Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

If you are an Indiana resident trying to get Social Security disability benefits, the word "quick" may not sound too familiar to you. At the present, processing times to receive a hearing from an Indiana Social Security disability Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is very long and may be putting a huge financial burden on you and your family.  On the other hand, if you were lucky enough to be one of the few claimants to have received a "Quick Disability Determination" (QDD), then you probably wouldn't be reading this article.

What is a "Quick Disability Determination" (QDD)? A QDD is a Social Security disability case that is selected by a computer when it has a high probability of the Social Security claimant being disabled and that all evidence can be obtained in a quick and easy manner, and that the Disability Detemination Services (DDS) can process the claim quickly.

Indiana Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis can only tell his Indiana Social Security clients to cross their fingers and hope they are selected by the computer to be a QDD.  The Social Security Administration has set up this QDD process to help alleviate the overwhelming amount of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications that they are receiving.

Indiana disability claimants who are experiencing a disabling condition that is not very common or may be lacking extensive medical records, may find themselves not considered for a QDD.  The criteria to be considered for a QDD may be very easy to identify and perhaps would have been caught on an initial application anyway.  Indianapolis Social Security Lawyer Scott D. Lewis welcomes anything that will speed up the process for Indiana Social Security disability claimants as the current wait process is putting a strain on some of the most deserving Indiana residents.

If you have recently been denied your Indiana Social Security disability benefits or you have questions concerning Social Security disability benefits, feel free to contact Indianapolis Attorney Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Mr. Lewis sees a wide variety of Indiana Social Security disability cases including heart problems, learning disorders, diabetes, spinal problems, schizophrenia, and many other conditions.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation! 

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis has seen an increasing amount of Indiana disablity claims for Fibromyalgia.  Indiana residents suffering from Fibromyalgia sometimes find themselves unable to work due to chronic pain in different areas of their bodies.  Ongoing medical research as to the possible causes and cures for Fibromyalgia has increased, but many Indiana residents still suffer from Fibromyalgia on a daily basis.

While currently there is no testing such as x-rays or blood tests to detect Fibromyalgia, The American College of Rheumatology has developed classification criteria to diagnose Fibromyalgia that includes:

1.  A history of widespread pain that has been present for at least three months.

2.  Pain in 11 of 18 tender points on digital palpitation.

Indianapolis Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis believes it is very important for his disablity clients to try to find a physician that is knowledgeble in the area of Fibromyalgia.  Complete detailed medical records may help the Social Security Administration (SSA) find you favorable in your Indiana Social Security disability appeal. Indiana Socail Security Attorney Scott Lewis at times finds Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) who discount the claims of Fibromyalgia claimants.  A good solid medical history may be the key to convincing a skeptical judge that you are indeed unable to work. 

If you are suffering from Fibromyalgia or any other disability that prevents you from working, call disability attorney Scott Lewis for a free evaluation of your claim.  Many disabilities such as Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Depression, Diabetes, or Cancer can prevent you from being able to provide for yourself and your family and may entitle you to Social Security disability benefits.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation and discuss your claim with attorney Scott D. Lewis and his staff.    

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis has noticed a larger number of Lupus related disability cases in the recent past.  Disability Attorney Scott Lewis believes this may be due to more people actually suffering from Lupus or simply more physicians are testing disability claimants and finally figuring out this is the correct diagnosis.  Nontheless, if you are suffering from Lupus and it is preventing you from doing your past work or any other work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

When evaluating Lupus under Social Security standards for disability, the medical listing is located under Section 14.02 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as an immune system disorder.   There are certian criteria defined in the  SSA'a Listing of Impairments  an Indiana Social Security disability claimant must meet or equal to be considered disabled from Lupus.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider factors such as a marked level of limitation in one of the following:

*  Activities of daily living;

*  Maintaining social functioning; or

*  Completing tasks in a timely manner due to problems with concentration, persistence, or pace

Indianapolis Social Security disability claimants not meeting the precise criteria for Lupus may still receive a favorable decision from the Social Security Administration in other ways.  One other way to revceive a favorable determination is if you experience a combination of other impairments along with your Lupus diagnosis.  The Social Security Administration can consider allof  your disabilities and decide that you are unable to perform work like activity.  The Social Security Administration may decide your physical or mental residual functional capacity is so low that there are no jobs in the national economy that you can perform.  In other words, you my be unable to sit, stand, walk, lift, or concentrate for long enough periods of time to maintain employment.

