Pittsburgh Gilbert’s Syndrome Disability Lawyer

Get Disability Benefits With Gilbert’s Syndrome

Gilbert’s syndrome is a condition that increases bilirubin, a yellowish substance in the blood that the body produces when it breaks down red blood cells. It is generally relatively minor in severity, but some people with it suffer from symptoms or complications from the syndrome that make it hard to work and earn a living.

If you have Gilbert’s syndrome and your complications make it impossible for you to work, Berger and Green’s Social Security Disability lawyers in Pittsburgh can complete and file your claim for Social Security Disability benefits. We can also initiate the appeals process if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your initial claim denial. Call us today for your free consultation with our team.

Getting Disability Benefits for a Gilbert’s Syndrome Diagnosis in Pittsburgh, PA

There is no specific impairment listing for Gilbert’s syndrome in the SSA’s Blue Book of impairment listings. In many cases, this syndrome results in only minor symptoms. In rare cases, however, people who have Gilbert’s syndrome may have more serious symptoms and complications. This could include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty with focus and concentration
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Abdominal pain

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may meet the impairment listing criteria for weight loss or have a high enough chronic liver disease (CLD) score to qualify based on Section 5.00 – Digestive Disorders. You must provide medical evidence to prove your diagnosis and show that you meet the criteria in the applicable impairment listing.

How a Doctor Can Help Prove You Need Disability Benefits for Gilbert’s Syndrome

It is important that you work with a doctor on your Social Security benefits case. We recommend talking to your doctor about whether your medical condition qualifies you before you apply. Your doctor and medical records will play a key role in whether you receive approval for your claim. It is essential to have their support and ensure they understand how much you need disability benefits.

Getting Benefits Based on Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

Chronic fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and chronic pain can all affect your ability to work and earn a living. You may qualify for benefits based on your inability to hold down a job even if you do not meet the criteria under one of the SSA’s impairment listings. To determine if you can work, you will need to undergo an evaluation of your residual functional capacity (RFC).

The Office of Disability Determination Services can evaluate your RFC in three ways. This includes:

• Someone from the office assessing your RFC based on your application materials and medical evidence or
• Your doctor completing the evaluation based on your medical records and their knowledge of your case or
• The SSA asks you to attend a consultative exam with a third-party doctor.

If your RFC evaluation shows you cannot work your last job, a previous job, or any other job you qualify for, the SSA may approve you for benefits.

Why Hire an SSD Attorney to Handle a Gilbert’s Syndrome Disability Application or Appeal?

Many people soon realize that filing for Social Security Disability benefits involves a lot of time, paperwork, and possibly stress. Having a legal professional on your side to protect your rights and work for a favorable outcome can go a long way. Berger and Green’s Pittsburgh Gilbert’s syndrome attorneys have been helping clients seek favorable outcomes for their legal matters for more than 40 years.

If we handle your case, we will:

• Explain your options and next steps during a free consultation
• Review your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (You may be able to apply for both.)
• Ensure your medical evidence and other documentation supports your benefits claim
• Fill out, complete, and submit your application, reducing the likelihood of errors that could delay your application
• Manage the entire application process from your initial claim and/or appeals
• Represent you and lead the appeals process if the SSA denies your claim

Our Pittsburgh Gilbert’s syndrome lawyer will answer your questions and concerns and update you regularly about the status of your case. Working with our Pittsburgh Gilbert’s syndrome attorney can save you time and reassure you that you are going about the process properly.

SSD and SSI Benefits for Gilbert’s Syndrome

When applicants apply for disability benefits, SSA reviews applicants’ information to determine if their disability, work history, and income qualify for Social Security Disability compensation. If you meet the stringent criteria, you might receive compensation from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You could qualify to receive both at the same time.

SSDI is for applicants who have worked in previous jobs and earned work credits that qualify them for benefits. SSI does not require a previous work history or work credits. Applicants must demonstrate they have limited income and resources.

If you can apply for both, you must complete and file separate initial applications. SSA can approve you for one program but not the other. It can also appeal if SSA denies initial applications for both programs.

We Can Appeal If SSA Denies Your Disability Claim for Gilbert’s Syndrome

Unfortunately, a denial notice is the most common outcome for a disability application. If you received a denial notice, you are not alone. The SSA denies the majority of the claims it receives. Per the 2020 Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, about 67 percent of initial disability benefits applications receive denials.

Once you receive a denial notice, you have only 60 days from the notice date to begin the appeals process. We recommend you call our law firm as soon as you learn about your denial. When you reach out to us about your appeal, we can:

• Request an appeals hearing for you
• Review why the SSA denied your initial application
• Collect evidence necessary to get you the benefits you need
• Represent you before the Administrative Law Judge during your hearing
• Argue for the benefits and back pay we believe you deserve

In addition to monthly cash benefits from Social Security Disability, we can pursue back pay or retroactive benefits on your behalf if available. This covers the period between when you initially applied for disability and when you received approval. If you receive SSDI, these benefits will come as a lump-sum payment.

If you qualify for more than $2,000 in SSI back pay, you will receive the entirety in three payments. This includes one in a few weeks, one in six months, and one a year from your favorable decision. You could qualify for up to a year of retroactive benefits if you get SSDI.

We often get our clients approved during this hearing. If we cannot get you the approval you need, we may be able to continue the appeals process and fight for your benefits.

Double-Check Your Gilbert’s Syndrome Application Before Filing an SSD Disability Claim

Before your application makes it to the Office of Disability Determination Services, the local Social Security field office staff will take a look to ensure you meet all the technical qualifications for each program.

The field office will check to ensure you meet the work credits qualification for SSDI and the income and asset limits for SSI; however, there are several other reasons why it may issue a technical denial at this point in the process.

Some of the most common reasons for which we see this occur include:

• Blank sections left on the application
• Incorrect answers
• Issues with a name, birthday, and/or Social Security Number that do not match

When you are represented by Berger and Green, we file your application for benefits and ensure that you do not miss a deadline. Call us today to discuss your qualifications, and let us look at your claim.

Talk to an Attorney About Getting Social Security Disability for Gilbert’s Syndrome in Pittsburgh, PA

The disability attorneys from Berger and Green know what it takes to win an appeal and get the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve. If the SSA denied your claim, we can help you fight to overturn this denial.

We will help you navigate the appeals process, represent you during your appeals hearing, and argue for approval of your benefits. Call us today for a free consultation with a member of our team.