Canton
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. How a Social Security Disability Attorney Serving Canton Can Help With Your Case
2. A Canton Lawyer From Berger and Green Can Explain Disability Programs
3. Medical Conditions That May Qualify for Social Security Disability
4. If the SSA Denies Your Claim, Let a Canton SSD Attorney Appeal the Decision
5. Reach Out to a Canton Social Security Disability Law Firm to Discuss Your Case

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are intended to provide financial relief to individuals unable to work due to severe, disabling conditions. However, applying for benefits can be challenging, and any errors made in the application can lead to denials and unnecessary delays.

A Canton Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you understand your options and handle the application and appeals process. From filing the claim to appealing multiple denials, we are ready to seek the benefits you deserve. Call now for help.

How a Social Security Disability Attorney Serving Canton Can Help With Your Case

Working with a Canton Social Security Disability attorney can ease some of the stress that comes with a complicated claims process. Our team understands how complicated the SSD process can feel, and we’re here to help you understand what to expect as your claim progresses.

Here are just some of the ways we can support you in Ohio:

• Filing the application or appeal, so that the required forms and deadlines are handled correctly
• Making sure the claim is presented clearly to the Social Security Administration
• Representing you if your case reaches a hearing 
• Explaining the stages of appeal and what to expect at each step

With more than 40 years of experience representing people with serious medical conditions, we’re committed to offering steady, reliable support throughout the disability process.

A Canton Lawyer From Berger and Green Can Explain Disability Programs

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two benefits programs for individuals with severe disabilities: Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• SSDI is geared towards workers with disabilities that hinder their ability to earn enough income. SSDI is an earned benefit — you must have worked long enough and recently enough and paid Social Security taxes.
• SSI helps individuals whose income and assets fall under a certain threshold.

A Canton Social Security Disability lawyer from our law firm can explain how the Social Security Disability programs work and help you understand your options.

Understanding How the SSA Determines Disability

The Social Security Administration has a specific definition of disabilityfor its benefit programs. To be approved, the SSA must determine that your condition keeps you from working for at least 12 months and prevents you from doing your past work or adjusting to other types of jobs.

The SSA refers to a medical guide called the Blue Book, which outlines how different health conditions are evaluated. These listings describe symptoms, functional limitations, and medical findings the SSA may consider when reviewing a claim.

When you apply for benefits, the SSA reviews your medical records, treatment history, and information about your symptoms to understand how your condition affects your ability to work.

Medical Conditions That May Qualify for Social Security Disability

People apply for SSD benefits due to a wide range of medical issues. The SSA reviews both physical and mental health conditions and looks at how your symptoms limit your ability to sustain regular work. Some of the conditions commonly involved in SSD claims include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders, such as back injuries or joint problems
• Neurological conditions, including stroke complications, seizure disorders, or multiple sclerosis
• Respiratory illnesses that affect endurance or breathing capacity
• Heart conditions that cause serious functional limitations
• Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or kidney disease

You don’t need to match a diagnosis word-for-word in the Blue Book to qualify for SSDI or SSI. What matters is the overall impact your symptoms have on your day-to-day functioning and ability to keep up with a regular work routine. Our attorneys can help you understand how the SSA reviews medical conditions and what to expect as your claim moves forward.

Veterans Facing Disability Challenges May Also Qualify for SSD Benefits

Veterans living with serious injuries or chronic health conditions sometimes face additional challenges when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Even if you already receive VA disability compensation, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI. The two systems operate independently, which means the SSA reviews your work history, medical records, and functional limitations under its own set of rules.

For many veterans, the transition from active duty to civilian employment can be difficult, especially when service-related injuries affect mobility, stamina, or the ability to maintain full-time work. A Canton Social Security Disability lawyer from our team can help you understand how VA benefits interact with SSD programs and how these programs may overlap as your claim moves forward.

If the SSA Denies Your Claim, Let a Canton SSD Attorney Appeal the Decision

Unfortunately, many disability applicants must navigate the appeals process to have their claim approved. The appeals system is multi-tiered; if an application is denied in one stage, you can move on to the next stage. However, these requests must be made within 60 days of each decision.

Initial Application

The disability process begins with your initial application. If you work with our team, we can file this for you and make sure the required forms are submitted so your claim can move forward. Once received, the SSA reviews your basic information and forwards your case to Disability Determination Services for a medical evaluation. 

This review looks at your medical records, treatment history, work history, and other information you provide. After the evaluation is complete, the SSA will notify you whether your claim has been approved or denied. Even with a thorough application, many claims are denied at this stage, so it’s important to remember that the process often continues beyond the first decision.

Request for Reconsideration

If SSA denies your initial claim, you can file a reconsideration request. This means a different DDS examiner will review your initial application and any new information you provide and decide whether to reject or approve your claim.

ALJ Hearing:

If SSA denies your claim again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Here, you have the opportunity to inform a Judge of how your disability has impacted your life. We can help present a convincing case during the ALJ hearing.

Appeals Council and Federal Court

If you disagree with the Judge’s decision, we can ask the Appeals Council to review your case. The Appeals Council may deny or dismiss your request if it feels the ALJ’s decision complied with SSA’s laws and regulations. 

However, if it finds any errors, the Appeals Council may issue a new decision or send it back to the ALJ for further evaluation. If the Appeals Council rejects your claim again, you can bring your case to federal court.

Working with a Social Security Disability attorney serving Canton, Ohio, from the start can ensure you file your appeal on time and include all the proper documentation.

Reach Out to a Canton Social Security Disability Law Firm to Discuss Your Case

We understand your need for financial assistance when a disability strips away your ability to provide for yourself and your family. A Canton SSD attorney from our team is here to guide you through this process.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. A Berger and Green team member will review your case, inform you of your rights, and discuss how we can help you in your journey to seek disability benefits.