Pittsburgh
Multiple Sclerosis Lawyer

On This Page

1. What Is Multiple Sclerosis and How does It Affect a Person?
2. How Berger and Green Can Help You Seek Social Security Disability Benefits
3. Types of Social Security Disability benefits you could seek
4. Stages of the Process for Seeking SSD Benefits
5. Get a Free Consultation Today with Berger and Green

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you face a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, you may also face limitations to your mobility, sensations, and cognitive abilities. We understand how multiple sclerosis can limit your ability to work. Options may be available for you to receive compensation.

Our Pittsburgh multiple sclerosis lawyers can help you file a claim for benefits and navigate the Social Security Disability (SSD) claims process. At Berger and Green, we offer free consultations so you can learn your options without obligation.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis and How does It Affect a Person?

Mayo Clinic states that multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the brain, spine, and nerves. The exact cause is unknown, but the result is that the immune system attacks the casing around nerves. The nerves can become damaged permanently through this process.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis range from mild to severe and can include:

• Muscle spasms
• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Incontinence
• Vision impairments
• Sensory loss
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Mental fog
• Slurred speech
• Pain

While MS typically affects more women than men, the disease can be disabling to anyone diagnosed with it. As the breakdown of the nerve casing progresses, symptoms can get worse.

Multiple Sclerosis and Social Security Disability

MS symptoms can make working difficult, and if your doctor thinks you should no longer be working, you must apply for the Social Security Disability benefits.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and cannot work for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Our Pittsburgh lawyers can help you understand your options.

How Berger and Green Can Help You Seek Social Security Disability Benefits

The lawyers at Berger and Green have years of experience assisting clients with multiple sclerosis throughout the Social Security Disability claims process. If you have questions about your claim for Social Security Disability or SSI or have been denied, we can help. We can:

• Review your application for benefits
• Help you understand why the SSA denied your claim, if applicable
• Review your initial application and identify the SSA’s reason for denying your claim
• Help you understand the documents necessary to meet the SSA’s requirements
• Submit paperwork to initiate the reconsideration or hearing process
• Represent you in your appeal
• Take your case to federal court, if all previous methods do not result in an approval

Our team will also support you through the entire process of seeking benefits. Your lawyer can start by assisting you with your application for Social Security disability benefits.

Making a claim for Social Security Disability can be complicated and can take time, but our SSD legal team will be with you through every step.

When You Can Contact Our Team for Help with Your Claim

We can assist you at any stage of the process. Contact our team if you are:

• Unsure if your condition qualifies under the SSA’s criteria
• Starting to gather necessary documentation for a claim
• Seeking help with reviewing your paperwork before submitting to the SSA
• Denied for benefits

Types of Social Security Disability benefits you could seek

You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if your condition is so serious that you cannot work. Social Security Disability is an umbrella term that refers to two types of disability benefits:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Social Security Income (SSI)

SSDI offers partial income replacement benefits. To seek SSDI benefits, you must be able to prove that you have a qualifying impairment and sufficient work history. Typically, this means about five years of work or 20 credits as defined by the SSA. Younger applicants may be able to seek benefits. Our team can tell you more about how age requirements affect SSDI claims.

SSI offers cash assistance to help those with low incomes meet basic needs, such as food and housing. To be eligible, you must prove you have a disability (or are over 65), and you meet income requirements.

Stages of the Process for Seeking SSD Benefits

When you decide to file a claim for SSD benefits, know that the process of a claim entails multiple stages:

Application

This is where we will submit necessary documentation to prove you have an impairment. We will want to submit details including:

• Your medical providers’ names
• Notes from your doctors to describe the condition that keeps you from working
• Your work history

You can begin the application process online, by phone, or in person at the local SSA office in Pittsburgh. You can call at 1-800-772-1213. We can also help you apply for benefits.

Appeal and Hearing

Our team can help you at every stage of the Social Security disability application and appeals process.. Depending on your appeal’s success, you may have to progress through the following stages:

• Reconsideration
• A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• A review before the Appeals Council
• A review in federal court

Our team can represent you through this appeal process and help you navigate each stage as necessary. Your lawyer is prepared to take your case to federal court if required.

Get a Free Consultation Today with Berger and Green

Our Pittsburgh lawyers have extensive experience with Social Security Disability claims and SSI. If a multiple sclerosis diagnosis impairs your ability to work, your team will use our experience to help you seek the benefits you need.

Call our firm to learn more about how we can represent your best interests and help you file a claim. We require no attorney’s fees unless your lawyer gets results for you. Call today at (412) 661-1400.