Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, is a relatively common mental impairment for which a person may qualify for disability benefits because the effects, when severe, can make it impossible to work productively.
Health.com quotes the National Institute of Mental Health for the statistic that approximately 2.5 percent of the adult U.S. population has bipolar disorder (almost 6 million people).
]]> Although the cause is not known, the hallmark symptom of the disorder is mood swings. A patient may alternate between periods of extremely challenging depression, high energy euphoria ("manic" phase) and a normal mood. At a serious level, the illness can interfere with relationships and work. Some patients become suicidal and symptoms may require hospitalization.Many with manic depression take regular medications to stabilize moods. With treatment, a patient can learn how to recognize when he or she is about to enter a manic phase and take antipsychotic medication to stave off those symptoms.
Counseling is also a major part of effective treatment. Understanding the disease can help a person deal with its impact on his or her life, and with practice a patient can learn to avoid things that trigger difficult moods.
The complexity of bipolar disorder can make it difficult to diagnose. Anyone who has a combination of these symptoms that make it challenging to work should be carefully evaluated by a mental health professional. That evaluation may be important to an application for SSDI.
Source: Health.com, "What Is Bipolar Disorder?" Feb. 18, 2012
]]>Not receiving treatment in time or the resources to get the treatment one needs certainly can affect one's mental health. In many tragic cases, individuals have become so depressed from their constant pain and suffering caused by PTSD that they felt like they had no other option but to turn to alcohol or drugs to find some relief.
Unfortunately, when individuals use drugs or drink excessive amounts of alcohol, they are also at risk of making serious mistakes that could cause them to lose important disability benefits for PTSD.
]]> Prior to being charged with drunk driving, a Marine Corps rifleman sustained a serious head injury during one of his tours overseas when he was involved in an IED explosion. Since then, he has been diagnosed with PTSD and received disability benefits through the Veterans Administration to help him receive the treatment he needs for the disorder. But now his benefits could be jeopardized.If the veteran is convicted of DUI, he could lose his disability benefits. With more combat veterans returning home, PTSD has become a concerning issue that some believe needs to be better addressed in the criminal justice system. Although crimes certainly should not be condoned, revoking veterans' disability benefits could be perilous to their health.
Fortunately, the judge reviewing the Marine Corps rifleman's case has acknowledged that the veteran has gone through quite a bit of suffering after serving our country and the judge is suggesting that the war veteran participate in a probation program. If the veteran completes the program successfully while continuing his treatment for PTSD, the judge will consider dismissing the DUI charge so that the man can continue to receive disability benefits.
Source: The Tribune-Democrat, "Vets and crime: Judges consider service to country during sentencing," Sandra K. Reabuck, Feb. 4, 2012
]]>We have discussed how disability benefits can provide financial help to some residents in Louisville, Kentucky, who suffer from debilitating illnesses, injuries or diseases. But when individuals are already receiving these important benefits, they should also be aware of how some life changes could affect their current benefits.
A couple who married in 2011 received a bit of a surprise wedding 'gift' in the mail from the Social Security Administration. The blushing bride, who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for her bipolar disorder, would no longer be receiving $674 per month in SSI payments. Her benefits would be cut, because of her marriage, to $369 per month.
]]> Her husband also receives Social Security benefits for his own bipolar disorder. His benefits would not be cut due to their marriage, however. His monthly benefits of $698 are paid under the Social Security Disability (SSD) system, rather than SSI.Between the couple, their collective Social Security benefits were cut from $1372 per month down to $1067 per month. The marriage essentially cost them one-quarter of their expected monthly Social Security payments. The couple had inquired about the effect of marriage on benefits prior to tying the knot, but they were told at most they would see a $10 to $15 dollar change. "We probably wouldn't have gotten married," the couple stated had they known how much it would affect the amount they have to live on each month.
Understanding how Social Security benefits are determined - and the difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income - can make a world of difference when it comes to major life decisions. SSD benefits are based on the amount of time that you've spent in the workforce, the amount of credits you've earned toward program benefits and the severity of your disability. SSD benefits should not be affected by marriage.
SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program that is greatly affected by your household income or your access to resources to cover your expenses. Once an SSI-recipient is married, his or her spouse's resources are considered in determining continued eligibility for SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration reports that even when two individuals are receiving SSI, upon marriage, their benefits are likely to be reduced by 25 percent.
Source: CDAPress.com, "The cost of marriage," Alecia Warren, February 6, 2012
]]>February 14 is certainly a day to be distracted by love, but February is also American Heart Month. According to health experts, men and women in the U.S. are more likely to die from heart disease or to develop a disability as a result of heart disease compared to any other illness including cancer. However, health experts also believe that many Americans can take matters into their own hands in order to better prevent dying or becoming disabled from heart disease by maintaining healthier lifestyles.
]]> To improve your heart health and the health of your loved one this Valentine's Day, consider the following suggestions provided by physicians:Eat healthy and stay active. Eating healthy is important not only to make sure that you are receiving the proper nutrients your body needs, but being more aware of what you consume can also help you to prevent eating foods that can cause your cholesterol levels to rise. When LDL cholesterol levels rise, you could be at a greater risk of developing heart disease.
Exercising, even if it is just for 30 minutes to one hour each day, can help you keep your heart healthy and strong. But when you combine exercising with eating right, you can also lose weight. Obesity is another factor that can increase your risk of developing heart disease, so maintaining a healthy weight can be extremely beneficial.
Although you may be addicted to tobacco, health experts believe that those who don't smoke can significantly reduce their risk of developing chronic heart problems.
There are many other things you can do to take care of your heart that you should consider talking to your physician about including having several types of screenings or tests performed in order to monitor the health of your heart. If you already suffer from heart disease or other chronic heart problems, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits depending on the severity of your condition.
Source: The Fort Morgan Times, "Learn how to reduce heart disease risk," February 6, 2012
]]>This discovery has provided hope that fewer Louisville residents and other Americans will suffer from the illness in the future if the disease can be treated and diagnosed before it progresses to the point where an individual becomes disabled. However, another discovery from researchers offers even more hope that the progression of Alzheimer's disease and early onset Alzheimer's can be stopped entirely some day.
Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease, causing memory loss and other cognitive impairments as the illness progresses. For decades, researchers have been trying to find a cure for the disease, but they were not certain exactly how the disease progressed in one's brain.
]]> Now, researchers from Columbia and Harvard who conducted two different studies believe that the disease spreads like an infection through the brain, destroying healthy brain cells as it moves from cell to cell.In both studies, researchers analyzed data from mice that were genetically engineered to produce abnormal tau proteins. Previously, researchers discovered that the tau protein fills healthy human brain cells, causing Alzheimer's. After analyzing data from the mice, researchers discovered that instead of some cells being more vulnerable to damage caused by tau proteins, the proteins had actually spread from nerve cell to nerve cell.
What is exciting about this significant discovery is that researchers now plan on testing to see if they can block the production of the tau protein in the brains of the genetically engineered mice, which could one day lead to a cure for humans. This discovery may also open the doors for finding ways to prevent the progression of other debilitating brain diseases such as Parkinson's.
Source: The New York Times, "Path Is Found for the Spread of Alzheimer's," Gina Kolata, Feb. 1, 2012
]]>When folks first start to notice symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, it is extremely important that they begin to document their medical conditions and changes in health. Recording trips to the doctor's office and writing down notes about one's worsening health conditions could be very beneficial in the future if one does indeed suffer from a debilitating medical condition that is difficult to diagnose. When filing for disability benefits, an individual must be able to provide evidence of one's medical condition before benefits will be approved. A detailed medical history could increase one's chances of having his or her benefits approved in a timely manner.
So what kind of symptoms should raise a red flag for Kentuckians that could indicate that they may be suffering from a debilitating illness such as fibromyalgia?
]]> Folks typically begin to notice symptoms of fibromyalgia between the ages of 30 and 50. In addition to feeling extremely achy and tired every day, individuals may experience other symptoms including: anxiety, depression, stiffness, spasms and trouble concentrating.Documenting these symptoms is important because it can take months or years for doctors to diagnose patients with fibromyalgia. Because there are currently no tests that can scientifically prove that one suffers from this debilitating condition, doctors must perform numerous tests in order to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing one's symptoms.
