Johnstown Brain Disorder Disability Lawyer

Brain diseases and disorders can lead to significant physical and mental impairments. As a result, it can prevent you from working to earn a living and diminish your quality of life. When you are unable to work, that can put you and your family under tremendous financial stress. No one should have to worry about paying their bills and taking care of their family when they should be focused on their health.

Thankfully, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided a lifeline through Social Security disability. If you qualify, you may be able to receive this benefit. At Berger and Green, our Johnstown brain disorder disability lawyers can guide you through the application process or file an appeal for you if your benefits claim is denied. Berger and Green brings over 40 years of SSDI and SSI experience to your case. Get your questions answered and your claim started today.

Brain Disorders That Qualify for SSD

Many brain disorders can make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If your condition is preventing you from working or significantly limiting your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to benefits. Section 11.00 of the SSA Blue Book contains a full list of brain or neurological impairments that may be eligible for SSD. Some examples include:

• Chronic migraines
• Subdural hematoma
• Benign brain tumor
• Epilepsy
• Vascular insult to the brain
• Parkinsonian syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Other disabling conditions eligible for SSDI include Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, and more.

Even if your condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you may still be able to pursue a disability claim if you can provide adequate proof that your condition is just as debilitating as a condition found in the listings. Speak to an experienced brain disorder disability lawyer in Johnstown to explore your options and see if you can still apply.

Eligibility Criteria for Disability for Brain Disorders

SSD applications from Johnstown residents are handled at the state level by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination. To qualify, your application must pass the SSA’s five-step evaluation process:

• Does your brain condition limit you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity?
• Does it significantly limit your physical and mental ability to work or engage in regular daily activities?
• Is your condition currently listed or equal in severity to other brain disorders available in the Blue Book?
• Can you still carry out past work-related tasks from jobs up to 15 years ago?
• Can you do any other job?

Ultimately, you must demonstrate that your brain condition has extremely or markedly limited you from carrying out your work activities. Failure to do this can result in your application being denied.

What to Do if Your Brain Disability Application is Denied

If your SSD application is denied, you still have options. The Social Security appeal process gives you multiple opportunities to challenge a denial and fight for the benefits you deserve. It is important to note that less than 30 percent of disability applications are approved on the first try. If you have been denied benefits, we strongly encourage you to not give up. It is critical that your appeal is filed in a timely manner.

From the date of your denial, you have 60 days to file an appeal. This process starts with a Request for Reconsideration, where you can submit new medical evidence. If that is unsuccessful, your case moves to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and then to the Appeals Council.