Pittsburgh
Dwarfism Lawyer

On This Page

1. Getting Approved for Benefits Based on Your Diagnosis
2. Qualifying for Disability Without Meeting an Impairment Listing
3. Meeting the Technical Qualifications for Your Pittsburgh Disability
4. Appealing a Denial of Disability Benefits in Pittsburgh
5. Pursuing Additional Compensation
6. Getting Social Security Disability for Dwarfism in Pittsburgh, PA

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Getting Approved for Benefits Based on Your Diagnosis

Dwarfism affects far more than your stature. Complications of dwarfism can get worse as you get older and make it difficult or impossible to continue working in your Pittsburgh job. If you cannot work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The disability attorneys from Berger and Green can help you file for benefits or appeal a denial. Let us review your case for free and take action on your behalf today. Call us at 412-661-1400 to get started with your free consultation.

The Social Security Administration publishes a list of impairments and the criteria you must meet to get approved for disability benefits. It’s known as the Blue Book. While there is no specific listing in the Blue Book for dwarfism, you may be able to qualify based on another impairment listing.

Some of the many possible complications of dwarfism include joint and bone issues such as arthritis, hearing or vision loss, heart problems, chronic pain, and breathing concerns. Depending on the symptoms that prevent you from working, you may be able to qualify for disability based on one of these impairment listings:

• Section 1.00 – Musculoskeletal System
• Section 2.00 – Special Senses and Speech
• Section 3.00 – Respiratory System
• Section 4.00 – Cardiovascular System

To get benefits based on one of these impairment listings, you will need to have medical evidence in your records. The necessary evidence depends on the impairment listing, but it can include:

• Medical imaging such as X-rays and CT scans
• Clinical tests
• Diagnostic notes from your doctor
• Surgical notes from the surgeon
• Information about your treatments and outcomes

When you enlist our help in filing your claim, we can ensure the Office of Disability Determination Services has access to the contact information for your doctors, so they can request copies of your medical records because they need to see medical evidence to approve you.

Qualifying for Disability Without Meeting an Impairment Listing

You may be able to get disability without meeting an impairment listing which is possible based on your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is an assessment of your abilities despite your impairments. You will need to prove your disability severe enough to keep you from working.

When the Office of Disability Determination Services evaluates your RFC, it is looking to learn:

• The type of work you have the education and experience to do.
• The type of work you can do.
• How long you can work.
• How often you can work.

If they find you cannot work because of your impairments, or if you require accommodations to work, you will likely get approved for benefits. In general, there are three ways they may evaluate your RFC:

• A doctor from the Office of Disability Determination Services can use your medical records.
• Your doctor can use their knowledge of your case.
• The Social Security Administration can ask you to attend a paid consultative examination

Meeting the Technical Qualifications for Your Pittsburgh Disability

Proving that you have a disability is not the only thing you have to do to get approved for SSDI or SSI. Each program also has its own technical qualifications. Before the staff from the local Social Security field office forwards your claim to the Office of Disability Determination Services, they will check to ensure you meet the technical qualifications.

If you do not meet these criteria, you will likely receive a technical denial. Some of the technical qualifications for these programs include:

• Having an earned income over the substantial gainful activity limit for SSDI.
• Not having enough work credits for SSDI.
• Not having recent enough work credits for SSDI.
• Having too much income for SSI.
• Having too many assets for SSI.

Our team understands how frustrating a technical denial can be. When we help you file your claim, we will double-check your paperwork to reduce the risk of leaving questions blank or other issues with completing the forms. We can also help you file an appeal if you have already received a technical denial. Call us today at 412-661-1400 to get started.

Appealing a Denial of Disability Benefits in Pittsburgh

The Social Security Administration denies more than half of all initial disability claims, leaving many people who cannot work without a source of income. If this happened to you, we can help. Let us explain your options for appealing the decision and request a hearing if there is sufficient time to do so.

You have a limited period of time after receiving your denial notice to appeal. We can request your appeal hearing for you as long as you contact us right away after getting this denial notice. It will take about a year before the date of your hearing arrives. While you wait, we will:

• Investigate your case and determine why they denied you.
• Collect evidence to prove you qualify for benefits.
• Answer your questions and address your concerns.
• Build a solid case for approval of your benefits and back pay.
• Represent you before the Administrative Law Judge.
• Argue on your behalf the day of the hearing.

Pursuing Additional Compensation

Our founding partner, attorney Laurence B. Green, has more than 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of personal injury accident victims. If you suffered injuries in a personal injury accident, we may be able to pursue compensation for you by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Getting Social Security Disability for Dwarfism in Pittsburgh, PA

If you cannot work because of complications related to your dwarfism, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Berger and Green team can help you file your claim or appeal a denial. We will fight for the monthly payments and back pay you need and deserve.

Call us today at 412-661-1400 for your free case review with a member of our Pittsburgh team.