Personality Disorder Lawyer in Pittsburgh

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Symptoms and Types of Personality Disorders
SSD Benefits and Personality Disorders
How Our SSD Lawyers Help Your Personality Disorder Claim
Get Help in Pittsburgh for a Personality Disorder Claim

Personality disorders can affect your ability to interact with others and inadvertently cause stress for you and those around you. If a mental health condition makes working impossible, it may be time to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

At Berger and Green, our Pittsburgh, PA Social Security Disability lawyers can help those suffering from personality disorders in Pittsburgh receive the disability benefits they need while dealing with their condition. Call us today for a free case consultation. We are here to help.

Symptoms and Types of Personality Disorders

The term personality disorder can refer to several mental health disorders in which a person’s behaviors and emotional state are chronically different from societal expectations, causing potentially serious problems with work and relationships. There are many specific types of personality disorders. In general, personality disorders are conditions in which a person’s range of emotions, thought processes, and behaviors are not adaptable to a wide range of situations.

The symptoms of personality disorders may result in self-destructive tendencies or disruptions to daily life. Mayo Clinic categorizes symptoms based on clusters of personality disorders, but some possible symptoms that could be affecting you include:

Severely negative emotions
Anger
Aggression
Shame
Self-harm
Poor impulse control
Compulsions
Isolation
Poor self-image
Paranoia and distrust
Hallucinations
Fears and phobias

A characteristic of a personality disorder that is negatively affecting your life is if your symptoms are causing chaos in your relationships in both personal and work settings. Because a personality disorder can make working extremely difficult, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes these mental disorders as qualifying disabilities.

What Are Qualifying Personality Disorders?

Specific types of personality disorders include:

Paranoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder
Avoidant personality disorder
Dependent personality disorder
Intermittent explosive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Is There Anything Else the SSA Will Examine?

The SSA will also look at how well you are able to function in your daily life. They will examine your ability to:

Comprehend and use information as necessary
Have normal interactions with supervisors, coworkers, and customers
Focus and continue working at a steady pace
Adapt to change or manage tasks.

What if I Do Not Meet These Qualifications?

You can still qualify for disability benefits without meeting the specific criteria in the impairment listings. This is possible because the SSA will investigate the limitations that prevent you from working and will complete a mental residual functional capacity assessment.

Your mental residual functional capacity explains your impairments in detail, outlines what type of tasks you can complete, and how often and how long you can do these tasks. This allows them to compare your abilities to the necessary tasks of every job you worked in the past, as well as a variety of unskilled jobs. If you cannot work any of these jobs, you may qualify for benefits.

Why Is Seeing a Doctor so Important in Getting Disability Benefits for a Personality Disorder?

Your medical records and statements from your doctor about your condition play a key role in qualifying for and retaining disability benefits. The SSA needs to see medical proof that your personality disorder causes significant symptoms in your daily life. To do that, they will want to speak with the medical professionals who have treated your condition.

We can ensure the SSA gets all the information they need to review your claim and medical history. However, it is up to you to see your doctor regularly and follow all his or her orders.

You should keep all appointments with your care providers and stay on any prescribed medications. Following recommended treatments and creating a record that demonstrates what you have done to manage your disorder is key in getting the benefits you need. Even if you believe you are recovering, continue to follow your doctor’s orders. Not doing so could jeopardize your disability benefits.

If you have been diagnosed with one of these mental conditions and your symptoms are impacting your ability to work and navigate your life, our Social Security Disability lawyers can evaluate your personality disorder case in Pittsburgh. We can help you apply for Social Security Disability benefits. If you have already applied and received a denial, our Pittsburgh Social Security Disability appeal lawyer may be able to help you appeal the decision.

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SSD Benefits and Personality Disorders

The SSA has strict requirements for those filing an application to receive disability benefits. To be eligible for benefits, your disability must be expected to keep you from working for a minimum of 12 months or will result in your death. We encourage you to apply as soon as you know that you are no longer able to work.

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Factors impacting which federal program fits your case include your work history and income level. Our compassionate attorneys can also go over the requirements with you if you aren’t sure which you qualify for.

Social Security Disability Insurance

When you pay into Social Security, you help fund this insurance coverage. Those who suffer disabilities, including personality disorders, can access SSDI coverage if they:

Have a qualifying disability
Have a minimum of 20 work credits
Paid into Social Security
Cannot engage in substantial gainful activity
Cannot do their job or perform similar work
Have suffered from their condition for one year or will suffer for one year

You must provide proof of your work history, the severity of your condition, and other supporting evidence that shows you have been disabled by your disorder.

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is for those who don’t have enough recent work credits for an SSDI claim. To file an SSI claim, you will need to meet the income requirements, which can vary by year.

Many factors can affect how your resources are viewed. For instance, Benefits.gov lists marital status as well as the resources of those in your household as influencing factors when applying for SSI. The team at Berger and Green can help you understand what is required for either program.

We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.

How Our SSD Lawyers Help Your Personality Disorder Claim

When you call on us, our personal injury attorneys provide the following:

Free initial case evaluations without hassle or commitment
No attorneys’ fees or costs unless we recover a settlement, benefits, or verdict in your case
Easy-to-understand language in explaining your legal options and paperwork
Evidence examination and compilation for appealing a claim denial
Support, compassion, and accessibility while helping you through the process

Suffering from a personality disorder can be debilitating. If your symptoms have prevented or are preventing you from working and receiving income, Berger and Green can put our experience with SSD to work on your case.

Why Choose Beger and Green as Your Social Security Disability Lawyer

When navigating the complexities of a Social Security Disability case, Berger and Green has over 40 years of legal experience helping people like you. We stand out as a law firm that combines legal knowledge with a personalized approach. Our Social Security Disability lawyers have evaluated thousands of cases, leveraging this history to advocate effectively for the compensation you need.

Berger and Green understands that every case is unique. They offer free case evaluations and are willing to meet you at your home or hospital, emphasizing convenience and comfort for their clients. With a commitment to putting clients first, our legal team provides open, frequent communication, inviting you to share your story and updating you throughout the claim process. Our ultimate goal is to make the legal proceedings as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery. Choosing Berger and Green means opting for legal professionals who see you as more than just a case number.

You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.