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis has experience representing Indiana Social Security disability clients in their Social Security disability appeals cases.  If you have Lupus or a combination of impairments such as diabetes, depression, COPD, coronary artery disease, or any other disabling condition contact Attorney Scott Lewis for a free consultation.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation today!

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis encourages his Social Security disability clients to try to have a good relationship with their treating physician(s).  Generally speaking, it is usually very helpful to have your physicians on your side.  When it comes down to "crunch time" and the Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for certain medical documents to support your Indiana disability claim, a helpful physician, psychiatrist, or therapist may be just what you need. 

Indiana Social Security appeals claimants may wonder how their doctor can help their disability claim.  There are a number of ways they may help:

1.  Medical specialists who keep detailed records including progress reports, test results, and the prognosis of your disabling condition, may play an important role in receiving a favorable outcome on your Social Security disability claim.

2.  Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis often asks the treating physicians to complete questionnaires concerning your disabling condition.  Many times, these questionnaires can help pinpoint your disability so that an Indiana Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can more easily find that you suffer from a disabling condition that prevents you from working.

3.  Your treating physician can provide letters detailing your disability and provide information as to the intensity, duration, and disabling effects of your impairment.  These letters can also provide information regarding the physician's opinion as to whether you are able to work or not.

In Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience the  Social Security Administration  and Indiana Social Security Appeals Judges usually want to see medical records from physicians that specialize in the area that you are claiming disability.  For instance, a General Practitioner who has diagnosed you with Bipolar disorder usually does not carry as much weight as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist that specializes in that particular area. The past experiences of Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis have taught him while a General Practitioner's medical records are good, a specialist's medical records are even better.

If you find you are struggling with your Indiana Social Security disability claim or Social Security appeal you can contact Attorney Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Mr. Lewis sees a wide variety of disabling conditions including Arthritis, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Mental Retardation, Sleep Apnea, Autism, and many other impairments.  Call today at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation.   

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) has turned down your Indiana Social Security disability claim and now you are wondering how you can afford to hire an Indiana disability attorney.  Financially, it may not be as difficult as you think.  Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott D. Lewis receives many calls asking how he gets paid if he is hired to represent an individual on their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.

Currently, Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis' fee agreement is contingent on him winning his Social Security disability clients claim.  This means if he does not win the claim, he does not ask his client for any money.  Another advantage is there are no up front costs to the client. Mr. Lewis finds that most of his Indiana Social Security disability clients are struggling to keep their heads above water with medical bills and providing food & shelter for themselves and their families.  The thought of paying a Social Security disability lawyer up front is not even an option for most disability claimants.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis gets paid a percentage of the Social Security disability claimant's past due award and it is capped at a certain amount determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  The Social Security Administration takes this fee directly out of any past due benefits the Social Security disability claimant is awarded. When Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis wins his clients claim, he will also ask to be reimubursed for medical records expenses he has incurred to support the Social Security disability claim.

Indiana disability claimants should also be aware Mr. Lewis offers a FREE consultation. Just by picking up the phone and calling Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888, you can get an evaluation of your Indiana Social Security disability case.  Indianapolis Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis and his staff strive to answer questions to help alleviate the concerns of the disability claimants.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis sees cases involving cancer, diabetes, asthma, depression, arthritis, and many other conditions that prevent Indiana residents from working.  Call today for your free case evaluation!

Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis represents individuals that are unable to work due a disabling condition or a combination of impairments. His disability clients have applied for Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and have been denied disability benefits.  Scott Lewis assists disability claimants with appealing their denied claim at the reconsideration level and at the hearing level.  At the Law Office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney Scott Lewis and his staff offer a free consultation to all disability claimants prior to representing them in their claim.  When Attorney Lewis is consulting with a disability claimant, he often finds himself explaining to the claimant the different disability programs offered by the SSA. In many cases, the disability claimants are unaware of the two different types of programs.  It's important for Mr. Lewis to discuss with the claimant what the difference is between these two programs and which, if not both, program(s) is appropriate for the claimant to apply for.  The two disability programs offered by the SSA are Social Security Disability Insurance (also referred as SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (also referred as SSI). 

