Get Disability Benefits After a Liver Transplant
A liver transplant may be able to help you get to a better place medically, but the recovery can keep you out of work for a year or more. If you underwent a liver transplant, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied your application for Social Security disability for a liver transplant, Berger and Green is on your side. We can review your case for free, and help you fight for the SSDI and/or SSI benefits you need. Call us today at 412-661-1400 to get started.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationLiver Transplantation Is a Qualifying Impairment
The SSA has a list of impairments and the criteria you must meet to get benefits based on that condition or symptom. After a liver transplant, you should meet the requirements found in Section 5.09 – Liver Transplantation.
This impairment listing qualifies transplant recipients for disability benefits for one year following the operation. After one year, the SSA will review your condition. You may qualify based on any continuing impairments or other symptoms of the disease that caused your liver failure.
You may also qualify based on other impairment listings, depending on your personal health history and how your condition affects your body. This may allow you to continue to draw benefits beyond the one-year mark and even avoid reconsideration in some cases.
We recommend talking to your doctor about your application and ensuring they document your condition clearly in your medical records. Your medical evidence is the key to getting and keeping the disability benefits you need.
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpUnderstanding the Technical Qualifications for Social Security Disability
Meeting a qualifying impairment is usually the most stressful part of getting disability, but it is not the only criteria you must meet. Each disability program has its own technical rules for obtaining benefits. This includes:
Social Security Disability Insurance
- Having enough work credits
- Having an earned income less than the annual substantial gainful activity limit
Supplemental Security Income
- Having limited income below strict limits
- Having only a small number of assets
The SSA will also issue a technical denial if there are problems with your application or the information you provide. This could include:
- Missing answers
- Incorrect answers
- Problems with your name, birthdate, or Social Security number
If you let us help you apply we may be able to help you avoid some technical denials. Call us today to get started.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationKeeping Benefits One Year After Your Liver Transplant
You should get disability benefits for the first year after your transplant as long as your surgery is well-documented in your medical records and you meet the other criteria for SSDI and/or SSI. Once that year passes, though, the SSA will reconsider your case. You may continue to receive benefits if:
- Your medical records show you meet another impairment listing; or
- If your residual functional capacity (RFC) shows you cannot work your last job or another job for which you might qualify
If the SSA denies continuing your benefits, give us a call: 412-661-1400. We can review your situation and help you appeal the decision. Act as soon as possible after you receive notice. You will not continue to receive benefits while you wait for your appeals hearing unless you meet certain deadlines for filing the appeal.
We can address all the legal hurdles that may be keeping you from getting a fair settlement.
Speak To An Attorney TodayLet Us File Your Appeal and Fight for Your Disability Benefits
The Social Security disability attorneys from Berger and Green know what it takes to get disability benefits. We can help you fight a denial after your initial application or following the reconsideration process. We know how to navigate the disability appeals process, meeting all deadlines and representing you to the Administrative Law Judge who will oversee your appeals hearing.
It may take a year or more before your appeals hearing date arrives. While you wait for this date to get here, we will work on building a case for disability approval. This may include:
- Reviewing your initial application, medical evidence, and other information
- Determining why the SSA denied your benefits
- Gathering additional evidence, if necessary
- Compiling evidence for approval and building a strong case
- Remaining in contact with you while you wait
- Answering any questions or concerns you may have
Once the date of the appeals hearing arrives, we will attend with you. We will present the case we put together to the Administrative Law Judge and argue for you to receive the benefits you deserve.
Often, we can get the decision overturned for our well-qualified clients during this hearing. We may also be able to recover retroactive pay and back pay, in addition to your monthly benefits. The SSA pays these benefits out as lump-sum payments for those getting SSDI. If you are eligible for more than $2,000 in SSI backpay, you will receive the payment in three separate installments.
Getting Social Security Disability for a Liver Transplant in Pittsburgh, PA
Berger and Green can build a strong case for SSDI and/or SSI, and fight for the benefits you deserve. Let us review your application. We can represent you during the appeals process and present a case for overturning your denial during your hearing.
If you suffer from a disabling impairment because of an accident injury, we also may be able to help you file an injury lawsuit or take other action against the negligent party who caused your injuries. This may allow you to not only hold the at-fault party accountable but to recover compensation that helps you make ends meet.
If you need help fighting a disability denial, have questions about your situation, or want to discuss a negligence accident, our team is here to help. Call our Pittsburgh office today at 412-661-1400 for your free case review.