Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental health condition that usually requires lifetime treatment once diagnosed. However, the condition and symptoms can change over time, making it challenging to treat and manage. Periods of mania and depressive episodes significantly affect the sufferer and those around them.
Suffering from bipolar disorder greatly impacts a doctor’s ability to work, and it may take them out of medical practice, entirely. If this occurs, securing disability insurance benefits becomes crucial. Due to the complexity of treating bipolar disorder, limitations in the workplace may be significant. Understanding the nuances of disability insurance policies, and working with a bipolar disorder disability lawyer for your disability insurance benefits is paramount. Seltzer & Associates has dedicated themselves to understanding the disabling conditions our clients face, including mental health and psychological disorders. As a result, you can rely on Seltzer & Associates to treat you with compassion and respect and to fight for the disability insurance benefits to which you are entitled.
Challenges Face Doctors Suffering From Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition to manage. Doctors suffering from bipolar disorder may experience manic and depressive episodes, lack of concentration, fluctuations in appetite, irregular sleep patterns, poor decision-making, and poor judgment.
There are three categories of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I: Manic episodes last at least seven days or require hospitalization due to severe symptoms. Depressive episodes last at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II: A pattern of hypomanic and depressive episodes, but the manic episodes are not as drastic as Bipolar I episodes.
- Cyclothymia: Hypomanic and depressive episodes lasting for at least two years but may not meet the diagnostic requirements for hypomanic or depressive episodes.
Cases of bipolar disorder may not fit one of these categories. The patient may still experience a range of bipolar symptoms and suffer from anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
Bipolar Disorder and Residual Disability
Since bipolar disorder episodes vary and the overall condition can change over time, working with a bipolar disorder disability lawyer to handle issues as they arise with the insurance company can make a difference in your claim. In evaluating your claim for disability insurance benefits, your eligibility may be reviewed in a total disability or residual disability context. For example, if you are pursuing total disability, it may be necessary to prove you cannot perform the material or substantial duties of any occupation (own occupation or any occupation), depending on your policy’s definitions. Alternatively, a partial or residual disability means that you can perform some limited amount of work and still be approved for reduced disability insurance benefits. However, these definitions vary from policy to policy. Have a bipolar disorder disability lawyer examine your policy and make the appropriate arguments for your claim because the insurance company may try to misrepresent your work capacity and deny you benefits.
Contact a Bipolar Disorder Disability Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
If you have bipolar disorder, you need to contact a bipolar disorder disability lawyer to discuss your claim for disability insurance benefits. Contact Seltzer & Associates at 888-699-4222 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.