Johnstown
Stroke and TIA Lawyer

On This Page

1. Our Johnstown Stroke and TIA Attorneys Can Help You Understand Your Options
2. How Can a Johnstown, PA, Stroke or TIA Cause a Disability?
3. Berger and Green’s Johnstown Stroke and TIA Lawyers Work Based on Contingency
4. A Johnstown, PA, Stroke and TIA Disability Lawyer Guides You through the Claims Process
5. Discuss Your Johnstown, PA, Claim with Our SSD Team 

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

March 03, 2025

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you cannot work because of lasting effects from a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), you may qualify for benefits from the Social Security Disability Administration. A Johnstown stroke and TIA lawyer from our team can help you file your claim or fight a denial. 

At Berger and Green Attorneys, our Johnstown, PA, Social Security Disability lawyers have evaluated thousands of cases for individuals over the last 40+ years. We understand what makes an effective claim. Contact us today for a free consultation with our team.

Our Johnstown Stroke and TIA Attorneys Can Help You Understand Your Options

If you suffered a stroke or TIA and now cannot work, you could qualify for disability benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires claimants to prove that their disabilities are so significant that they cannot work. 

Our disability attorneys understand how frustrating it can be to be out of work and unable to return because of your health. We are here to help you prepare the paperwork, file your claim, and fight for the compensation you need. 

Our SSD Lawyers Can Help Your Prove Disability Eligibility Based on Your Stroke and TIA 

The SSA publishes a list of impairments that could cause disabilities. This is known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book has an entry that specifically addresses disabilities linked to strokes and TIA under 11.04, Vascular insult to the brain. This entry outlines the lasting impairments or symptoms that must be clearly documented in your medical records for you to be approved for disability benefits. This could include: 

• Communication impairments, including aphasia
• Limb impairments that make it difficult to engage in certain movements, walk independently, or work with your hands
• Issues with memory, concentration and focus, interpersonal skills, or adapting to professional settings paired with physical limitations

The SSA provides a list of evidentiary requirements showing what documentation you must have to show you have the limitations included in the Blue Book. Most center on your diagnosis, medical treatment and response, and other key information in your medical records.

You could still qualify for benefits even if you do not have the lasting issues listed in The Blue Book. This will rely on your residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment, which shows your remaining ability to work your job or any other job you might qualify to work.

How Can a Johnstown, PA, Stroke or TIA Cause a Disability?

When you suffer a stroke or TIA, the lasting physical and cognitive effects can make it difficult or impossible to return to the workforce. While most TIAs are temporary, strokes often cause long-term impairments. Some possible lasting effects include: 

• Physical Limitations: Many stroke survivors suffer weakness and paralysis, difficulty with coordination, and chronic fatigue.
• Cognitive Impairments: Stroke survivors may live with memory loss, trouble concentrating, slower processing speed, and difficulty with problem-solving.
• Speech and Communication Issues: It may be difficult for stroke survivors to speak and communicate clearly. They may have aphasia, dysarthria, or other diagnosed speech concerns.
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Some stroke survivors may live with depression, anxiety, and mood swings that make it difficult to hold a job or manage workplace stress.

While rehabilitation and therapies—including physical, occupational, and speech therapy—help many people recover significantly, a full recovery is not always possible. Blood thinners and other medications to prevent future strokes and TIAs could also have side effects that affect the ability to work some jobs.

Whether you can return to work after a stroke or TIA will depend on many factors, including your lasting impairments and your previous job. It may be difficult to heal enough to return to jobs that require physical strength, coordination, or clear communication. It may also be difficult for many stroke survivors to manage complex tasks or focus on cognitively challenging jobs. Those who can work may struggle to work long hours or consecutive days. 

Berger and Green’s Johnstown Stroke and TIA Lawyers Work Based on Contingency

At Berger and Green, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience representing clients and helping them fight for the compensation they need. This includes evaluating thousands of Social Security Disability claims. 

We can help you apply for SSDI or SSI, including helping you understand which program is best for you and preparing your claim. We can ensure your paperwork includes the necessary information to contact your medical care providers, which is essential for them to properly assess your claim and approve you for benefits. We will also file an appeal if the SSA denies your claim. 

Our team does not ask you to pay any upfront lawyer fees. We work based on contingency and only get paid after we secure the benefits you need.

A Johnstown, PA, Stroke and TIA Disability Lawyer Guides You through the Claims Process

At Berger and Green, we guide our clients through every step of the Social Security Disability claims process. This includes: 

Application 

We prepare and file the disability claim, ensuring all information is correct and the SSA has access to the client’s medical records and related evidence.

Appeal

When a denial occurs, we file an appeal for our client. The first step in the appeals process is reconsideration. 

Reconsideration

During reconsideration, the SSA reviews the claim and supporting documents.

Hearing

A hearing with an Administrative Law Judge is the next step in the appeals process. This can be done by phone, video call, or in person. We represent our client in these hearings, and it may be possible to get the denial overturned during this hearing.

If necessary, we can continue the appeals process at District Court or Federal Court.

Discuss Your Johnstown, PA, Claim with Our SSD Team 

Berger and Green provides a free consultation for clients hoping to receive Social Security Disability benefits based on their history of stroke or TIA. A Johnstown stroke and TIA lawyer from our team can help you understand your options and file your claim. Contact us today to get started.