If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits and have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, our disability lawyer can help you. HIV stands for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome. An experienced social security lawyer can offer you valuable insight with regard to your condition and how it affects your eligibility for benefits.

An individual diagnosed with HIV is not necessarily positive for AIDS.  If left untreated, HIV will usually develop into AIDS.  Typically when your CD4 count drops below 200 you are considered to have AIDS.  The CD4 count is a measurement of an individuals T cells, which assist the body in fighting any infections.  The CD4 count does not necessarily dictate the symptoms associated with this illness.

It is not uncommon for those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS to suffer from chronic or recurring fever, weight loss, skin rash, headaches, enlarged lymph nodes, lack of energy, and many other symptoms that can manifest as a result of this illness.  The conditions and their severity vary among each individual.

We have successfully handled many claims in the past for individuals who suffer from HIV/AIDS.  If you have been diagnosed with this illness and can no longer work, it is important that you apply for social security disability benefits immediately.

If you have experienced an amputation of an extremity, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. We are experienced social security lawyers who know how to fight for the rights of those who have sustained an amputation. Having an extremity amputated can be not only a traumatic experience, but also a disabling event.

Under the Social Security Administration listing of medical impairments, certain types of amputations automatically entitle an individual to disability benefits. An example would be an amputation of both hands. Even though you may not automatically qualify for social security disability benefits because you do not meet one of their medical listings, there are other ways to become eligible for social security disability benefits.

Depending on where the amputation has taken place and the effect it has on an individual’s ability to function will determine if a finding of disability is warranted. Any residual pain associated with the amputation, loss of bimanual dexterity, and loss of ability to effectively ambulate will be taken in to consideration by the Social Security Administration. Pain experienced by the amputation is another factor that will be considered in determining your eligibility. Any medications that you take to deal with the pain associated with the amputation will also be considered in your application for social security disability benefits.

Having an experienced social security disability lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the social security disability process. The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC has the experience and proven track record to give you the confidence that you are in good hands throughout this onerous process. Our firm has successfully handled claims for clients who have experienced amputations.

Do you suffer from chronic anemia and feel you are entitled to social security disability benefits? Anemia occurs when an individual has a low red blood cell count or a lack of the proper amount of hemoglobin in one’s blood.

Hemoglobin is vital in delivering oxygen to one’s organs. Common symptoms associated with anemia are weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Your red blood cell count or Hematocrit (HCT) refers to the proportion of red blood cells in your total blood volume. Typically, normal HCT counts are forty-eight percent in men and thirty eight percent in women. If your HCT account is persistently below thirty percent, and you need one or more blood transfusions every couple of month, you meet Social Security Administration’s medical listing for anemia.

Because the levels of severity of anemia vary, your eligibility for disability will depend on your symptoms and their impact on your ability to work.

Social Security Administration (SSA) refers to their medical listings guideline to determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. They have an estimated 100 various medical listings which list criteria that must be fulfilled by the claimant in order to be eligible for social security disability benefits.

If you do not meet a medical listing, there are other ways to demonstrate your eligibility for social security disability benefits. The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC has the experience and proven track record to give you the confidence that you are in good hands throughout this onerous process.

Have you been diagnosed with chronic, recurring Anxiety? Do you want to know if you are eligible for social security disability? At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC we have represented many individuals who suffer with this illness. We understand that working with your treating health care providers is very important in demonstrating the residual effects of your condition.

It is vital to document how Anxiety affects your day to day ability to function. Unlike a physical condition that is visible through a diagnostic test, anxiety is documented by your ongoing treatment, therefore it is important that you have well documented medical records from your treating physician to show the symptoms of your anxiety.

Typically, individuals who suffer from anxiety have a general sense of dread and apprehension without any specific type of stimulation to cause them to have such a feeling. A recent traumatic experience could be the catalyst for anxiety or it could be due to some type of early childhood event. Generally, there is not a specific cause for anxiety, but it can become quite severe in nature.

Many individuals who suffer from anxiety also suffer from depression as there seems to be an overlap between the two diagnoses.

