Youngstown Back Problems Disability Lawyer

Back problems can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and other issues that interfere with employment. If you have a back injury or ailment that prevents you from working, Berger and Green can help you seek Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

Our firm has more than 40 years of case experience we can apply to get the monthly payments you need to protect your financial stability. Our Youngstown, OH, back problems lawyers can file your initial claim, navigate your appeal, and support you all along the way. We can help you get started today with a free consultation.

What Social Security Benefits Can You Seek for Back Problems?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two benefits programs for individuals with disabilities who cannot work due to injury or illness. Each has its own eligibility requirements:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To qualify for SSDI, you must be “insured” through earned work credits. You earn credits through employment contributions and usually must have a minimum of 20 (or five years of work) before you can receive benefits, younger workers may require fewer.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is available to those with limited income and resources. You do not need work credits to qualify. However, you will need to meet the program’s financial requirements.

A limited number of people may qualify for SSDI and SSI concurrently, but you must submit a separate application for each program. Our SSD attorneys can file the required paperwork.

How Much Are Monthly SSD Payments?

Generally, the more earned work credits you have, the more your monthly SSDI benefits will be. You can estimate your potential disability payments using the SSA’s Benefits Calculator.

The government sets a yearly SSI rate based on the Consumer Price Index and other economic indicators. In 2023, monthly payments are $914 per individual. In addition, Ohio administers a supplemental SSI program. Our Youngstown back problems lawyer can help understand your benefits eligibility.

Is Your Back Problem a Disability?

Back problems vary and range in severity, so proving your disabling injury or ailment affects your ability to work can be challenging. It will help your claim if your condition is in the SSA’s Blue Book, which contains a list of recognized disabilities. You can find back problems under 1.00 musculoskeletal disorders. Listed back conditions include:

• Nerve root compression
• Spinal stenosis
• Arachnoiditis

If your back problem is not in the Blue Book, you must prove it is severe enough to prevent you from doing basic work-related activities, like standing, sitting, or walking, for at least 12 months. However, this does not mean you should wait 12 months to seek benefits. You can and should apply as soon as your back problems keep you from working.

Our attorneys can file your initial application immediately. If the SSA denies your claim on medical grounds, we can file your appeal and represent you at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Does Your Condition Limit Your Earnings?

The SSA will also evaluate your earnings when deciding your claim. If you can earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, set at an average of $1,470 per month for 2023, you will not qualify for disability benefits.

Our Youngstown SSD Lawyers Can Appeal Denied Claims

Nearly 70 percent of initial SSD claims receive denials, according to the Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy. If you receive an unfavorable determination, it is not the end of the road. You can appeal the decision, and our Youngstown back problems lawyers can guide you through the process:

1. We can request a reconsideration of your application. This is a second look at your application.
2. We can represent you during an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. Our attorneys can introduce evidence, and protect your rights during this official proceeding. We can request the hearing in person, by video conference, or over the phone.
3. We can ask for an Appeals Council review of the ALJ’s ruling.
4. We can pursue your case in federal court if necessary.

You need to act quickly regarding denied claims. You only have 60 days from notice of the initial determination to ask for reconsideration. After that, you have 60 days between each stage of your appeal to move your claim forward if you are denied. Our SSD lawyers can help you get started right away. When you work with our firm, we will:

• Manage claims-related paperwork and deadlines
• Collect evidence proving your medical or financial right to benefits
• Fight for you through every step of your appeal
• Answer your questions and provide frequent and timely updates

Why Choose Berger and Green?

Our firm has served injured clients across Ohio for more than four decades. These years have given us the skills, experience, and insight into how to handle the struggles you or your hurt loved one faces. We strive to offer personalized, compassionate representation and will do everything we can to ease your legal burden and secure the SSD payments you deserve.

We believe client testimonials like the following demonstrate our commitment to service:

“I couldn’t have done this alone. I was mentally, physically unable to deal with all this. Berger and Green removed all the stress, all the anxiety off of my shoulders and the burden. T.” -SSD client

Furthermore, we take cases on contingency, meaning working with our lawyers will not add to your financial stress during an already difficult time. We charge nothing up front or out-of-pocket and only collect attorney fees when we secure your benefits.

Have Disabling Back Problems in Youngstown, OH? Contact Us for Help With an SSD Benefits Claim

If you have a debilitating back problem and cannot work, a Youngstown back problems lawyer from Berger and Green can fight for you. We will file your initial SSD application and fight for your benefits with an appeal if needed. Contact us today for a free consultation and connect with a lawyer near you.