Pittsburgh
Endocrine Disorders Lawyer

On This Page

1. Get Disability Benefits With Endocrine Disorders
2. How does the Social Security Administration evaluate impairments from endocrine disorders?
3. What if I do not meet the standards in the impairment listings?
4. What role does my doctor play in ensuring I get the benefits I deserve?
5. Do I need a lawyer to file an SSD claim for my endocrine disorder?
6. How can I reach a disability attorney at Berger and Green?

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Get Disability Benefits With Endocrine Disorders

Doctors diagnose you with an endocrine disorder when your body produces too much or too little of a hormone. This creates an imbalance, often resulting in a variety of symptoms and complications throughout a number of body systems. If you suffer from an endocrine disorder because of issues with your pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, or pancreas—and this prevents you from working your job as you previously could—you may qualify to draw Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

The attorneys at Berger and Green understand how debilitating the effects of an endocrine disorder can be. We can help you understand what types of government benefits you qualify for based on your impairments and ensure you have the best chance at receiving these benefits. We can help you file your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or fight a denial of your claim. Call us today at 412-661-1400 to schedule a complimentary appointment with one of our knowledgeable and skilled attorneys. We can help you understand how to get disability for endocrine disorders in Pittsburgh.

How does the Social Security Administration evaluate impairments from endocrine disorders?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes criteria for qualifying medical impairment listings known as the “Blue Book.” In these listings, they outline the eligibility standards applicants must meet to qualify as disabled and eligible for benefits. The SSA lists the criteria for endocrine disorders in Section 9.00.

The SSA considers endocrine disorders in a somewhat different way than many other types of medical conditions. Because an endocrine disorder can affect many body parts and systems, and because they affect different people in different ways, the SSA relies on other parts of the impairment listings to determine if you qualify.

For example, if you suffer from diabetes, it can lead to problems with circulation, wound healing, vision, kidney function, and a number of other bodily processes. Most people suffer from one or two of these complications, but rarely all of them.

If you cannot work because you developed diabetic peripheral neurovascular disease and lost your leg, for example, the SSA will evaluate you based on the standards for a musculoskeletal impairment. On the other hand, if diabetic retinopathy damaged the blood vessels in your eyes and you are now blind, they will rely on the standards for visual impairment to determine if you qualify for SSD benefits. We can help you understand the criteria that apply to your condition. We can also determine your eligibility for benefits and help you file a claim for any disability programs.

What if I do not meet the standards in the impairment listings?

There is no reason to panic if you review the impairment listings for your condition and do not meet all the criteria. You can still qualify for SSD benefits based on your residual functional capacity if you suffer from impairments that prevent you from working.

If you do not meet the limitations in the Blue Book, the SSA must look at what tasks you can and cannot complete based on the nature of your job and the effects of your endocrine condition. They do this by looking at your medical records, gathering documents from your doctor, and sometimes by requiring a consultative examination.

Using this information, they put together an assessment of your residual functional capacity. This statement outlines your work-related abilities. If they find you cannot return to your previous job, any other job you previously held, or a job that requires only unskilled labor, you will likely qualify for SSD benefits.

What role does my doctor play in ensuring I get the benefits I deserve?

Your doctor and any medical treatment you pursue play a key role in qualifying for SSD benefits. While there are income and work history requirements as well, you cannot draw SSDI benefits without meeting the SSA’s definition of disabled. Similarly, the SSA needs to see medical proof of your condition—in addition to evidence of low income and few personal assets—before it will qualify you for the SSI program. To prove the severity of your endocrine disorder, you will need medical records, doctors’ notes and documentation, medical imaging, and clinical testing results.

It is also important to continue to see your doctor, attend all appointments, and follow all instructions. You need to create a record of your impairments and the treatments you undergo in order to give you the best chance of collecting benefits.

Do I need a lawyer to file an SSD claim for my endocrine disorder?

You could file your claim on your own, but understanding whether you qualify for these programs is complex. With the advice of our experienced and knowledgeable disability lawyers, you stand a better chance of approval from the SSA.

The lawyers at Berger and Green have skillfully handled SSD claims and appeals for more than 40 years, assisting hundreds of clients get the benefits they need to provide financial stability for their families. We can help you get the benefits you deserve, too. We will stand by your side throughout the claims process, whether that means helping you find the best doctors to document your condition or fighting through the appeals process.

If you suffer from an endocrine disorder that prevents you from working for a year or more, you may qualify for benefits from an SSA program. We offer the experienced representation you need on your side. Let us review your claim before you apply for disability. We know what the SSA wants to see and we can check your application for any mistakes or omissions.

How can I reach a disability attorney at Berger and Green?

At Berger and Green, we offer complimentary consultations that allow you to better understand your medical condition and whether or not you may be eligible for government benefits. Call our Pittsburgh office at 412-661-1400 to learn more about our services or schedule your free evaluation. We can help you get the SSD benefits you deserve.