Akron Back Problems Disability Lawyer

If you have an injury or back condition that prevents you from working, you could receive monthly Social Security Disability (SSD) payments to assist with your living expenses. However, proving your back problem is severe or debilitating enough to qualify can be challenging, and you may need legal help, especially if you received a denial of your initial claim.

An Akron back problems lawyer with Berger and Green can file your SSD application and manage your appeal in Ohio. Our firm has 40-plus years of experience serving injured and disabled clients. We can put our knowledge, skills, and compassionate service behind getting the financial resources you deserve.

How Can Our Lawyers Help With Your Back Pain Disability Claim?

Social Security Disability encompasses two benefits programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

SSDI is available to “insured workers” who have earned work credits. You usually need 20 credits, or five years of work, to qualify. Younger workers may require fewer credits.
SSI is a program available to individuals with disabilities with limited income or resources. You do not need work credits to become eligible.

Some individuals qualify for SSDI and SSI at the same time, although you must apply for each program separately. However, most initial applications receive an unfavorable determination. The Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy reports that as of 2020, the denial rate was nearly 70 percent, up 10 percent from 2010.

If you cannot work due to back problems, our Akron SSD attorneys can help with your disability claim. Our legal team can:

File your initial application
Ensure the Social Security Administration (SSA) has the appropriate information regarding your health care providers
Review denied claims and help you understand why you received an unfavorable determination
Gather additional evidence to bolster your claim on appeal
Represent you throughout your appeal
Manage paperwork, deadlines, and claim-related communications
Answer your questions, explain your options, and provide you with frequent and timely updates

How Much Can You Receive in SSD Benefits?

SSD payments can make a significant financial difference for individuals with disabilities.

If you qualify for SSDI, your monthly benefit amount will depend on your earned work credits. In general, the more credits you have, the more money you will receive. However, other benefits and sources of income (such as workers’ compensation or employment benefits) will affect your payments. You can get an estimate using the SSA’s online Benefits Calculator.

SSI payments change yearly based on economic indicators. The 2023 rate is $914 per individual per month. Ohio residents can apply for an additional SSI supplement. Our attorneys can tell you more and help you seek federal and state benefits.

What Are the Medical Qualifications for Disabling Back Problems?

When determining your eligibility for benefits, the SSA will consider the severity of your back problems and their effect on your ability to do basic work-related activities, like sitting, standing, or walking.

First, your back problem must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) at your current job or any other job for at least 12 months. The SGA rate for 2023 is $1,470 per month on average. If the SSA believes you can earn this or will not be out of work for more than a year, it will deny your claim.

Second, the SSA must consider your back problems severe enough to qualify as a disability. The Blue Book lists back conditions that meet this standard under section 1.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders. If your condition is not in the book, you can still receive SSD. However, proving your eligibility may be more difficult. You must supply medical information proving your back problems are as severe and debilitating as those included.

Our SSD Attorneys Can Fight for You During an Appeal

As mentioned, many initial SSD applications get denied. If you received an unfavorable determination, our Akron back problems lawyers can help you understand why. We can then fight for you or your hurt family member during an appeal.

Our team is dedicated to serving Akron’s injured, and we have more than four decades of disability claims experience we can put to work for you. Our Ohio SSD lawyers can guide you through the four stages of the appeals process:

Reconsideration. We can ask the SSA to take a second look at your application. We can also submit new evidence to prove your eligibility.
Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Our attorneys can represent you during this court proceeding and make a case establishing your right to benefits.
Appeals Council review. If we disagree with the ALJ or believe there was an error in the ruling, we can ask for a review by the Appeals Council.
Civil action in federal court. If necessary, we can take your claim to U.S. District Court.

You do not have to navigate the complex Social Security system alone. Our firm can handle your appeal, leaving you free to focus on your health. We offer personalized, compassionate, and accessible legal services. With our contingency fee payment plan, we never ask for you to pay us up front. We get paid only if you receive SSD benefits.

Do Not Wait for Your Back Problem to Last 12 Months Before Applying

You should not wait 12 months to apply for SSD. Instead, you should file a benefits application as soon as your back problem prevents you from working.

In addition, you should not hesitate to appeal. You only have 60 days from receiving an unfavorable initial determination to ask for a reconsideration. From there, you have 60 days between each stage of appeal to file to move the process forward. Our lawyers can help you get started immediately.

Contact Berger and Green in Akron for Help With Your Back Problem Claims

Berger and Green’s Akron back problems lawyers can help you fight for the Social Security Disability payments you need and deserve. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We make home and hospital visits. Connect with a lawyer near you today.