Johnstown Neurological Disorder Lawyer

If a neurological disorder keeps you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. These monthly payments can provide you and your loved ones with an economic safety net while you focus on your health. However, securing awards can be challenging, and many claimants must go through an appeal to get the money they need.

You do not have to navigate this process alone. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney with Berger and Green can complete and file your initial application and fight for you during the appeals process. Do not leave your financial future to chance. Contact a Johnstown neurological disorder lawyer for assistance with your SSD benefits claim today.

Filing a Neurological Disorder Disability Claim in Johnstown, PA? We Can Help

Social Security Disability is an umbrella term for two benefit programs. They each have the same medical qualifications but vary in other ways. Some claimants may qualify for both concurrently, but each has its own application. SSD includes:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This program provides monthly benefits to individuals who have earned work credits through their employment history. Most applicants need 20 credits (five years of work) to become eligible, though older workers may need more and younger workers may require fewer.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI benefits disabled individuals with low income and few resources. You do not need work credits to qualify.

You can and should apply for SSDI or SSI as soon as you know you cannot work. You must provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with a complete list of your doctors and medications and other evidence it will use to decide your claim’s status. Information you must provide may include the following:

• Current contact information
• Birth certificate
• Proof of United States citizenship or lawful alien status
• Marital status and number of dependents
• W-2s or self-employment tax documents
• Pay stubs
• Employment history
• Settlement agreements or award letters
• Proof of other benefits you receive, such as workers’ compensation
• Medical evidence of your neurological disorder, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
• Non-medical evidence, including statements about how your condition affects your life and work capabilities
• A completed Adult Disability Report

Our Johnstown neurological disorder attorneys can help you file your initial application and ensure the SSA has the right information about your health care providers. If the federal agency denies your claim, we can determine why and strengthen your case with additional evidence as we prepare to appeal the decision.

Monthly Neurological Disorder SSDI and SSI Payment Amounts in Johnstown, PA

How much you receive in monthly SSDI payments will depend on several factors unique to you, including your age and work credits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that the average payment for disabled workers in 2023 is $1,483.

All SSI recipients receive the same amount. The SSA sets the rate annually based on economic factors. The 2023 rate is $914 per person or $1,371 per couple. Pennsylvania offers a state supplement. Berger and Green can tell you more about applying for state benefits. Contact us today.

The Social Security Administration Recognizes Neurological Disorders as Disabling

The SSA lists neurological disorders in its Blue Book, which outlines illnesses and injuries it considers severe and disabling. The Blue Book also contains criteria the SSA uses to evaluate medical conditions. Listed neurological impairments include but are not limited to the following:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries and disorders
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral palsy
• Parkinsonian syndrome
• Huntington’s disease
• Benign brain tumors
• Muscular dystrophy

For most neurological conditions, the SSA will look at whether it causes a “marked” limitation in one or more of the following:

• Physical functioning
• Understanding, remembering, or applying information
• Interacting with others
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
• Adapting or managing oneself

If you have a neurological problem that the Blue Book doesn’t list, you can still apply for SSD. You must supply medical evidence proving your condition meets the disability criteria.

You Must Prove Your Neurological Disorder Prevents You From Working in Johnstown, PA

In addition to meeting medical requirements, you must show that your neurological disorder prevents you from earning a living. To qualify, you must show that your health problem will prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months.

The 2023 SGA limit is an average of $1,470 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals). The SSA will deny your claim if you can make this much or more.

Why Hire Berger and Green’s Social Security Disability Attorneys to Represent You?

According to the Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, about 30 percent of initial SSD applications get approved. Therefore, most claimants must go through the appeals process.

For over 40 years, our law firm has served injured and disabled clients. Our disability lawyers have evaluated thousands of SSD claims, so we know what it takes to get the benefits you need and deserve. Our neurological disorder attorneys serving Johnstown, PA, can file your initial claim and represent you and your best interests throughout the appeals process, which are:

• Reconsideration. You can ask for a reconsideration for medical or non-medical reasons. We can help you provide additional evidence. Unfortunately, reconsideration is unsuccessful for most applicants. However, Pennsylvania requires that you go through this stage before you can advance your appeal.
• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. The ALJ hearing is an official proceeding. The Judge will review your case, which may include questioning you or witnesses. We can prepare you for the hearing and represent you throughout.
• Appeals Council review. If you disagree with the ALJ ruling, we can ask for a review by the Appeals Council.
• Federal court. We can take legal action in federal court and represent you at trial if needed.

Note that you have 60 days from receiving an unfavorable determination to file a request for reconsideration. From there, you have 60 days between each stage to move your appeal forward. If you received a denial, do not delay.

Call Berger and Green About Your Johnstown Neurological Disorder SSD Claim Today

Contact Berger and Green today for a free consultation about your Social Security Disability claim. A team member can tell you more about how our Johnstown neurological disorder lawyer can help you secure much-needed SSD benefits for you and your family. We take cases on a contingency fee basis.