Hi yall. My favorite brother in law is bipolar and is unable to work after his last 4 month manic episode. The Pdoc has him off work for 2 months at least. Anyone out there have any experience with trying to gett SSI disability? He also is an alcoholic ( not drinking for 2 years now!), has had 2 heart surgeries and is a vietnam vet who should probably have VA disability for PTSD since that is what started his drinking. I'm travelling to see him for 2 weeks and try to help with VA and work issues (will either be forcibly retired or fired if he ever gets released to go back to work.) His wife makes about 300 per week cleaning houses and he fets no pay when he is out of work. He was/is a HVCA tech and really shouldn't be working with electricity. He is alos maxed out on his psyc meds due to the heart condition. ANY FEEDBACK WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Bill
Re: ssi disability for bipolar adult unable to work
Applications for SSI are almost always denied the first time around. I would encourage your brother in law to obtain as much documentation as possible (from a psychiatrist and/or therapist if he sees one) indicating the extent to which his bipolar negatively impairs his daily functioning.
__________________
Atypical Bipolar I Disorder with Rapid Cycling
Meds:
Depakote 1500mg
Prozac 40mg
Risperdal 1mg titrating to 6mg/day
Klonopin .5mg (2x/day)
Trazodone 100mg or 200mg PRN
Last edited by dreams in neon; 02-18-2009 at 05:39 PM.
Re: ssi disability for bipolar adult unable to work
Bipolar one is defined as having manic episodes, and usually, but not always, depressive episodes. Bipolar two is far more depressive in nature, with hypo-manic episodes.
Manic episodes usually involve things like risk taking behavior, excessive, sexual promiscuity, feelings of grandeur, intense creativity, etc.
Hypo-manic episodes are milder, and while they can be extremely unpleasant, generally aren't as risky or as disruptive to the person's life.
I hope I'm not offending anyone with these broad definitions--obviously everyone's experiences are different, just trying to give an overview.
Re: ssi disability for bipolar adult unable to work
Just wanted to say that I am on Social Security Disability and I am Bipolar 2.
I was also diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety. As soon as I applied, I got a lawyer involved. It took over 2 years and I was denied a couple of times. It was well worth the wait, however, I received all that in backpay.
At the time, I did not think I was going to win becasue I didn't think my bipolar was severe enough. It was nothing like stories I have read. The lawyer focused on my dibilitating depresions and anxiety of leaving the house to go to work, shop, drive, etc.
It's worth a shot to appply, but it is a long, nerve wracking process.
It helps to have lots of documentation from a doctor. I had a stay in a mental health facility for 5 days and I think that may have helped me as well.
I wish him well.
ssi disability for bipolar adult unable to work 