Unfortunately, once the illness is diagnosed, there is very little doctors can do to treat one's condition. Doctors suggest that patients keep a positive outlook, despite how physically and mentally draining their conditions may be. Regular exercise and physical therapy can help to decrease some pain. Healthy eating and sleeping habits may also help to prevent conditions from worsening. Medications like acetaminophen or other pain killers may be prescribed to reduce one's pain.
Fibromyalgia is an illness that is oftentimes misunderstood because doctors do not know what the underlying causes are of the chronic disorder. However, it is estimated that as many as six million Americans suffer from the debilitating illness.
Source: EastMeadowPatch, "A deeper look at fibromyalgia," Steven Walerstein, MD, FACP, Jan. 31, 2012
]]>Many Kentucky residents receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for physical or mental impairments that keep them for working. Some of the common conditions that can lead to a severe disability include: spinal cord injuries, mental impairments, fibromyalgia, gastro-intestinal disorders and cancer.
]]> Many Kentucky residents with disabilities were able to attend the rally last week. A bus of advocates from Louisville also participated in the event. Beshear mentioned that he had included funding in his budget that would create more availability of independent living options for those with disabilities. Those who live with physical and mental impairments often feel frustrated that they must rely on so many others to help take care of their special needs, but the proposed living options may provide some with a better sense of independence.Several lawmakers who spoke urged the attendees to continue to pressure lawmakers as the legislative session gets under way so that funding for important services is not cut. Funding cuts would mean fewer services for the disabled, such as Meals on Wheels and in-home personal care.
Coping with your own disability or the disability of a loved one is a struggle. Even the application process to get Social Security benefits started is challenging. State services that allow disabled workers to remain in their homes are important and funding for these services should not be cut.
Source: The Courier-Journal, "Capitol rally supports Kentuckians with disabilities," Deborah Yetter, Jan. 31, 2012
]]>But the truth is there are thousands of individuals in Kentucky and millions of other Americans who suffer from debilitating physical and mental illnesses and injuries. For those who are now disabled but held full-time jobs for the majority of their lives and have family members who depend on them, these programs can be vital.
Instead of cutting benefits offered by these programs, some suggest that there are better ways to reduce spending while also making significant improvements to these types of government programs.
]]> The president of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives suggests that helping the disabled to find work that better suits their physical and mental impairments is a great method for helping people to become less dependent on SSD benefits. The president of the organization believes that offering better incentives to employers who hire disabled Americans would also help to encourage the disabled to seek employment. Another obvious method of helping the disabled to become less dependent on government programs would be to provide better medical resources to the disabled in order to improve their health conditions if at all possible.Although any large, complex government program is bound to face problems, the American people and our government also need to remember that these programs are meant to provide important resources to those who have made great contributions to our country.
Source: USA Today, "Opposing view: Disability benefits remains a vital lifeline," Charles Martin, Feb. 2, 2012
]]>However, it is the hope of many that ongoing research and technological advances in the field of medicine will help to find ways to better detect, treat and prevent the development of some of these debilitating illnesses, injuries and diseases. In recent news, one study suggests that something as simple as more exposure to the sun could help Kentucky residents and other Americans to prevent developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
]]> The causes of IBD are unknown and it can be difficult to diagnose, but the condition does cause individuals to experience inflammation in the digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia and fever. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are forms of IBD that can cause chronic health complications.According to statistics, these diseases affect about 1.4 million Americans, which has prompted researchers and medical professionals to try to find ways to better diagnose, treat and prevent the diseases from affecting patients.
Last month, the results of a study regarding IBD were published in Gut: An International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. After analyzing data dating back from 1976, researchers concluded that more exposure to the sun could be linked to reducing one's risk of developing Crohn's disease. According to the data, individuals living in southern states in the U.S. were 52 percent less likely to develop Crohn's disease compared to those living in the northern states.
Although more research may need to be done in order to determine the true benefits of more sunlight, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America has said that patients suffering from these diseases oftentimes lack Vitamin D, which individuals can get from spending more time in the sun.
