Pittsburgh Benign Brain Tumors Disability Lawyer

Causes of Benign Brain Tumors

Benign brain tumors can cause a variety of symptoms and may limit your ability to work long-term or permanently. If you can no longer earn a living in Pittsburgh, you may be able to get approved for Social Security disability for benign brain tumors. This could include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The Social Security disability attorneys from Berger and Green know what it takes to get approved for benefits. We review your case and help you file your claim. If the Social Security Administration denies your application, we can appeal the denial and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Call our Pittsburgh office today at 412-661-1400 to get started.

Disability Benefits Based on the Blue Book Listing for Benign Brain Tumors

The Social Security Administration publishes a book of qualifying impairment listings called the Blue Book. The Blue Book contains an entry for benign brain tumors: Section 11.05 – Benign Brain Tumors. Showing that your condition meets these criteria can help you get approved for disability benefits.

These criteria include:

• Impaired function of two hands, two feet, or one hand and one foot that makes mobility and dexterity difficult; or
• A physical impairment paired with one of the following:
  • Cognitive or memory impairments; or
  • Issues with interpersonal interactions; or
  • Problems concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
  • Trouble adapting to change or managing yourself in a work environment

Navigating Your Medical Records

When you apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration requests contact information for all your medical care providers. Without this information, the disability examiner who handles your case will not be able to access your medical records and the medical evidence necessary to prove your impairment.

He or she will contact your hospitals, clinics, and doctors to get copies of laboratory tests, medical imaging, treatment notes, and other documentation of your condition. We can help you understand the types of proof he will need and can complete this section together when we help you file your claim.

Getting Disability Benefits if You Do Not Meet the Impairment Listing Criteria

In some cases, the effects of your benign brain tumor—especially when paired with the side effects of treatment and other health concerns—may prevent you from working even though you do not meet the criteria in the Blue Book. It is possible to still receive disability benefits without meeting these qualifications. This relies on your residual functional capacity (RFC).

Your residual functional capacity concerns your abilities despite your impairments. In general, your RFC determines the types of jobs you can do, how long you can do them, and how often you can work. If this evaluation finds that you cannot work your previous job and cannot work any other job you might qualify for, you are likely to be approved for benefits. You may also get approved if you can work but require accommodations.

How is your RFC determined?

• The disability examiner will evaluate your RFC based on your application, medical evidence, and other information; or
• Your doctor will evaluate your RFC based on your medical records and his or her knowledge of your case; or
• The Social Security Administration will ask you to attend a consultative examination to evaluate your RFC with a doctor they pay

Be Aware of Common Reasons for Denial

Common reasons claimants do not get the disability benefits they need based on their initial application relate to issues with medical evidence. Either they fail to give complete contact information for their doctors, doctors fail to respond, or the disability examiner does not dig deep enough to get the medical records necessary to prove the case. However, there are several other reasons why the Social Security Administration might deny your claim.

In fact, some people are denied before the disability examiner even considers their medical history. These denials can be based on errors on forms or failing to fill out paperwork. These are called technical denials. Our team reviews your claim to reduce the risk of a technical denial before we help you file for your disability benefits.

We Handle Your Pittsburgh Disability Appeal

Far more than half of all claimants must appeal their claim denial and fight for the benefits they deserve. In many cases, they did nothing wrong but still must navigate this confusing, frustrating process.

If this is happening to you, the team from Berger and Green is standing by to help. Call us today at 412-661-1400. We can go to work for you immediately. We will request your appeals hearing if time permits and build a strong case on your behalf. Let us:

• Get to the bottom of why the Social Security Administration denied your claim
• Communicate with you regularly before your appeals hearing
• Collect evidence to prove you qualify for benefits
• Represent you to the Administration Law Judge overseeing your hearing
• Argue for monthly benefits and full back pay

It is important to note that, while it will be more than a year before your hearing date arrives, you only have 60 days from the date on your denial notice to appeal. For this reason, it is imperative you call us as soon as possible after you receive this notice.

Getting Social Security Disability for Benign Brain Tumors in Pittsburgh, PA

If you or a loved one cannot work because of a health condition, we may be able to help you get approved for disability benefits in Pittsburgh. If your impairment occurred because of the injuries sustained in a car accident, slip and fall, or other personal injury accident, we may be able to file a civil case on your behalf as well.

Call the Berger and Green team today at 412-661-1400 for a free case evaluation.