Social Security Disability Lawyer Pittsburgh

Navigating the Social Security Disability system can be overwhelming, especially if your claim has been denied. Porta-Clark & Ward are here to help Pittsburgh residents secure the benefits they need. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers will fight for your rights. Call (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation today.

Qualifying Medical Conditions for Social Security Disability Benefits in Pittsburgh

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits provide financial relief for individuals who can no longer work due to a serious medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements for approving claims, and not every illness or injury qualifies. Understanding which conditions meet the eligibility criteria can help you determine whether you or a loved one may qualify for benefits.

How the SSA Determines Eligibility

Before diving into specific medical conditions, it is important to understand how the SSA evaluates disability claims. Simply having a diagnosis is not enough. The condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working and must last, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months.

The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book, which lists qualifying conditions along with the specific criteria applicants must meet. Even if your condition is not listed, you may still be eligible if you can prove that your disability prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful activity (SGA).

Common Conditions That Qualify

Many different types of impairments may qualify for SSD benefits. These are some of the most commonly approved conditions.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Injuries and disorders affecting the muscles, bones, and joints often result in long-term disability. Conditions in this category include:

Severe back injuries such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis that cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
Arthritis and joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, especially when they significantly impact movement.
Amputations that make it impossible to perform job-related tasks.

Chronic pain and mobility issues caused by these conditions can make even simple daily tasks difficult, let alone maintaining full-time employment.

Neurological Disorders

Diseases affecting the nervous system can be debilitating. Some of the most commonly approved neurological conditions include:

Multiple sclerosis (MS), which can lead to vision problems, fatigue, and difficulty walking.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder that causes tremors and stiffness.
Epilepsy, if frequent seizures prevent a person from working safely.
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a fatal condition that gradually impairs muscle function.

These disorders often worsen over time, making it impossible to continue working in most professions.

Cardiovascular Conditions

Serious heart and circulatory system diseases can make physical activity difficult and increase the risk of life-threatening complications. Qualifying conditions in this category include:

Chronic heart failure, which weakens the heart and reduces its ability to pump blood efficiently.
Coronary artery disease, especially when it leads to frequent chest pain or surgical interventions.
Heart transplant recovery, which automatically qualifies for benefits for at least a year.

People with these conditions may struggle with fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that make employment impossible.

Respiratory Diseases

Breathing problems can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform physical tasks. Conditions that may qualify for SSD benefits include:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can cause severe shortness of breath.
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that leads to frequent lung infections and respiratory failure.
Pulmonary fibrosis, which results in lung scarring and difficulty breathing.

If a respiratory condition makes simple tasks like walking short distances difficult, it may meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Mental Health Disorders

Mental illnesses can be just as disabling as physical conditions. The SSA recognizes several psychiatric disorders as potential qualifying conditions, including:

Severe depression that makes it impossible to function in a work environment.
Bipolar disorder, which can cause extreme mood swings and difficulty maintaining employment.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders that affect perception and reality.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if it results in flashbacks, panic attacks, or social withdrawal.

For mental health claims, medical documentation and proof of long-term impact are crucial.

Cancer and Other Serious Diseases

A cancer diagnosis does not automatically qualify someone for SSD benefits. However, if the condition is advanced, recurrent, or requires aggressive treatment, it may meet the criteria. The SSA has a Compassionate Allowances program that fast-tracks certain severe cancer cases, such as:

Lung cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Esophageal cancer
Certain types of brain tumors

Other serious diseases, such as end-stage kidney disease or liver failure, may also qualify, especially if they require dialysis or a transplant.

When a Condition Is Not Listed in the Blue Book

Not all disabilities fit neatly into the conditions outlined in the Blue Book. If your medical condition is not specifically listed, you can still apply for benefits. In these cases, the SSA will evaluate how your symptoms limit your ability to work. This process often requires detailed medical records, statements from doctors, and proof that you cannot perform any type of substantial work.

The Importance of Medical Evidence

The success of an SSD claim depends on medical evidence. The SSA requires extensive documentation to approve benefits, including:

Doctor’s reports detailing your diagnosis and treatment history.
Test results, such as MRIs, blood tests, and imaging scans.
Statements from healthcare providers explaining how your condition limits your daily activities.
Work history records showing how your disability has affected your ability to hold a job.

Without strong evidence, even a severe condition may not be approved.

Why SSD Claims Are Denied

Many applicants receive a denial the first time they apply for benefits. Some of the most common reasons include:

Lack of medical evidence supporting the disability claim.
The condition is expected to improve within a year.
The applicant earns too much income to qualify.
Failure to follow prescribed treatment plans.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Working with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney in Pittsburgh can improve your chances of success.

How an Attorney Can Help

Applying for SSD benefits is a complicated process. A lawyer familiar with disability claims can:

Help gather the necessary medical evidence.
Ensure that forms and documentation are completed correctly.
Represent you during the appeals process if your claim is denied.
Work with medical professionals to strengthen your case.

Having legal guidance can make a significant difference, especially for those whose conditions do not fit neatly into the SSA’s guidelines.

A Social Security Disability Attorney Who Fights for You

Securing SSD benefits requires more than just a diagnosis. The condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. While many illnesses and injuries qualify, proving the extent of your disability is critical. Whether you have a physical impairment, a mental health disorder, or a life-threatening disease, strong medical evidence is key to receiving the financial support you need.

If you are struggling with a disability and need help with your claim, consulting a knowledgeable SSD attorney in Pittsburgh can make the process smoother and improve your chances of approval. Porta-Clark & Ward can help you navigate the appeals process and fight for the benefits you need. Call (412) 921-7350 today to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney.