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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jrbecker on February 6, 2006, at 9:58:49
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=37144&nfid=mnf#
Bipolar Gene Discovery No Big Deal To Bipolar Disability Victims, Says Advocate
Category: Bipolar News
Article Date: 05 Feb 2006 - 15:00pm (UK)
Many of the 2 million bipolar disorder sufferers in the U.S. have severe symptoms which prevent them from holding down regular jobs. Unfortunately, according to professional disability advocate Dr. Susan Nickerson, DC PT, a number of bipolar disability cases are slipping through the cracks of a flawed Social Security system. Dr. Nickerson addresses the problem with a new "Bipolar's Guide to Winning Social Security Disability", a novel solution to this dilemma.
The recent discovery of the gene responsible for bipolar disorder holds scientific interest, but certainly no consolation for the many thousands of bipolar sufferers in the U.S. whose symptoms have become so severe that they can no longer hold down regular jobs. These symptoms range from extreme mood swings or manic episodes to feelings of hopelessness, even suicide attempts.
According to Dr. Susan Nickerson, DC PT, a professional advocate for the disabled, the problem is compounded by a government system that continues to deny millions of the disabled the medical and health benefits they deserve.
Mental disorders, which include depression and bipolar illness (also known as manic depression) are responsible for about one third of Social Security Administration disability claims paid. But with an initial benefit denial rate of 62% (year 2000 figure), many applicants simply give up without appealing, and are then subjected to even more financial and emotional stress.
With more than two million Americans estimated by the National Institutes of Health to have this serious mood disorder, Dr. Nickerson warns that many bipolar disability cases slip through cracks in the flawed Social Security disability system. Bipolars are losing more than just financial benefits; other benefits include medical care, prescription medications and continued financial support while attempting to go back to work.
To address the needs of those with bipolar disorder who are no longer able to work normally due to their condition, Dr. Nickerson has developed a comprehensive self-help guide to assist them in applying for disability benefits…and boost their chances of collecting them.
Although some people with bipolar choose to hire an attorney or a non-attorney professional advocate (such as Nickerson), this is not a viable option for everyone.
Due to the nature of bipolar disorder, many sufferers do not have a consistent work history that qualifies them for the SSDI program, which is based on past earnings. Therefore, they may only be eligible for the SSI program, which is need-based. And many attorneys and advocates shy away from these SSI cases. Since very few back benefits may be forthcoming, they are often not financially practical cases for the advocate to take on.
Also, right or wrong, many disability claimants hesitate to pay for representation services. Fees can amount to as much as $5300 subtracted from the winning claimant's back benefits.
Dr. Nickerson considers her “Bipolar's Guide to Winning Social Security Disability”, currently sold online as an e-book , the perfect compromise: a far greater amount of help and support for disability claim success than the claimant would ever get at a local Social Security office. . .without the substantial expense of a personal advocate.
Additionally, her guide discusses when professional help is vital, and when it isn't - and provides a free 20 minute disability consultation by phone. The guide also serves as a helpful resource for those who work with the bipolar population and those who have bipolar friends or family members they would like to help.
For more information, Dr. Nickerson can be contacted at Advanced Disability Advisors:(303) 522-5467. Readers can also access a free report on bipolar disability benefits by going to the www.winbipolardisabilitybenefits.com website.
Advanced Disability Advisors
www.winbipolardisabilitybenefits.com
Posted by Phil on February 6, 2006, at 10:12:53
In reply to Bipolars - applying for Social Security benefits, posted by jrbecker on February 6, 2006, at 9:58:49
This is the end of the thread.
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