Pittsburgh Genetic Condition Disability Lawyer

Pennsylvania residents who are born with certain severe genetic conditions may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) payments to help with their daily living expenses. Proving that they qualify for those payments, however, is a challenging process.

A Pittsburgh genetic condition disability lawyer from Berger and Green can help you to overcome those challenges. Our experienced SSD attorneys have represented the area for more than 40 years, helping individuals who can no longer work in recovering both SSDI and/or SSI benefits. We work closely with each client to pursue the maximum SSD benefits they’re entitled to — and fight back when claims are denied.

How to Prove That You Qualify for SSD Benefits for a Genetic Condition

The Social Security Administration (SSA), in Section 10.0 of the SSA Blue Book,  has published a detailed description of the genetic conditions that are considered to be impairments for SSD qualification purposes. Your Pittsburgh lawyer will review your situation to confirm that your genetic condition is within one of the SSA Blue Book definitions and that the condition is sufficiently severe and has continued for at least 12 months such that it prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.

Within those definitions, many genetic conditions are a legitimate basis for SSD payments, such as:

• Chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome or trisomy X
• ALS (i.e. Lou Gehrig’s disease), spinal atrophy, muscular dystrophy, or Huntington’s disease
• Juvenile or late-onset Tay-Sachs disease and other syndromes that lead to the destruction of brain or spinal nerve cells
• Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and other inherited conditions that are caused by gene mutations.
• Marfan Syndrome

Your Condition May Qualify for Fast-Track Approval

The SSA also recognizes certain severe genetic conditions as being eligible for expedited review and approval for SSDI or SSI benefits. Consult with a Pittsburgh attorney for more information about genetic conditions that are on the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances List, such as:

• Certain forms of epilepsy that are accompanied by encephalopathy
• Genetic mutations that result in the thickening of skin, including Harlequin Ichthyosis
• Neurodevelopmental disorders, including Renpenning syndrome, that can cause severe intellectual disabilities
• Spinal stenosis, extreme breathing problems, and other maladies caused by certain genetic conditions.

Even if you have a genetic condition that is not on the approved list of conditions approved for SSDI benefits in the SSA Blue Book, you should consult with a knowledgeable lawyer who can determine if the adverse consequences of your condition entitle you to those benefits.

How Can an SSD Lawyer Help You to Get Benefits for a Genetic Condition?

The SSA requires SSD applicants to submit extensive medical proof, which may include notes from specialist clinicians, reports from genetic tests, and evaluations from experienced physicians, to prove the nature, duration, and extent of a genetic condition before it approves an SSD application. We can carefully prepare and review your application to verify that it is complete and includes evidence supporting your claim. The Berger and Green attorneys know what the SSA is looking for, the common mistakes that sink claims, and how to present your case in the strongest possible light.

Call Berger and Green in Pittsburgh to Consult With an Attorney About Disability and Your Genetic Condition

Berger and Green offers no-fee, no obligation consultations and case reviews for all applicants who are applying for or have been denied SSDI or SSI benefits. Please call our offices to speak directly with a Pittsburgh genetic condition disability lawyer about how we can help you apply for SSD benefits or appeal a denial. .