Source: EmpowHER, "Sun Exposure Might Impact Inflammatory Bowel Disease," Deborah Ross, Jan. 23, 2012
]]>As many Kentucky residents may have already experienced, filing an application correctly can be a challenging and lengthy process. Once an application is finally submitted it could take several months before one receives his or her disability payments.
During this waiting process, individuals still need to pay for their medical expenses and support their families. In some cases, those applying for benefits may begin to rely more and more on their credits to help pay for living costs with the intentions of paying off the debt once disability payments are approved. But if months go by before SSD payments are awarded and credit card bills remain unpaid, an individual could end up being sued by his or her credit card company. The question is: can credit card companies garnish one's SSD payments to pay one's debt if there is no other income to garnish?
]]> Fortunately, unsecured creditors cannot count one's SSD payments as income. This means that an individual's disability payments cannot be garnished to pay off unsecured debt. However, credit card companies and other creditors may be able to go after other assets and cash, which could cause even greater financial problems and legal concerns.In order to avoid financial trouble while one waits for disability benefits, it is best to make sure that one's application is filled out quickly and correctly the first time. Failing to do so could result a denied claim which will only complicate and delay the process further.
Source: CreditCards.com, "What happens when you're sued for a credit card debt," Erica Sandberg, Jan. 25, 2012
]]>The 2010 survey consisted of face-to-face interviews with a random selection of 68,500 Americans over the age of 18. Individuals living on the streets, active-duty members of the military, prisoners and hospital patients were excluded from the survey.
Participants answered a series of questions in order to determine if they suffered from any sort of concerning mental health problem such as depression, psychosis, adjustment disorders or anxiety. What surveyors discovered was women, young adults, the unemployed and those with lower incomes were more likely to suffer from a mental illness in 2010.
]]> The results of the national survey show that about 20 percent of the participants had a diagnosable mental illness. About 5 percent suffered from a serious disorder that had an effect on their ability to work or their personal relationships with others. The survey also revealed that only 60 percent of the individuals with disabling mental health problems sought treatment for their conditions.Mental illness affects individuals in a variety of ways. Some Louisville, Kentucky, residents may be able to treat depression by attending regular counseling sessions with a professional, while others take prescription drugs to help manage their mental impairments. But mental health problems can also be difficult to treat and can cause individuals to become completely disabled.
As more professionals and researchers study mental health issues and understand who may be more likely to suffer from a mental health condition, it is the hope of many that individuals can eventually be treated sooner and more effectively for their mental disorders in order to prevent their conditions from taking over their professional, social and personal lives.
Source: The Washington Post, "Government survey finds that 5 percent of Americans suffer from a 'serious mental illness,'" David Brown, Jan. 18, 2012
]]>In addition to enduring the painful symptoms of the disorders, individuals oftentimes have to undergo numerous tests just to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia or CFS, which can be a lengthy and exhausting process. And even after a patient is finally diagnosed with a chronic illness, he or she could spend another several months trying to obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
But in 2009, the results of a study suggested that an underlying cause for CFS was discovered, providing many individuals from Louisville and all over the world with hope that the disorder would one day be easy to diagnose and treat. Unfortunately, the authors of the study recently retracted some of their findings.
]]> The results of the study were originally published in the journal Science in 2009. The authors of the study had analyzed 101 patients who suffered from CFS and discovered that 67 percent of the patients had contracted the retrovirus XMRV. Due to the high number of CFS patients with the virus, the authors concluded that the virus may have been the underlying cause of the disorder. But since the study was published, subsequent studies have failed to reach similar conclusions. Another study discovered that the virus was also common in a number of patients who did not suffer from CFS.The underlying cause of CFS remains unknown even though more than one million Americans suffer from the disorder. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men are less likely to develop the disorder compared to women. The department also reported that individuals between the ages of 40 and 59 are more at risk of developing the difficult-to-diagnose illness. The disorder can be debilitating, causing individuals to suffer from extreme fatigue, muscle pain, headaches and impaired memory.
