Bipolar Disorder Sufferer Wins Benefits

Wendall Blake, age 59, married and with children, was found disabled “because of a bipolar disorder so severe that you are unable to perform any work existing in significant numbers in the national economy.”

Wendall, a military veteran with a college education, had worked as a data analyst for nearly 20 years, then went into sales, then tried again as an analyst for a major corporation. His case shows the benefit of having an attorney prepare a detailed defense. Prior to Wendall’s hearing, attorney Neil H. Good prepared a memo outlining to the Administrative Law Judge Wendall’s various medical issues.

“He has affective disorder and is bipolar with manic episodes,” the memo stated. Wendall also had been hospitalized for volatile behavior and suicidal ideation. Bouts of agitation, not sleeping and not eating are followed by down episodes, with fatigue, lethargy, and reclusive behavior. During manic episodes, he is active, uncontrollable, elated, irritable, hyper-verbal, with pressured speech. He exhibits bizarre behavior, volatile behavior, threatening behavior. He hides in the closet. He has obsessive and racing thoughts, with grandiose delusional ideation. “He calls people and heads of companies. He makes grandiose offers and advice to CEO’s.” He also has limited insight, plus downward spirals. Tests indicate “major impairment in several areas, such as work or school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.”

He now receives disability benefits, securing a level of stability for his family.