Ashland
Stroke and TIA Lawyer

On This Page

1. Berger and Green Has More Than 40 Years of Experience Representing Clients
2. Our Ashland Stroke and TIA Lawyers Understand the Criteria for Disability Benefits
3. Our Ashland Attorneys Can Explain Disability Benefits for Stroke and TIA
4. How Our Ashland, Ohio, Stroke and TIA Disability Lawyer Handles Denials
5. Discuss your Ashland, Ohio, Stroke and TIA Disability Claim With Our Team

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2025

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can leave you with symptoms or conditions that are disabling, making it difficult or impossible to work and earn a living. If this happened to you, one of our Ashland, Ohio, stroke and TIA lawyers can help. We can evaluate your qualifications and help you file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  

Hiring an Ashland Social Security Disability lawyer from our team at Berger and Green could help you get disability benefits. We provide free consultations so you can learn more. Contact us today. 

Berger and Green Has More Than 40 Years of Experience Representing Clients

At Berger and Green, our lawyers fight for our clients. We use our experience and knowledge about Social Security disability claims to help you apply for benefits or appeal a denial. We can help you manage your application from start to finish, including explaining what to expect from the process. 

When we help you apply, we will ensure the paperwork is complete and that you include the necessary information about your medical care providers, conditions, and work history. We can also develop strong support for appeals and navigate the process to challenge a denial for our clients. 

Our Ashland Stroke and TIA Lawyers Understand the Criteria for Disability Benefits

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA, or “mini stroke,” is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. The effects of a TIA typically resolve within minutes to hours and do not cause permanent damage. 

Strokes and TIAs can cause disabling effects such as paralysis, speech and language difficulties, cognitive and emotional changes, sensory impairments, and vision loss, significantly impacting an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. While TIAs are temporary, they serve as warning signs for potentially more disabling strokes.

At Berger and Green, we know what it takes to prove your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. The Social Security Administration publishes a listing of impairments and the kinds of medical evidence that can support a claim in the Blue Book.

Eligibility for Benefits

Section 11.04, Vascular insult to the brain focuses on strokes and TIAs. Under this heading, this condition is characterized by having one of the following: 

• Communication impairments that prevent effective communication with others, such as aphasia
• Movement impairments in your limbs that make it difficult to do any of the following: Standing up from a seated position, balancing on your feet, effectively using your hands or arms, or walking without a walker, crutches, or a wheelchair
• Some physical limitations paired with mental impairments that affect understanding and remembering, interaction, concentrating and focus, or adapting oneself to a professional environment

Generally, medical treatment such as physical therapy or speech therapy may help you improve in many ways following a stroke or TIA. However, many people continue to live with lasting deficits that make it difficult to engage in their previous activities, possibly including work tasks. 

Ultimately, you may be approved for benefits if you can prove that your disability is so severe it keeps you from working. If you do not meet the published criteria, you might qualify based on your residual functional capacity (RFC). This is an assessment of your abilities and how your disability affects your work.

Our Ashland Attorneys Can Explain Disability Benefits for Stroke and TIA

Understanding how disability works and which programs are the best fit for you is not always easy. Our Ashland disability lawyers can assess your options and help you make the best decision. You could qualify for one or both of these programs. Both have the same medical requirements. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI provides monthly income for workers who cannot perform their jobs because of the lasting effects of their stroke, TIA, or another related medical issue. This program requires you to earn below the current substantial gainful activity limit, which is $1,620 for 2025. 

You must also have enough work credits to qualify, which you earn when you work and pay into Social Security. Work credits are earned based on taxable income, and they determine eligibility for SSDI. Generally, applicants need a minimum of 20 credits, but younger applicants may be eligible with fewer credits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a need-based program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. To qualify, applicants must meet strict income and asset limits, be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and reside in the United States. Eligibility for SSI does not depend on prior work history or contributions to Social Security but rather on financial need.

You May Qualify for Both Disability Benefits after a Stroke or TIA

If a stroke or TIA leaves you unable to work, you may qualify for concurrent benefits, meaning you can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time. You must meet the medical criteria for disability due to the stroke or TIA and have limited income and resources while also having earned enough work credits.

How Our Ashland, Ohio, Stroke and TIA Disability Lawyer Handles Denials

Berger and Green knows how to handle a denial and navigate the appeals process. If you receive a denial notice, reach out to our team as soon as possible. There are strict timelines that you must adhere to when navigation the SSD claims process.

To challenge a denial of an SSDI or SSI claim, we can navigate the four-step process until we receive approval. Once approved you will begin receiving your monthly benefits as well as a check to cover your backpay. Sometimes, backpay can be significant.

Navigating the Appeals Process After a Disability Denial

The process begins with a step known as reconsideration. This step, which includes a Disability Determination Services representative reconsidering the claim, is rarely effective. We must check it off the list before requesting an Administrative Law Judge hearing. Statistically, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is the most effective step in winning your claim.

If you are denied at the hearing level, we can request an Appeals Council review. This Council examines the claim, medical records, supporting documents, and other evidence to consider the case as a whole. We may be able to get clients approved during this step. 

In rare instances it is necessary to take a claim to Federal District Court. This is the final step of the appeals process.

Discuss your Ashland, Ohio, Stroke and TIA Disability Claim With Our Team

With Berger and Green, you can contact our team for a free consultation. We will answer your questions, assess your options, and explain the actions our Ashland, OH, stroke and TIA attorney can take to help you apply or fight a denial. Contact us today to get started.