Are you suffering from arthritis and seeking an experienced social security disability lawyer? Arthritis can be quite disabling and can have a tremendous impact on your ability to work. Arthritis presents itself in many different ways. Some of the more common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain in the joints, lack of mobility, and fatigue. The severity of the pain can vary and is usually progressive over time.

Many of our clients have arthritis in their shoulders, elbows, hands, fingers, knees, and various other parts of their body. Many times arthritis can be treated with medication. However, many individuals experience severe pain even when taking prescribed medication. Arthritis is a progressive condition, meaning it typically gets worse as you get older Although arthritis is a quite common medical condition, it can become quite severe and disabling.

The Social Security Administration will make an assessment of your medical condition along with your work experience, and education level when making a determination with regard to your eligibility for social security disability benefits.

At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, we are committed to fighting for the rights for those who have been wrongfully denied their social security disability benefits. We are experienced social security lawyers and have handled thousands of social security disability claims.

If have severe asthma you could qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Although asthma can be a common medical condition, if it is severe enough, it could render an individual unable to work. An experienced social security lawyer can help you obtain the social security disability benefits that you are entitled to receive.

Almost twenty-two million Americans suffer from asthma. Asthma occurs due to an inflammation in one’s airway. During an asthma attack, a constriction of the muscles occurs in the airway which causes swelling in the air passage. As a result, it becomes difficult to breath. It can be triggered by things in the environment such as mold, dust, pollen, smoke, and humidity. It can also be triggered by stress. Common symptoms associated with asthma are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in one’s chest.

Usually, asthma can be successfully treated. However, in some instances it can be quite severe despite various treatment options. Asthma attacks can last for minutes, hours, or even days. Despite common medical treatment modalities, some individuals find that their asthma attacks can no longer be controlled and prevent them from working.

If you are experiencing chronic back pain that is not relieved by medical treatment, the  social security disability lawyers at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC can help you.

Back pain is a common cause of disability for many individuals.  As one ages, the long term effects of labor can be seen in chronic back pain.  The cause of back pain can vary.  Some of the more common causes of back pain are bulging discs, herniated discs, nerve damage, and spinal stenosis.

It is very important that your physician makes an accurate diagnosis as to the cause of your back pain.  There are several tests that can be performed such as x-rays, MRIs, and EMG test.  Depending on the nature of your back problems, you may be a good candidate for surgery to fix the source of pain.  Many of our clients have had previous unsuccessful back surgeries.  Many individuals who suffer from back pain also require the use of pain medication for their condition.

Chronic back pain is one of the more common reasons for filing an application for social security disability.  The social security administration will look for longitudinal medical evidence in support of your claim for disability benefits.  They will want to see your diagnostic reports such as MRIs, x-rays, nerve conduction studies, etc.  They will also rely heavily on the opinion of your treating physician in making a determination in your claim.

Do you suffer from a Bipolar Disorder. At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, we have been successful in obtaining social security disability benefits for our clients suffering from this illness. Typically, individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder experience depression along with manic phases. During the manic phase, the individual can experience symptoms such as hyperactivity, getting very small amount of sleep, thoughts that are racing, difficulty with temper management.

An example of someone experiencing a manic phase would be the feeling like one needs to clean their entire house at 11:00 in the evening and does not finish until 5:00 in the morning. Usually these manic episodes are followed by depression which presents itself with low self esteem, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, loss of interest, lack of desire to socialize with friends, and a general feeling of sadness.

Bipolar disorder can present itself in many various forms. The key to a successful social security disability claim when one has Bipolar Disorder is a well documented medical record from a treating source. Your therapist and your physician can play an important role in the outcome of your claim. A report from your medical providers outlining your condition, symptoms, and how they affect your ability to work will be of great use to the administrative law judge presiding over your case.

Are you legally blind and feel that you are eligible for SSD. At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, we represent individuals who are both legally blind and those who have severe difficulties with their vision but not severe enough to be considered legally blind. If you are diagnosed by a physician as legally blind, you will automatically be eligible for disability benefits. If your vision is no greater than 20/200 in your dominant eye, you should automatically qualify for benefits. In addition if your visual filed is less than or equal to 20 degrees in your dominant eye, you will also qualify medically qualify for disability benefits.

