SSDI income and incontinence

Sun Sep 25, 2011 10:15 pm

Does anybody here collect SSDI? And if so, does your incontinence count as a disabling condition with the Social Security Admin? I'm being evaluated for Type 1 Bipolar Disorder w/ a history of psychosis. I also get extremely paranoid. Its really bad. I have tried working many times, only to lose my job and end up in the hospital. Its happened more than once. So I am applying for SSDI. I need the income to support myself and my family. I added bladder and bowel incontinence to my claim because they too effect my job. But the Bipolar disorder w/ psychotic features is the main problem. I was just wondering if anybody here knows anything about the SSA rating incontinence. I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this type of questioning. But thanks anyway if anybody can give me some feedback. I appreciate it. I'll have to research it on the net.

Wed Sep 28, 2011 12:25 pm

Incontinence is recognized as a disability by the ADA, but as far as it being something that would prevent you from working I'm going to have to go with no... there are plenty of incontinent folks who hold down a job.

If you do end up on SSDI I imagine you'll be getting govt. healthcare as well, that would be where I'd bring up the IC part and try to get money or supplies.

Good luck!

Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:09 pm

Puddleguy,
I am medically retired for Bipolar Disorder from the military. I have Tricare Prime for insurance. It can't be beat. I get my incontinence supples provided by the VA. I am rated as partially disabled for incontinence and also for the Bipolar.

I am not applying for SSDI based off my incon issues. I know I would lose that one. I am applying for Bipolar Disorder with psychotic features including delusions, and hallucinations both auditory and visual. I was just wondering if anyone on this site collected SSDI for another disability and thought that incon would just help my case. Having bowel incontinence doesn't help my employment much. Yes I can do it, it just makes it harder. Thats all I was saying.

Thu Sep 29, 2011 5:36 pm

The way I understand it, if you are making your case for unemployability off of bipolar and associated etc. then stick to that. Adding a "by the way, I'm double incon. as well." to the end of it might just lead to trouble, especially if your supplies are already being provided by the govt. for free. That might make it seem like you are just asking for more of a handout instead of being someone honestly deserving of aid.

Thu Sep 29, 2011 10:09 pm

Puddleguy,
I am pursuing the Bipolar disorder as my primary reason for disability. The SSA takes into account all disabilities when examining a case for SSDI/SSI. They did an interview with me and took account of all my health conditions, including my incontinence. They have to see if I could do a job with accomodations that will make me gainfully employed full time. So far, I have only been able to secure marginal employment for a few months at a time. Then I have an episode and end up unemployed and in the hospital. Thats what I'm building my case on. It is hard to work when you have delusions and hallucinations. Mental illness is a common reason many people end up on SSDI. It is not how I would want to spend my life. I want to be productive. I am trying to go to college (with accomodations) so that I can secure a reasonable future for my family. But it is very difficult. Between having bipolar disorder and ADD (that I can't take medication for), it makes it extremely challenging. But I still want to try! Please don't think I'm lazy, because that is not the case. I have worked since I was 15 and became disabled while serving in the military.