Pittsburgh
Chronic Thrombocytopenia Lawyer

On This Page

1. Getting Benefits Based on a Chronic Thrombocytopenia Diagnosis
2. Getting Disability If You Do Not Meet an Impairment Listing
3. Technical Qualifications Can Earn You a Quick Denial
4. Act Quickly If the SSA Denied Your Pittsburgh Disability Claim
5. Call Our Office About Getting Social Security Disability for Chronic Thrombocytopenia in Pittsburgh, PA

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Getting Benefits Based on a Chronic Thrombocytopenia Diagnosis

Having a chronic low platelet count can affect your ability to work. If your doctor diagnosed you with chronic thrombocytopenia and you meet other qualifications, you may be able to apply for and receive Social Security disability benefits including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs may be integral for helping you make ends meet if you cannot return to work.

The Pittsburgh disability attorneys from Berger and Green can help you fight for your benefits if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied you Social Security disability for chronic thrombocytopenia or refused to pay the full amount you deserve. Call us today at 412-661-1400 for your free consultation with a member of our team.

You will not be able to qualify for disability benefits based on your chronic low platelet count alone. Instead, you will need to have a medical history that includes certain complications or regular issues caused by your disorder.

The SSA publishes the Blue Book, a listing of qualifying impairments and their related criteria. According to this book, there are several ways you may qualify for benefits based on your chronic thrombocytopenia diagnosis. These include:

Frequent Hospitalizations

Under Blue Book Section 7.08 – Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, you may have a qualifying impairment if you have a thrombocytopenia diagnosis and suffer complications that require at least three hospitalizations during a single 12-month period that:

• Are at least 30 days apart; and
• Last at least 48 hours each; and

Repeated Complications

If you do not meet the requirements of Section 7.08, you could still qualify under Section 7.18 – Repeated Complications of Hematological Disorders. This section of the Blue Book covers situations where you have repeated complications but may not always require extended hospitalization.

Based on the Underlying Cause

There is almost always an underlying cause of thrombocytopenia, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and your diagnosis or other related symptoms may meet the criteria as a qualifying element in some cases.

Getting Disability If You Do Not Meet an Impairment Listing

In some cases, people are unable to work but do not meet the strict criteria under any of the impairment listings. If this happens to you, you may still be able to get benefits based on your residual functional capacity (RFC).

To learn more about your impairments and how they affect your ability to work, the Office of Disability Determination Services will review your application, medical records and evidence, and other information about your medical condition. It may also ask your doctor to complete an evaluation or ask you to see another doctor for a consultative examination.

If the disability examiner determines you cannot perform your previous job or any other job you might qualify for based on your current health and abilities, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Technical Qualifications Can Earn You a Quick Denial

In addition to having proof in your medical records that you suffer from a qualifying impairment, there are also several technical qualifications you must meet before you will be eligible to receive disability benefits. Each program has its own criteria, and the staff from your local Pittsburgh Social Security field office will ensure you meet these criteria before forwarding your application to the Office of Disability Determination Services.

Some common reasons we see for technical denials include:

• Leaving answers blank on the application
• Issues with name, birthdate, or Social Security Number
• Having too few work credits for SSDI
• Not meeting the income or asset limits for SSI

We can help you with your application to avoid these problems or file for an appeals hearing on your behalf. We can often help our clients obtain approval for disability through this process. Contact us today to learn more: 412-661-1400.

Act Quickly If the SSA Denied Your Pittsburgh Disability Claim

The SSA denies more than half of all applications for disability they receive. It is not unusual for someone applying for benefits based on a chronic thrombocytopenia diagnosis to need to appeal a denial. It is crucial for you to act quickly, though. You only have a short amount of time after receiving your denial notice to request an appeals hearing.

We recommend calling us as soon as you get your notice and letting us handle the process for you: 412-661-1400. If we believe you deserve the benefits you applied for, we will:

• Help you file an application
• Review your initial application and materials
• Request your Pittsburgh appeals hearing
• Determine why the SSA denied your claim
• Ensure you have the proper medical evidence to back up your claim
• Help you understand what to expect during the hearing

Once the date of your appeals hearing arrives, we will represent you to the Administrative Law Judge who oversees the hearing. We will argue in favor of full benefits and full back pay for you and present the evidence to show why we believe you deserve approval. We may be able to get the decision reversed during this hearing, and you will begin receiving benefits. You may receive back pay either as a lump sum or in installments.

Call Our Office About Getting Social Security Disability for Chronic Thrombocytopenia in Pittsburgh, PA

At Berger and Green, our Pittsburgh disability attorneys know what it takes to get Social Security disability benefits. Let our team review your application before you file or handle your disability appeal if the SSA denies your claim. We will fight for the full benefits we believe you deserve.

Call us today at 412-661-1400 for your free case evaluation.