Because the levels of severity of visual problems vary, your eligibility for disability will depend on your symptoms and their impact on your ability to work. The Social Security Administration will consider your medical records when determining your eligibility for social security disability. They will want to see diagnostic testing showing your visual acuity and look at your visual fields. It would be very helpful if your treating doctor would provide a report discussing the difficulties you are having with your vision and the limitations caused by said problems.

Have you been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease? Do you need an experienced social security disability lawyer who has handled SSD cases for those who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.

At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC we have handled thousands of social security disability claims and get you get the benefits that you are entitled to receive.

Those who suffer from Crohn’s disease experience an inflamed digestive system. Crohn’s disease can be a very disabling condition whereby as a result of frequent abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea it becomes very difficult to sustain gainful employment. Other common symptoms include rectal bleeding and difficulties maintaining weight. It is not uncommon to find younger individuals who are suffering from these illness.

Although there are various treatment options available for those who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, it is difficult to predict their success rate. Those who have Crohn’s disease will experience flare ups where the symptoms are worse at times than others.

If you are trying to get social security disability benefits because of Crohn’s disease, it is helpful to have the support of your treating physician. Typically, the Social Security Administration will want to see a pattern whereby your symptoms are consistent despite medical treatment.

At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC we understand Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the disabling effects it can have on your ability to function. We have experience with this illness and can assist you in your claim for SSD. Chronic fatigue syndrome (COVES) is characterized as long lasting tiredness that does not improve with rest. Diagnosing COVES can not be done by a single test and the cause is not known. The disease is much more prevalent in women than in men for some reason. It is important to have an experienced social security disability lawyer who is well versed in COVES who can help you navigate through the onerous application process.

Once your physician has ruled out other medical conditions such as nerve damage, drug use, depression/anxiety, or any other disease, a diagnosis of COVES can be made. Symptoms present themselves as extreme fatigue that has lasted for at least six months, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, muscle weakness, muscle pain. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of the symptoms associated with COVES.

Sometimes a MRI of the brain can show evidence of COVES as well as blood tests, however there is not a specific test to confirm COVES. For this reason, it can be challenging to prevail in your disability claim with a diagnosis of COVES unless you have an experienced lawyer who has handled these types of claims. Our office has successfully handled many disability claims where our clients were suffering from COVES.

Do you have degenerative disc disease? This condition is not really a disease, but is change in the spinal discs as one ages caused by age or injury. There are many applicants for social security disability who suffer from degenerative disc disease. With degenerative disc disease, the discs in between the bones of the spine begin to change and break down. They no longer function well to absorb the stresses on the spine. As a result, many of our clients experience great pain, typically in the lower back (lumbar region) or the neck (cervical region). Symptoms include severe pain in the back, neck, buttocks, arms or legs depending on the location of the injured disc.

Not only do clients with degenerative disc disease have impaired ability to perform the activities of day-to-day living, but the pain medications used to treat this disease may also have debilitating side effects.

At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, we have handled a plethora of cases involving degenerative disc disease. Whether you have endured failed surgery or are taking a pain medicine to manage your condition, we can help you in your claim for social security disability benefits.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes that is uncontrollable despite medical treatment, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits. Our experienced social security disability attorney can help you get your social security disability benefits. Depending on the severity of the diabetes it can be a disabling condition either on its own or in combination with other medical conditions.

There are two primary types of Diabetes, Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes. Typically, Type I Diabetes presents at an early age, although that is not always the case. When the individuals body fails to make enough insulin, they develop Type I Diabetes. Type I Diabetes can usually be controlled with insulin, proper diet, and exercise. Symptoms include but are not limited to frequent urination, drowsiness, extreme hunger and thirst.

Type II Diabetes usually develops in adults. It is caused by high glucose levels in the blood stream due to a lack of the proper amount of insulin. Insulin is produced by the body to break down the glucose and when there is insufficient levels within the body, your blood sugar goes way up.

Typical side effects of poorly controlled diabetes are a lack of energy, mood swings, nerve damage, and drowsiness. If not left untreated, diabetes can be a fatal medical condition.