Source: dailyRX, "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Link with XMRV Questioned," Nicole McEwen, Jan. 12, 2012
]]>But as Kentucky residents begin to learn how to cope with their physical or mental impairments, they may at some point consider seeking employment once again. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration offers a program called "Ticket to Work" that provides eligible individuals with the resources they need to find employment without completely losing their current monthly benefits. When these individuals do find steady employment, they may eventually become less reliant on SSD and SSI benefits, which can certainly be an empowering feeling for those who live with impairments.
]]> Although the Ticket to Work program certainly has its benefits, some disabled individuals may be discouraged to apply for the program after having been out of work for a long period of time or out of fear that working with their disability will be too difficult. As a result, some organizations are looking for ways to encourage the disabled to try the Ticket to Work program by offering special incentives.One organization is currently offering participants a monthly $50 gas card when they complete job skills training and later find a job. The incentive certainly relieves some of the stress of paying for transportation, but the organization hopes to incorporate other incentives for seeking employment while disabled such as new clothes for interviews and a reverse job listing program.
For those who lose jobs after finding a placement under the program or discover that working with their impairment is too difficult, the individuals may be able to have their disability benefits restored.
Source: Union Leader, "State offers bonus to lure disabled into jobs," Mark Hayward, Jan. 9, 2012
]]>Due to the debilitating effects of the disease, individuals who are diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's may be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Because these individuals may not be able to afford waiting several months for their benefits to be approved, the Social Security Administration has listed the disease on the administration's Compassionate Allowances program (CAL) list. This means that individuals may be eligible to expedite their claims for disability benefits so that they can get the financial assistance they need in a timely manner.
Although disability benefits may help those who have early-onset Alzheimer's, discovering that one may begin to lose his or her memory can be devastating. What's more devastating is that the disease can be difficult to treat since it is not usually until the illness has reached its advanced stages that individuals begin to realize they may have the degenerative brain disease.
However, researchers now believe that they may have found a way to detect the disease before individuals begin to experience symptoms, which could also mean that patients could be treated much sooner to possibly prevent the illness from progressing.
]]> According to a doctor from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital and a group of researchers, brain scans may be able to detect if certain parts of the brain are thinner than normal, indicating the possible development of Alzheimer's.The doctor and researchers have been studying brain scans of hundreds of patients who suffered from the disease in its various stages, coming to the conclusion that those who developed symptoms of Alzheimer's typically had shrinkage in certain parts of the brain well before experiencing any symptoms. Researchers also said that they noticed that nine areas of the brain seem to be affected the most in individuals who later displayed symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Researchers said that more studies need to be conducted in order to determine if early detection can help doctors to better treat the disease and to prevent the disease from progressing, but the results of this study certainly can provide hope to many Americans that this illness may one day be able to be managed better in order to prevent it from disabling their loved ones.
Source: TIME, "Study: Brain Scans Help Predict Alzheimer's Disease Early," Alice Park, Dec. 22, 2011
]]>A spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars said that it is not uncommon for veterans to wait about six months before their applications are processed and compensation amounts are approved. If a claim is denied and needs to be appealed, the disabled veteran could end up waiting another two years before receiving benefits.
But when veterans need compensation now to cover medical expenses or treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, waiting this long for benefits could put veterans in serious financial trouble.
]]> One veteran who applied for benefits in May said that he and his wife were worried that it could take a year before he received disability benefits. At the time, the veteran was suffering from cancer of the larynx and esophageal cancer, both life-threatening illnesses. The man and his wife knew that he would qualify for benefits, but while waiting for compensation to be approved, they began struggling to pay their living expenses.Representatives from the U.S. House Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies said that the agencies are addressing the issue regarding the lengthy process to obtain disability benefits so that they can find better ways to expedite claims and to improve the overall application and approval processes.
Veterans returning home to Kentucky who need disability benefits may want to consider working with an attorney who can make sure that one's application is filed correctly so that they can receive the benefits they are eligible for in a timely manner. The spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars commented that many claims are initially denied because of missing paperwork, forcing veterans to spend months, or years, appealing the denied claims.
Source: Dayton Daily News, "Veteran' wait for benefits is lengthy," Mary McCarty, Jan. 8, 2012
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