La Crosse Social Security Disability Attorneys

You have likely been paying into the Social Security Disability program (SSD) for the entire course of your working life. The program is designed to provide workers the benefits and income they need if they should ever suffer a disabling injury or illness that prevents them from working for a significant amount of time. Applying for these benefits can be complicated, and officials frequently deny valid claims. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner to help guide you through this process can provide you with the best chance of recovering the benefits you deserve in a timely fashion.

The Wisconsin-based attorneys at Pittman & Pittman Law Offices, LLC, are dedicated to helping workers assert their interests when it comes to Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Call 608-620-7774 or email us today to receive a consultation.

Who Qualifies For SSD Benefits?

In order to qualify for SSD benefits, you must have worked in a job that is covered by Social Security and have had a disabling condition lasting one year or longer. There are a number of different conditions that are covered by Social Security Disability (SSD). However, having a qualifying condition is not a guarantee that you will receive benefits. The Social Security Administration regularly denies SSD claims, often because applicants make paperwork mistakes or fail to document their conditions thoroughly.

Our attorneys can help walk you through the initial application process, ensuring you have everything in order to make the strongest possible case for recovering the benefits you deserve. If the Social Security Administration denies your initial claim, this decision does not have to be the final word. We also handle appeals and understand how to build a persuasive case in your favor.

Qualifying With A Physical Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews physical claims using the Listing of Impairments. This list is often called the “Blue Book.” To qualify for benefits, your physical condition must be a medically proven impairment. This impairment must be severe enough to stop you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2026, the SGA earnings limit is $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals. Our attorneys represent Wisconsin residents with many physical conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: We document conditions under Listing 1.00. These include degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. We also cover major joint surgeries. These conditions must result in a functional inability to walk or move effectively.
• Cardiovascular conditions: This includes chronic heart failure or ischemic heart disease. It also covers heart rhythm issues that meet the rules in Listing 4.00.
• Neurological disorders: Our firm works on cases involving Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. We also assist with motor function loss following a stroke.
• Immune system disorders: This includes Lupus and Fibromyalgia. We also help with various types of cancer.

Proving a physical impairment requires objective medical evidence from an approved source. You must provide clinical signs and lab results. These include MRI scans, CT scans, and EKGs. We also use your long-term treatment notes to define your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).

Proving Your Mental Health Disability Claim

The SSA evaluates mental health conditions under Section 12.00. For a mental impairment to qualify, it must be medically proven. It must also cause a “marked” or “extreme” limitation in specific areas. We must show that your condition limits your ability to:

• Understand and remember information
• Interact with other people
• Concentrate or maintain a steady pace
• Manage your own behavior

We offer legal assistance for claims involving:

• Mood and anxiety disorders: This includes major depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
• Neurocognitive disorders: These involve brain injuries or issues that affect memory.
• Psychotic disorders: This includes schizophrenia and similar disorders.

The SSA cannot see a mental impairment on an X-ray. Instead, they look at psychiatric exams and long-term medical records. In Wisconsin, the Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) processes these claims. We help you gather the medical opinions needed to show how your diagnosis limits your ability to work. Call our office to discuss your application or appeal.

Unable To Work Due To A Disability Or Illness? Contact Us.

If a disability has left you unable to work, we can help explore your options for recovering benefits. To schedule a consultation with our Social Security Disability lawyers, call our La Crosse office at 608-620-7774. You may also complete our online contact form and we will respond to your message promptly. We help clients throughout the La Crosse area, as well as Southern Wisconsin in the Madison area.