Do you suffer from Depression? We are experienced social security disability attorneys who have filed many claims on behalf of our clients who suffer from major depression. Typical symptoms of depression are:

• Feelings of guilt
• Worthlessness
• Lack of interest
• Change in appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty with concentration
• Mood swings

Many who suffer from severe depression find it very difficult to sustain any type of employment. Although considered a non-exertional impairment by the Social Security Administration, it is still recognized as a very disabling condition depending on the severity. A non-exertional impairment is one where the symptoms are not triggered by exertion such as walking or standing. For some, the depression gets so bad that they do not want to get out of bed. Depression is one of the more common medical conditions experienced by those who apply for disability benefits.

If you are diagnosed with depression and feel you are eligible for social security benefits, it is important to have your symptoms well documented by your healthcare providers. Your psychologist, therapist, social worker, and psychiatrist can play an important role in the outcome of your claim.

The experienced social security disability lawyer will most likely have handled numerous SSD cases for those who suffer from fibromyalgia. At The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC we have handled many claims for clients who suffer from this illness. We understand fibromyalgia and know what it takes to have a successful social security disability claim for those diagnosed with this disease.

There seems to be a lack of understanding amongst some in the medical community as to the what constitutes fibromyalgia. It is not uncommon to see it given as a blanket diagnosis when a physician can not determine the cause of the patient’s complaints. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has clearly defined fibromyalgia and such definition has been recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in terms of social security disability (SSD) and supplemental security income (SSI) claims. As defined by the ACR, fibromyalgia presents itself as widespread pain throughout the entire body for at least three months and is found in 11 out of 18 tender points.

Those who experience fibromyalgia usually have other medical problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue. Sometimes there is an underlying cause of fibromyalgia such as bulging or herniated disc or some other medical condition that has triggered the fibromyalgia. It is also not uncommon to see clients who have fibromyalgia to also experience depression. This is not intended to be an exhaustive explanation of fibromyalgia as the cause, symptoms, and overall medical condition vary from person to person.

We are experienced social security disability attorneys and we have experience in representing individuals who have a severe heart condition. When the heart is not pumping enough blood throughout the body, one is diagnosed with congestive heart failure. There are many different types of causes of congestive heart failure such as congenital heart disease, a heart attack, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease. If you have a heart condition, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits.

Typical symptoms of an individual who presents with congestive heart failure are fatigue, shortness of breath, dyspnea, problems sleeping, swelling of the extremities (hands, feet, ankles). Many heart conditions can treated with medication and a change in one’s lifestyle such as diet and exercise. For many, despite various treatment regimens, they continue to experience the disabling effects of congestive heart failure and are no longer able to work.

It is important to make sure that your medical providers are giving you comprehensive medical treatment to address your heart condition and any other organs that may be affected by your condition. The social security administration will look closely at your diagnostic test results. They will look to see if the severity of your condition rises to the level to meet one of the medical listings under the Social Security Administration regulations. If your condition meets the criteria set out by the regulations, you are automatically qualified for social security disability benefits.

Having a herniated disc is fairly common medical condition.  If you have a herniated disc, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits.  Please contact The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC, where our experienced social security lawyer can help you with your social security disability (SSD) claim.

The bones that make up your spine are called vertebrae.  The vertebra go up and down your spine and are separated by a disc that contains a soft liquid matter to cushion each vertebrae.  As we age, or through some type of trauma, the disc can rupture, and this is known as a herniation.

The symptoms associated with a herniated disc can vary from mild to extremely painful.  A lot has to do with the location of the actual herniation and whether or not it involves any nerve root impingement.  Common symptoms associated with a herniated disc can be chronic upper or lower back pain, spasms, muscle pain, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates in other parts of your body such as hands, arms, shoulders, or legs.

There are several diagnostic tests that can be performed to confirm the presence of a herniation such as MRI, x-ray, or nerve conduction studies.  The clinical observations of your treating physician also play an important role in the diagnosis of a herniated disc.

* Kidney dialysis patients

* Unprotected sex

* Sharing needles for illegal drugs

* Fetus obtaining the disease from mother during pregnancy (not very common)
Hepatitis usually leads to scarring of the liver and can have many other disabling symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss.

