Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

Indianapolis disability attorney Scott D. Lewis represents disability claimants with many disabling conditions including those suffering from radiculopathy. Potential disability clients often call his office who suffer from radiculopathy, but are unsure whether this condition qualifies them for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. When your disabling condition begins to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), and you find yourself unable to provide for yourself and/or your family the way you used to, it may be time to inquire about Social Security disability benefits.

Radiculopathy is a condition that is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a disabling condition under the SSA's Listing of Impairment's Spinal Disorders.  If you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits, the first step is to look through the SSA's "Listing of Impairments" to see if you have a qualifying disability. The SSA publishes these listings as a resource for those looking to receive Social Security disability benefits.  These listing are used by the SSA to decide whether or not a claimant's disability meets the Social Security Administration's standards for disability and whether the disability claimant should be awarded or denied disability benefits. Radiculopathy is defined under listing 1.04 Disorders of the Spine, Section A. Carefully evaluate this listing and discuss with your physician about whether or not he/she feels as though you meet or equal the criteria to be found disabled. Indiana Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis often sends his client's physicians a list of questions in hopes that they will complete these questionnaires in such a way as to show the client does indeed meet the listing, making it easier for Social Security to find the claimant disabled.

If it is determined that the disability claimant does not meet or equal the listing (1.04 Disorders of the Spine, Section A) which defines radiculopathy and its effects, there are other ways of winning your Social Security disability claim. In Indianapolis disability attorney Scott D. Lewis' experience, factors such as chronic pain, an inability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time, limitations in the upper and/or lower extremities, and an inability to concentrate may greatly impact a client's chances of being awarded disability benefits. The aforementioned limitations are only a few examples of restrictions which may determine your residual functional capacity, affecting your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (working).

Disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis urges his neighbors in Indiana not to give up if they are unable to work due to a disabling condition or a combination of disabling conditions.  Following through on the disability appeals process and continuing to see physicians on a regular basis can sometimes be enough to help you get awarded disability benefits. Indianapolis disability attorney Scott D. Lewis represents a variety of claimants suffering from an array of disabling conditions including, but not limited to, depression, neuropathy, spinal conditions, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer. For a free consultation, contact Indianapolis disability attorney Scott D. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 today!

So you have waited quite a long time for your upcoming Social Security disability hearing and think you will finally get an answer to your appeal.  Well the truth is, you probably have another waiting period to endure before you receive a decision in the mail.  Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott D. Lewis often gets asked by his clients when will they find out if they have won or lost their Indiana Social Security disability appeal.  There are a few different scenarios that can take place at the conclusion of your Social Security disability hearing.

If you are one of the lucky few, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may make a bench decision.  After a  judge hears testimony, if he/she believes the claimant is disabled, he/she can make a fully favorable bench decision.  In Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience a bench decision can speed up the time it takes in processing a disability claim.  The Administrative Law Judge usually reads into the record his/her reasons for granting the disability claim.  Some judges make bench decisions on a routine basis when granting claims, while other judges rarely, if ever, use bench decisions.  So what happens if you are not a lucky recipient of a bench decision?  You shouldn't think you have lost your disability claim because there are other ways judges decide disability claims.

Many judges do not make the decision on your disability claim the day you are in court.  Although almost all Social Security disability hearings have a similar theme, many judges decide claims using a different process.  Some Administrative Law Judges will have already looked over your file before the hearing.  These judges then get testimony from the claimant and then make a decision.  Other judges may not have looked at your record at all before the hearing and first take your testimony before looking at medical documentation.  Mr. Lewis believes you can usually tell if the judge has looked at your record prior to the hearing based on the questions the judge asks the Social Security disability claimant. 

If the judge does not give you a bench decision, a determination is mailed to you and your representative/lawyer after the hearing.  This process can take months and can seem even longer when you are awaiting a decision that impacts you and your families lives on such a large scale.  Mr. Lewis receives many calls during this waiting period from clients asking if the process can be made shorter.  Unfortunately, at this stage it is in the judge's hands and a disability claimant can only wait to find the decision in their mailbox. 

Will the Administrative Law Judge tell me if I have lost my disability claim at the hearing?  In Mr. Lewis' experience this has never happened, unless the issue is not concerning the disabling condition.  A claim could be dismissed due to failure to meet filing deadlines or  other non-medical reasons.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis has attended numerous hearings and usually can tell his clients what their chances are after leaving the courtroom.  It should be noted however, there are no guarantees.  It is ultimately the judge's final decision.

So will you know if you have won or lost your case at the conclusion of your hearing?  Don't count on it.  Odds are you will receive a written decision in  the mail months after the hearing takes place.  If you have questions concerning your Indiana Social Security disability claim you can contact Mr. Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Mr. Lewis deals with claimants who have a wide variety of disabling conditions such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, depression, heart disease, schizophrenia, and many other conditions.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation!   

Are you looking for the best Indiana disability attorney?  When searching for a disability lawyer to represent you in your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim Indiana residents might consider many different factors in determining what attorney is the best fit tor them.  The needs of disability clients can vary, but the end result everyone wants is to win their Social Security disability claim.

In Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, clients tend to have the same expectations from their Social Security attorney and these can be, but are not limited to:

• Being able to talk directly with their Social Security disability lawyer.  Indianapolis attorney Scott Lewis takes great pride in letting his clients know that they can talk directly to him when it is necessary.  Mr. Lewis can advise his clients on legal matters regarding Social Security disability and many other matters may be handled by Mr. Lewis' staff.  Mr. Lewis and his staff can help clients with the necessary paperwork that must be filed in the disability claims process.  Attorney Scott Lewis and his administrative team are eager to help you with any questions you may have regarding the filing of paperwork and updating your Social Security file.
• Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis makes every attempt to return phone calls.  We understand how important your Indiana Social Security disability claim is to you and we strive to get back with clients as soon as possible to answer any questions they may have. 
  
• Mr. Lewis is available for office visits.  If you would like a face to face appointment with Mr. Lewis, you need only talk to his Administrative Assistants and schedule an appointment to come in and speak directly with him.
• Mr. Lewis and his staff understand that at times disabled individuals need a compassionate person to listen to how their disability is affecting them.  Living with a disabling condition is not easy, and not everyone understands what you are going through.  Mr. Lewis and his staff have experience in discussing how your impairment will be looked at by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which includes how your activities of daily living are affected.
• Finally, you can always inquire if there are any new updates regarding your Social Security claim.  Unfortunately, the wait time for an Indianapolis Social Security disability hearing can be very long and may last up to 24 months or longer.  With that in mind, Mr. Lewis advises his clients to try to be patient, but lets them know they can contact his office at any time to update their file or ask if there is any new information regarding their case.  While waiting on a hearing, although there is not much Mr. Lewis can do during this frustrating waiting period, he believes that a well maintained current Social Security disability file during this time can enhance the chances of winning your claim.

What kind of Social Security disability attorney would Scott Lewis consider best for him?  An individual that takes pride in his/her work product, an attorney with an open line of communication when necessary with his/her clients, an attorney that attempts to keep well maintained files, and an attorney that is prepared for your hearing and strives to receive favorable results. 

Indianapolis attorney Scott Lewis is an experienced Social Security disability attorney that is eager to discuss the conditions that prevent you from working.  Mr. Lewis provides a free consultation by calling (317) 423-8888.  Call today and receive your free case evaluation!

"I am filing for Social Security disability benefits and I need help with the application process!"  This is a common concern heard among Indiana Social Security disability applicants.  The Social Security disability claims process can be long and frustrating and many claimants struggle with the application process.  Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis assists Indianapolis disability claimants with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  During a free consultation offered by Attorney Lewis, he will ask the claimant where they are in the claims process.  If the claimant is in the initial application stage, he will refer the disability claimant to one (1) of the following sources in order to file their initial application for disability benefits:

• Visit the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) website at http://ssa.gov/ to apply online.  Once on the SSA's website, select the "disability" tab at the top of the home page.  You will be directed to a new page, where you will select the "Apply for Disability" box.  Then you will follow the steps instructed on the application.  It should be noted that this application is for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and that if you are applying for Supplement Security Income benefits that a SSA representative will need to discuss your application.
• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.  Explain to the Social Security representative that you would like to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits and you would like to schedule an appointment to apply in person.
• Visit your local Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits.

Applying for disability benefits online is convenient and fast.  Although applying online has it's advantages, it may have some disadvantages.  Unless you have a family or friend assisting you with the online application, you are completing it on your own.  Some disability claimants struggle with this process. In addition, some claimants are not sure which disability program they would qualify for and should complete an application for.  If the claimant meets with a Social Security representative, he/she would assist the claimant with making this decision.  In addition, the SSA representative would assist in reading the questions on the application and ensure that the applicant completes all necessary forms. Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis recommends that if you are uncertain, visiting or contacting the SSA could be the best option when filing an Indiana Social Security disability claim. 

As the majority of disability claims are denied disability benefits at the initial application level, Mr. Lewis is experienced in assisting disability claimants with the appeals process and representing claimants at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.  The appeals process can be somewhat frustrating.  In addition to filling out the correct appeals forms and supplying all of the necessary information, the disability claimant also faces filing deadlines that are time sensitive. Someone like attorney Scott Lewis, who is familiar with the system, may reduce a great amount of stress for a disability claimant by helping them with the appeals process. Mr. Lewis and his trained staff assist their disability clients with the appeals paperwork, filing deadlines, and obtaining medical records in hope to receive the most favorable outcome. 

Although it is not necessary to have a professional help to prepare and submit your initial application, it may be very beneficial to the claimant to have a Social Security disability attorney or other representative help with the appeals process.  Scott D. Lewis is an experienced Social Security disability lawyer with years of practice in this area and has knowledge in how to present your case to an Administrative Law Judge and the Social Security Administration.  Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis offers a free consultation regarding your disability claim.  Call the law office of Scott D. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation today!

