Chicago Attorney for Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Lawyer in Illinois Providing Guidance on Qualifying Medical Conditions

Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are awarded based on the type of medical condition the applicant is suffering from. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an impairment listing manual (also known as the Blue Book) that lists the medical conditions (both physical conditions and mental conditions) that qualify a claimant to receive benefits. Those with disabilities that are not specifically listed in the manual may still qualify for benefits, depending on the circumstances. In either case, gaining approval can be a difficult process, and the chances of success are far better with the assistance of a skilled Social Security Disability attorney.

At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, we were founded with one singular mission: to help individuals qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Our managing attorney, Jonathan L. Pearson, practices disability law exclusively and has helped thousands of individuals in Chicagoland and throughout Illinois become approved for the benefits they deserve. Mr. Pearson is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) and Chicago Bar Association and has dedicated his career to this area of the law. He handles each case personally and on a contingency basis, so you only pay attorney fees if he wins your case.

What if My Condition Does Not Meet the Requirements of a Specific SSA Impairment Listing?

There are many instances when the medical condition of an applicant does not match a condition that is listed in the SSA manual. In such cases, applicants can still be approved for benefits if they can show their condition is medically equivalent to a Blue Book listing. Some examples of circumstances when you may be approved based on a medically equal condition include:

• Your impairment is not listed in the manual, but your condition is similar in medical severity to one or more of the listed impairments;
• Your impairment is listed in the manual, but you do not meet the specific criteria of the listing. However, you have other medical issues that make your condition medically equal; and
• You have multiple impairments and none are listed in the manual. However, the combined effects of your impairments are medically equivalent to at least one of the listed impairments.

Approval is possible even without a medically equal condition if it can be shown that your condition limits your physical or mental functionality to the point where you are not able to perform your work. Disabilities related to back pain can be especially difficult to classify, since there may be many sources of pain that can limit a person's movement and affect their ability to work. However, with proper documentation of your condition, you may be able to demonstrate that you are disabled and should receive benefits.

Impairments not found in the SSA Blue Book require more extensive evidence to gain approval. The SSA reviews each case individually, and the chances of success hinge on the application being completed thoroughly and accurately.

At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, we have in-depth familiarity with Social Security Disability medical conditions and which circumstances are likely to be approved. Contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC today at 312-999-0999 for a free consultation and case review.