If you have chronic Hepatitis C that is well documented by diagnostic testing and you symptoms are reported to your physician, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration will review your claim and look at several factors in determining your eligibility for SSD/SSI.

An experienced social security disability lawyer can assist you during the application and hearing (if need be) process, so that you can get the social security benefits that you deserve.

Many Americans suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is not an uncommon condition and can usually be controlled with medical treatment. However, for some, the symptoms can be so severe, that it prevents them from performing any type of work. Contact an experienced social security disability lawyer at The Bernstein law Offices if you need help obtaining social security disability and have been diagnosed with IBS.

Typical symptoms affiliated with IBS are bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea, that have persisted for six months or more. The diagnosis is made by your medical provider and is confirmed by your symptoms.

Although IBS can be successfully treated, for some it limits their ability to sustain any type of gainful employment due to the severity of the symptoms. If you are diagnosed with IBS that is preventing you from working, it is important that you have well documented medical records from your treating physician outlining your symptoms and their frequency.

We have represented claimants in the past who have been diagnosed with IBS that prevented them from working. If you are interested in finding out how you may qualify for social security disability, please contact us for a free telephone consultation.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that has a direct impact on an individual’s central nervous system. MS is a serious medical condition. If you have been diagnosed with MS and are suffering from disabling symptoms, you should contact an experienced social security disability benefits lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC. Our firm has been representing social security disability clients since 1997. MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Typically, it is more common among women, however, there are men who also suffer from MS.

The brain has a protective barrier which is known as the sheath, which is damaged by MS. Symptoms related to MS can vary from person to person. Common symptoms are numbness in any area of the body, dizziness, problems with ambulation, tremors, double vision. This list is not exhaustive as there are many other symptoms that can be caused by MS.

Presently, MS is treated with medications which can also cause many severe side effects as well. Because the levels of severity of anemia vary, your eligibility for disability will depend on your symptoms and their impact on your ability to work.

Have you been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which is also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Causalgia? You should contact a Philadelphia SSD lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC to help you obtain your social security disability benefits.

RSD is a chronic pain condition that can affect any area of the body, but often affects an arm or a leg. While doctor’s are not sure what causes RSD, the pain resulting from the condition is very real and can be disabling. RSD has two forms: Type 1 is a chronic nerve disorder that occurs most often in the arms or legs after a minor injury. Type 2 is caused by an injury to the nerve. When damaged nerves are no longer able to properly control blood flow, this leads to other medical problems in the blood vessels, bones, muscles and nerves of the body. The symptoms of RSD include intense and burning pain, sometimes beginning at the point of injury and spreading to the whole limb or to the arm or leg on the opposite side of the body. Treatment for RSD includes pain medicines, steroids, certain blood pressure medicines, bone loss medications (such as bisphosphonates like Fosamax and Actonel), and antidepressants. Physical therapy, nerve blocks and surgery may also be used to treat the pain. RSD as well as its treatments can be completely disabling and interfere with one’s ability to work and to attend to the daily activities of life. If you or someone you know has RSD, please contact the The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation.

Do you have a seizure disorder? Our experienced social security disability lawyer at The Bernstein Law Firm PLLC can help you with your social security disability benefits claim. There are many different types of seizure disorders. Some of the most common include epilepsy, partial focal seizure, petit mal (absence) seizure, and epilepsy.

Seizure disorders can be disabling. There are many possible symptoms of seizures, depending on the type. Generally, seizures cause a loss of awareness and can cause the body to twitch or shake. Other symptoms include loss of memory of a period of time, change in emotions, such as unexplainable panic, fear or laughter, and muscle tightening causing twitching of the body. Seizures typically last anywhere from a couple minutes to 15 minutes. Some seizures are caused by a temporary condition, but others are caused by brain abnormalities or injury.

Many people who suffer from chronic seizures cannot drive or work due to the unpredictable nature of their seizures. Driving with a seizure disorder is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The medicines used to treat seizure disorder have side-effects that may interfere with the functions of daily living. Some individuals continue to experience seizures even while taking medication. These are known as break through seizures. It is important to keep a log of your seizures so that you can keep track of their frequency.