Hi lawtcrav,

You might get more responses if you start your own thread in the main section below.

If your concern is how to explain to SSA that at times you are able to be more active despite the pain, I would focus on the fact the you pay the price with increased pain afterwards, that your manic periods are unpredictable so you cannot schedule work when they occur, and the aspects of bipolar that contribute to and complicate your disability, like the poor impulse control, poor judgement, tendency to spend money that you can't afford, and inability to concentrate.

Increased physical activity during periods of mania is a symptom of that disorder, not a sign that your physical limitations aren't valid.