The SSDI and SSI disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide financial assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the SSA and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. Whether you are a disability claimant suffering from cancer, heart disease, mental disorders, back pain, or any other disabling condition, your impairment has nothing to do with which disability program is right for you.  To determine which program you may qualify for it is based on work history and/or your income & resources. 

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is a payroll tax funded federal insurance program that is offered to disabled people who have worked long enough (according to Social Security standards) and have paid Social Security taxes.  SSDI payments are paid to qualifying individuals and certain members of their family.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is paid to disabled individuals who do not qualify for SSDI and are based on the financial need of the individual.

Again, the medical requirements for disability payments under both programs, SSDI & SSI, are exactly the same and each of these programs have the same processes for applying, appealing, and evaluation of the claimant's disability claim.  Some claimants are unsure of which program to apply for when seeking Social Security disability benefits.  Attorney Scott Lewis advises most claimants to apply for both programs when they become disabled.  

If you or someone you know has been denied Indiana Social Security disability benefits or if you are unsure of what disability program that you might qualify for, contact Indianapolis Disability Attorney Scott Lewis or his staff at (317) 423-8888 to discuss your claim.  There is no obligation and Scott Lewis offers a free consultation to disabled individuals seeking SSDI or SSI benefits.  Call today to discuss your disability claim!

Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis often finds his Indiana Social Security Appeals clients are very nervous about giving testimony at Social Security disability hearings.  The fact is many of his disability clients find the hearing to be much more informal than they had originally thought.  The hearing rooms in the Indianapolis Social Security disability office are not a grand courtroom as many disability clients are expecting.  Instead, hearing rooms are typically small, carpeted, wall papered rooms with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) usually sitting at an elevated desk.  So, now that you have an idea what the hearing room looks like where an Indiana disability client will give testimony, what type of questions will you be asked?

Almost all Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) follow a different routine when questioning Social Security disability appeals claimants.  With that being said, Indiana Social Security disability clients should realize the underlying question is "how does your disability keep you from working?"  Indianapolis Social Security disability Attorney Scott Lewis usually finds that most Administrative Law Judges will ask a series of questions and then let the Attorney or representative follow up with their own line of questioning.  The questions usually fall into four main groups:

1.  General background questions.  These can include how old you are, your height and weight, your marital status, who you live with, whether you are right or left handed, and many other similar questions.

2.  Past jobs you have performed.  Here the Social Security Administration is usually concerned with how much you lifted, how much standing and sitting you did, and what your duties where at your previous job(s).  Indianapolis Social Security Disablity Attorney Scott Lewis tells his clients to be prepared to discuss jobs over the last fifteen (15) years that lasted more than three (3) months.

3.  Discussion of your medical problems either physical or mental that prevent you from working.  It is important for Indiana Social Security disability claimants to be as informative as possible regarding the condition(s) they are suffering from. 

4.  What activities are you unable to do because of your disabling condition?  This can range from not being able to clean your house to not being able to participate in family gatherings.  If you are unable to bathe or shower yourself or take care of your children you should also make sure your testimony includes those limitations.  Any other activities of daily living you are unable to do, that you previously could do before your disabling condition, should be stated.

A few tips on your testimony:

1.  Be honest.  Indianapolis Social Security disability Lawyer Scott Lewis tries to let his clients know honesty very important.  At times, when an Administrative Law Judge believes you are being untruthful about one particular thing, he/she may not believe another word that comes out of your mouth.  Make sure you tell the truth because many times your medical file has much more information about you than you know.

2.  Describe in detail your condition(s).  For instance if the Judge asks you if your back hurts, do not simply say "yes".  Instead let the Scoail Security Administrative Law Judge know where it hurts, how bad it hurts by describing the pain, and how often it hurts. If medications do not alleviate your pain let the Judge know.

