BPD Disability Benefits

Is BPD A Disability?

Yes. A borderline personality disorder is on the disability list according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). A claimant needs to prove you are experiencing symptoms of the disorder.

The symptoms of BPD must meet the criteria stated in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, which is a list of medical conditions that are considered disabling by the Administration. The diagnosis will need to come from a professional in the mental health field, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. 

To be approved for disability benefits, your symptoms must be severe enough to prevent you from being able to work. The SSA will review the severity of your condition and how it affects your daily life and ability to perform job functions.

According to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), people who are suffering from BPD can qualify for accommodation at work and in school. Treatment may be inaccessible to some owing to a lack of insurance coverage and a shortage of BPD practitioners.

What is a borderline personality disorder?

Personality disorders are a type of mental health condition characterized by unhealthy patterns of thinking, functioning, and behaving. It causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work, and school. These types of symptoms also make it difficult to deal with everyday issues and maintain gainful employment.

Common Types of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

There are several different types of borderline personality disorders. The following are some of the more common ones:

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder is a destructive disorder that deals with a person’s regard for what is right and wrong. People with this disorder typically have a history of repeatedly breaking the law, and may become aggressive when challenged. They often have a disregard for the rights of others, are impulsive and reckless, show deceitful behavior, and may not be able to form meaningful relationships.

2. Histrionic Personality Disorder is a disorder that involves a person’s negative self-image. People suffering from these disorders often face frequent mood swings. They may also engage in impulsive and risky behaviors to gain the attention or approval of those around them.

3. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is somewhat the opposite of a histrionic disorder. This disorder is characterized by a pattern of need for validation and a lack of empathy for others. People diagnosed with a narcissistic personality disorder may have an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement. They may also be excessively critical of others, and have difficulty forming healthy relationships.

4. Dependent Personality Disorder is a disorder characterized by severe anxiety and a sense of immaturity in the person with the disorder. Those suffering from this disorder often feel misunderstood and dismissed as clingy or naïve to a fault. They often suffer from fear of abandonment that can be sometimes debilitating for the person, and they tend to be highly sensitive to criticism.

Symptoms Faced by BPD Patients

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers borderline personality disorder under the criteria of mental health disorders. To receive approval for BPD disability benefits, you must have evidence of symptoms that show how the condition is affecting your ability to work.

These conditions are often characterized by emotional instability and drastic changes in behavior. Some individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder experience significant difficulty in regulating their emotions.

Borderline personality disorders can include a variety of symptoms. The medical record must show a record of these symptoms to be eligible for benefits. Symptoms associated with borderline personality disorders may include the following:

• Frequent mood swings;
• Sudden change in interest;
• Sudden change in values;
• Instability in relationships;
• Experiencing instability in emotions and being unable to control them;
• Fearing being abandoned;
• Impulsivity;
• Intense anger;
• Experiencing everything in extremes, either feeling too good or too bad;
• Episodes of anxiety;
• Episodes of depression; and more.

Applicants suffering from a disabling borderline personality disorder often experience other mental health conditions at the same time. In many cases, symptoms will overlap with other mental disorders, including depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, or eating disorders.

Can You Get Disability Benefits for Borderline Personality Disorder?

To qualify for borderline personality disorder disability, you need to meet the Blue Book listing of SSA or prove that your disability is making it impossible for you to work. 

You can receive aid if you meet the eligibility requirements outlined by SSA regulations for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). With either program, you must have medical evidence showing that you have a bipolar personality disorder with symptoms that limit your ability to maintain employment.

How to get BDP disability benefits?

There are different ways of getting BDP disability benefits. You can show that your condition meets the requirements of an impairment listing outlined by SSA. Or, you could show that the condition is severe enough to be classified as a disability because you are unable to work at any job for which you are qualified.

1. The SSA Listing of Medical Impairments – If you have been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, you will need to meet the medical criteria published in the Blue Book to be eligible for benefits The Blue Book is the official list of all physical and mental impairments published by SSA. The listing for BPD states that impairment must be established by medically documented symptoms.

2. Unable to work – The second way to be approved for disability benefits is to show that your medical condition prevents you from working. This means that you cannot do any kind of work, given your limitations. You will have to provide documented evidence that you are unable to work in any job considering your limitations.

The SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to evaluate what tasks you can continue to perform despite your condition. They will look at different factors such as age, education, job experience, and work history as part of the evaluation.

Medical Evidence Required for Bipolar Personality Disorder Disability (BPD)

Medical records and employment records play a crucial role in getting approval for SSA disability benefits. Regardless of the disability you are applying for, you will have to provide sufficient medical evidence to prove that your condition hinders your ability to work.

For a mental health condition, the most important evidence is related to your diagnosis, treatment history, and mental health functioning. Medical records should include information about your symptoms, diagnoses from qualified medical professionals, psychiatric assessments or psychological evaluations, treatment notes from healthcare providers, records related to hospitalizations and medications.

The following are the recommended documents to present as evidence for a disability application:

• Psychological testing;
• The mental status examination report;
• Neuropsychological testing;
• Personality measures testing.

Depending on your condition, you may also need to provide evidence from a vocational expert who is qualified and experienced in evaluating mental disorders.

It is helpful to gather these documents before commencing the application to ensure your application is as complete as possible. The SSA reviews eligibility for personality disorders with strict adherence to the criteria. Anyone with a borderline personality disorder (BPD) must have medical documentation to support their disability benefits application.

Are people with borderline personality disorder dangerous?

People who suffer from BPD experience abandonment feelings and face problems controlling their emotions. Moreover, they also suffer from impulsive behavior and at times they drive carelessly. These people may cause self-harm and find it complex to maintain relationships.

Need Legal Help? Get in touch to know the SSD eligibility requirements.

If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, it can be difficult to determine if they qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys can help you understand the disability requirements and provide guidance throughout your application process.

A social security attorney in new jersey can also help you gather all the required medical evidence and guide you through the entire disability process. So, if you are seeking SSD benefits for a BPD disability, contact us for a free case consultation today.