legal experience to win your benefits? For example, if you win benefits at 50 years old, then you will be paid for the next 17 years. You may also win two of years of past due benefits. Therefore, if you are 50 years old, you are asking the SSA to pay you 19 of SSD payments.

It costs 25% of your back benefit OR $9200 from your back benefit to pay your attorney. You pay us whatever is less and only if you win. If you win your case, then your attorney has won you close to half a million dollars, plus early Medicare benefits.

All attorneys charge the same fee. So, you can go it alone and not hire an attorney, but chances are you will not win benefits. Or, you can hire an attorney with over 30 years of experience and only pay a fee if you win. If you hire us, then your chances of winning triple. The choice is yours. But, we hope you can see that the cost of a lawyer with 30 years of experience is worth it.

YOU NEED LEGAL HELP TO WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR MANIC SYMPTOMS

If you need help filing for SSDI or SSI benefits, then hire an attorney to help you. At our SSD law firm, we help you apply and appeal any SSA denial you receive. You only have 60 days to appeal an SSA denial. So, don’t delay in calling our office. You do not want to miss the 60 day time limit to appeal. We can answer your questions over the phone at no cost to you. We will give you advice on how to appeal.

It is always our goal to win benefits for our clients. In order to win your case for manic symptoms, you will need mental health treatment. Seek help from a counselor. Also, get mental health treatment from a doctor. Have your doctor give you medications to treat your condition. If you don’t have health insurance, then use our list of free and low cost mental health sources to find one.

We have won over $100 million in ongoing and past due SSD benefits for our clients. Put our experience to work for you. Hire the best SSD legal team. You can hire us for no upfront fee. This type of fee means we do not charge you an attorney fee until we win your case. If we do not win your case, then there is no attorney fee. Therefore, if you don’t win, we don’t get paid.

Most attorneys charge an attorney fee, whether the attorney wins or loses your case. We don’t work like that. You have nothing to lose by hiring us. You only have benefits to gain. Therefore, contact us today. See how our legal experience can help you win SSD benefits for your manic symptoms.