3.  Be respectful of the court.  Indiana Social Security Disability Judges are people too.   Many of them act according to how they are treated.  Addressing the Administrative Law Judge as "Your Honor", "Sir", or "Ma'am" may be in your best interest. 

The above is intended as information only and is not intended as legal advice.  These are the experiences of Indianapolis Socail Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis and other lawyers may experience different scenarios with the Indianapolis Social Security Disability Office. 

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis has experience in handling a wide variety of Social Security disability claims.  Mr. Lewis sees cases involving cancer, bipolar disorder, depression, sciatica, COPD, diabetes, and many other impairments.  If you would like a free consultation call 317-423-8888 to talk to Indianapolis Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis and his staff today!   

Indianapolis Social Security disability benefits recipients receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are entitled to a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) each year.  COLA is an automatic adjustment to the recipient's benefits that may occur each year.  Indiana Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis tries to explain to his clients how COLA may affect their disability payments.The purpose of COLA is so the purchasing power of SSDI or SSI benefits is not eroded by inflation.  The increase in payments is determined by the percentage increase from year to year of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Worker (CPI-W) during the third quarter of the year.  This percentage increase of COLA is strictly based on the CPI-W increase so when there is not an increase in the CPI-W then there is no increase in COLA.  CPI-W increases are determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of Labor. 

In 2010, there was no increase in COLA.  As all SSDI and SSI recipients experienced, this is the first time in history, dated back to 1975, that there was not an increase in COLA. There was no SSDI and SSI COLA increase in 2010 because there was no increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. Therefore, SSDI and SSI payments remained the same in 2010. 

Indiana SSDI and SSI benefits recipients may be wondering if there will be a COLA increase in 2011.  According to recent studies, experts are predicting that there may not be a COLA increase in 2011 and possibly in 2012 due to lack of inflation. Official projections will be determined later this month.  Most Social Security disability recipients rely on these benefits as their only source of income. In some cases, the effects of no increase in COLA may be financially painstaking. 

At the Law Office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney Scott Lewis encourages disability claimants to apply for Social Security Disability Insuramce (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) immediately when they become disabled. In his Social Security disability law firm, he assists his clients with appealing their denied Indiana Social Security disability claim.  So, if you have been denied SSDI or SSI benefits for mental disorders, back pain, learning disabilities, cancer, epilepsy, and any other disabling conditions, contact Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation. 

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability. Indiana disability claimants suffering from arthritis may qualify for Social Securtiy Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplement Security Income (SSI) if the claimant meets the criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis is experienced in representing claimants with various types of arthritis.  Many Indiana residents suffer from arthritis and are unable to work due to their condition.

How does a person suffering from arthritis qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

As all disabling conditions, the SSA uses a 5 step sequential evaluation process to determine if a disability claimant will receive SSDI or SSI benefits based on arthritis. In Step 1 of the evaluation process, the SSA wants to know if the claimant is working.  In this step, the SSA simply determines if an individual is "working."  If so, the claimant must prove that they are earning less than the monthly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) set by the SSA.  Earning more than the monthly SGA amount is enough for the SSA to deny the disability claimant's SSDI or SSI application.  

In the next step of the evaluation process, Step 2, the SSA will ask if the claimant's arthritis is severe.  The impairment must be severe enough to significantly limit the claimant's ability to perform basic work activity. In addition, the arthritis must last, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.  It's the claimant's responsibility to prove that the disabling condition such as arthritis is severe enough that his or her ability to perform basic work activities are limited and will last a minimum of 12 months.

If a disability claimant suffering from arthritis can pass Steps 1 & 2 of the evaluation process, the SSA will continue to Step 3 of the evaluation process.  In Step 3, the SSA will decide if the claimant's arthritis meets or equals the criteria of the SSA's Listing of Impairments. The SSA's Listing of Impairments is simply the SSA's breakdown of the disabling conditions and the criteria for each of the conditions.  

