Pittsburgh Social Security Disability Lawyers

Being unable to work because of a serious medical condition can create enormous financial pressure. Receiving a denial from the Social Security Administration can make an already difficult situation even more frustrating.

Pisanchyn Law Firm represents people in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and throughout Western Pennsylvania who have been denied Social Security Disability benefits.

Our Pittsburgh Social Security Disability lawyers help disabled workers understand the appeals process, develop the medical evidence supporting their claims, prepare for disability hearings, and challenge Social Security Disability denials.

If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, a denial does not necessarily mean the process is over.

Was Your Social Security Disability Claim Denied?

Many people contact an attorney after receiving a denial from the Social Security Administration.

The important thing is not to simply give up.

A denial may raise questions about your medical evidence, work history, ability to perform previous work, ability to perform other work, or whether Social Security believes your condition meets its definition of disability.

The notice you received should explain the decision and provide information concerning your appeal rights.

Because Social Security appeals involve deadlines, you should pay close attention to the date and instructions contained in your denial notice.

Why Does Social Security Deny Disability Claims?

Every claim is different, but disability benefits may be denied for reasons involving:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Questions about the severity of a medical condition
• Whether the condition is expected to prevent substantial work for the required period
• Whether Social Security believes you can perform previous work
• Whether Social Security believes you can perform other work
• Work history or eligibility issues
• Missing medical information
• Failure to follow parts of the application or evaluation process

Understanding why the claim was denied is an important first step in deciding how to challenge the decision.

Appealing a Social Security Disability Denial

Social Security provides an administrative appeals process for disability claims.

Depending upon where your case is in that process, an appeal may involve additional review of the claim and potentially a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Rather than simply resubmitting the same information, an appeal provides an opportunity to identify weaknesses in the existing record and determine what additional evidence may be important.

Our attorneys can review your denial and help determine what needs to be addressed as the case moves forward.

Medical Evidence Is Critical in a Disability Claim

A diagnosis alone does not necessarily establish that someone is disabled under Social Security’s rules.

The medical evidence should help explain how your conditions affect your ability to function and work.

Depending upon your medical conditions, relevant evidence may include:

• Treatment records
• Hospital records
• Diagnostic testing
• Imaging studies
• Surgical records
• Medication history
• Mental health treatment records
• Physical therapy records
• Specialist evaluations
• Documentation of physical or mental limitations

Consistent medical treatment can also help create a record showing how a condition has progressed and how it affects your daily functioning.

What Medical Conditions Can Qualify for Disability?

Social Security Disability claims can involve physical conditions, mental health conditions, or a combination of impairments.

Examples may include:

• Serious back and spinal conditions
• Neurological disorders
• Heart conditions
• Cancer
• Autoimmune diseases
• Severe arthritis
• Chronic respiratory conditions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Serious orthopedic injuries
• Mental health disorders
• Other medical conditions that substantially limit the ability to work

The name of the diagnosis is only part of the analysis.

The severity of the condition, medical evidence, treatment, functional limitations, age, education, work history, and other factors may become relevant when Social Security evaluates a claim.

What If You Have More Than One Medical Condition?

Many disability applicants are dealing with several medical problems rather than one isolated condition.

For example, someone may have significant back problems along with arthritis, neuropathy, depression, anxiety, or another condition.

The combined effect of multiple impairments can be important.

A disability claim should accurately describe the limitations created by all of the applicant’s medically supported conditions rather than focusing only on the diagnosis that appears most serious.

Can You Work While Applying for Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability is intended for people whose medical conditions significantly limit their ability to work.

Employment and earnings can therefore become important issues in a disability claim.

The rules can be complicated, and the effect of working depends upon the circumstances.

If you are attempting to work, have recently stopped working, or are considering returning to work while your disability claim is pending, speak with an attorney about how employment may affect your case.

Preparing for a Social Security Disability Hearing

If your appeal reaches the hearing stage, preparation matters.

A disability hearing can involve questions concerning:

• Your medical conditions
• Symptoms and limitations
• Medical treatment
• Medications and side effects
• Previous employment
• Physical abilities
• Mental or cognitive limitations
• Daily activities
• Attempts to continue working
• Why you can no longer perform sustained employment

Your medical records and other evidence are also part of the case presented to the Administrative Law Judge.

Our attorneys help clients understand the hearing process and prepare to accurately explain how their medical conditions affect their ability to work.

What If Your Condition Has Become Worse Since You Applied?

Disability claims can take time, and a person’s medical condition may change while the case is pending.

If your condition worsens, you receive a new diagnosis, undergo surgery, begin treatment with a specialist, are hospitalized, or experience other significant medical developments, that information may be relevant to your claim.

Keeping your medical evidence current can be important throughout the appeals process.

SSDI and SSI Are Different Programs

Social Security administers more than one disability program.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) generally involves a person’s work history and Social Security coverage.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program with different financial eligibility requirements.

Some applicants may potentially have claims involving both programs.

Our attorneys can review your situation and explain which type of disability claim is involved.

Pittsburgh Social Security Disability Attorneys Serving Western Pennsylvania

Pisanchyn Law Firm represents Social Security Disability applicants throughout Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Western Pennsylvania.

Our Pittsburgh office is located at:

Pisanchyn Law Firm
241 Fourth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-261-1212

Talk to a Pittsburgh Social Security Disability Lawyer After a Denial

If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, you don’t have to navigate the appeal process alone.

Pisanchyn Law Firm can review the denial, evaluate the medical and vocational issues involved in your claim, and help you understand the next steps in the Social Security Disability appeals process.

Call our Pittsburgh office at 412-261-1212 or 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation.

Because appeal deadlines may apply, contact us as soon as possible after receiving a denial notice.