Arthritis is considered under Section 1.00 Musculoskeletal Body System, in the SSA's medical listings.  To satisfy the listing criteria, a person with inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) must have persistent swelling, pain and limitation of joints such as the hips, elbows, wrist & hands, knees, ankles, and shoulders.  Other disability claimant's who have degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) may satisfy the criteria of the listing if they have significant limitations using their arms and/or hands or have a significant problem standing and walking. Disability claimants with degenerative arthritis who have significant back or neck problems must have persistent reflex, sensory, and motor loss to meet the listed criteria.

Don't be discouraged if you are a disability claimant that does not meet the listing of impairment's criteria for arthritis because the SSA will continue Steps 4 & 5 of the disability evaluation process.  As the evaluation process continues to Step 4, the SSA will look at how the actual limitation and symptoms of the claimant's arthritis affects his/her ability to perform work.  Therefore, the SSA looks more directly how the disabling condition impacts the claimant's ability to work.  In this step, the SSA will determine if the claimant is able to perform work that he/she has done in the past with the claimant's claimed disability.  If the SSA determines that the disability claimant is able to perform past work despite of their disability, in most cases, the disability claim is denied.  On the other hand, if the person cannot perform past work with their disability, then the evaluation process continues to Step five.

In the final step of the evaluation process, the SSA will review the claimant's personal information such as: 

• age,
• education,
• work experience,
• physical condition, and
• mental condition.

To determine disability, the SSA enlists vocational rules, which may vary according to age. For example, a disability claimant with arthritis under the age of 50 who is able to prove that they are unable to perform sedentary work, the SSA may approve this claimant's claim. For claimants who are 50 years old or older with arthritis, who are limited to performing sedentary work but have no work-related skills that allow him to do so, the SSA may reach an approval for the claimant's SSDI or SSI claim.   The SSA defines sedentary work as the ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds at a time, sit six hours and occasionally walk and stand two hours per eight-hour day.  Claimants with arthritis that are over age 60 who are unable to perform any of the jobs he/she has performed in the last 15 years, the SSA will likely decide that the claimant is disabled.  Again, the SSA carefully considers the above criteria in order to determine disability.

Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis represents claimants with arthritis and strives to get them with the disability benefits that they deserve.  If you are suffering from rheumatic conditions and musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and any other conditions that prevent you from working, contact Attorney Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis has noticed in the recent past more Attorney Advisor favorable decisions. Indiana disability appeal claimants may ask what is an Attorney Advisor. An Attorney Advisor gives support to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the form of technical and legal help. This can help process Social Security disability appeals claims in a more time efficient manner.

Social Security Attorney Advisors may help an Administrative Law Judge research and formulate a decision.  Social Security Attorney Advisors should have expertise in the areas of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in order to help the ALJ make an informed accurate decision regarding Social Security disability benefits. 

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis often receives telephone calls from Attorney Advisors inquiring about his Indiana and Indianapolis Social Security disability clients. Some of the information an Attorney Advisor might request or inquire about may include:

1. More medical evidence.  At times a Social Security disability Attorney Advisor may want additional medical records either concerning a physical disability or a mental disability.  The Social Security Attorney Advisor may be on the verge of approving your Social Security disability claim, but may be missing an essential document(s) to approve the disability claim. 
2. Amending an onset date.  Many times the Social Security disability Attorney Advisor is willing to approve your Social Security disability claim, but wants to change the date you say you became disabled.  The Attorney Advisor is essentially saying the medical evidence does not support your earlier date of onset, but he/she is willing to award you Social Security disability benefits if you are willing to change the date you became disabled to a later date. 

While there are other items an Attorney Advisor may want to discuss with an Indiana Social Security Disability Attorney the above two items seem to be the most common in Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis' practice.  In Indiana Social Security disability Lawyer Scott Lewis' experience a call from an Attorney Advisor is usually a good thing for his Indiana disability claimants.

If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits or are considering filing a Social Security disability claim or Social security disability appeal, you can contact Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis handles cases involving depression, bipolar disorder, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, and many other disabling conditions.  Call 317-423-8888 and discuss your Social Security disability case with Mr. Lewis and his staff today!