Indiana residents waiting on a Social Security appeals hearing may find themselves anxious  and worried about what will happen when they enter the courtroom.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis is often asked by his clients whether or not they will have to speak at the hearing.  Mr. Lewis advises his clients that they probably will have to speak at the hearing, but at the same time they should expect to be prepared for what kind of questions they will be asked.

As an Indiana Social Security lawyer, Mr. Lewis believes it is a very important part of his job to prepare his clients for the hearing.  Although no Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is exactly the same, there is usually a general framework of questions that are asked of each client.  Indianapolis attorney Scott D. Lewis lets his disability clients know they are usually asked personal questions, job related questions, and medical questions.  Mr. Lewis believes your answers are sometimes judged as to whether you are credible.  In other words, are you believable, are you telling the truth, and are you exaggerating how much pain you are in. 

Indiana Administrative Law Judges conduct numerous hearings every year and some can be pretty slick in the way they question you and may even try to trick you into making contradicting statements.  It is important to tell the truth and do not overstate the problems you are experiencing.  If you are honest and realistic about the problems you are experiencing then you will not have to worry about the credibility of the statements you make.  The pain you experience is usually not something a test can measure, so your own opinion of your pain is all an Administrative Law Judge can count on. 

Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis believes a good attorney will let his clients know what questions will be asked at an Indiana Social Security hearing.  Mr. Lewis believes a simple yes or no answer is not always the best answer.  When it comes to pain for instance you may want to answer with what the pain feels like, how often you feel it, and if anything relieves the pain.  A simple "yes" I have pain in my back may not be sufficient. 

So will you have to speak at your hearing?  Probably yes, but wouldn't it be easier if you knew the type of questions before the hearing?  Mr. Lewis hopes his conversation with you before the hearing may take away some of the anxiety you may be experiencing.  Your day in court may not be the most pleasurable day you have had, but hopefully it will not be full of surprises.

Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis offers a free consultation and can be reached by calling (317) 423-8888.  Mr. Lewis handles a wide variety of claims including autism, spinal problems, heart disease, epilepsy, depression, and diabetes just to name a few.  Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis does not charge a fee unless he wins your disability claim.  Call today! 

It is not uncommon for an Indiana disability claimant to have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits since majority of disability claims  are denied at the initial application level.  Many SDDI and SSI claimants face the same question after they have been denied benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  Attorney Scott D. Lewis gets calls from disability claimants on a daily basis asking him why they have been denied disability benefits and what should they do next.

Mr. Lewis always directs the claimant to the denial letter that they have received by the SSA.  This letter specifically states the reason for denial.  So, take the time to read the decision the SSA sent to you to figure out exactly why you were denied in the first place.  Once you know why you were denied, you can begin to collect the necessary documentation to appeal this decision.  Some reasons for denial may include:

• In 2010, you make more than $1,000 per month.  If you exceed this amount, you will immediately be denied disability benefits.
• Based on the information you provided the SSA when filing your claim, they have determined that your disability will not last or be expected to last a minimum of 12 months.
• You failed to comply with the SSA's request for information or medical records.  Not complying with this request may ultimately cause you to be denied benefits.
• The SSA has attempted to locate you and was unable to reach you.

At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mr. Lewis assists disability claimants with appealing their denied claim.  Either him or his staff will often ask his clients to retrieve the denial letter so he can discuss the reasons for denial prior to appealing the claim.  It is important for Mr. Lewis to know the reason for denial in order to properly fight for what the claimant deserves.  If you or someone you know has a disability and you are unable to work due to this disability, contact Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis for a free evaluation of your claim.  Mr. Lewis and his staff are available at (317) 423-8888 for your free case consultation. 

Some Indiana disability claimants may wonder if the disabling condition they are experiencing is common or if it is some obscure condition no one has ever heard of.  Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis has experience with many different disabling conditions.  Due to advances in medical procedures and research, many new types of disabling conditions are found on a regular basis.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis strives to keep up to date on new medical impairments and is eager to gain more knowledge to help you win your Indiana Social Security disability claim.

If you have a disabling condition and you are unsure as to whether it will qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it may be worth your while to contact Mr. Lewis.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets forth written guidelines for disabling impairments that are published in "The Listing of Impairments".  This is a detailed description of various disabling conditions and what criteria must be met to establish disability.  It is important to realize that Indiana disability claimants do not have to meet a listing, but can rather equal a listing to establish disability.

So what if the disabling condition you are experiencing is not in The Listing of Impairments?  Do not give up.  While the Listing of Impairments is a fairly comprehensive guideline, it is just that, a guideline.  Many impairments may equal a listing when they are not precisely defined in the guidelines.  Another way to be successful in your Indiana disability appeal is to prove that the medical condition you experience simply prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity.

What does all this mean to you when you are unable to work because of a disability that is fairly unknown?  It may be a good idea to move forward in a diligent manner to prove your claim.  It could be in your best interest to do research on your condition, seek appropriate medical treatment, and consult a Social Security disability attorney or representative to help determine the validity of your Indiana Social Security disability claim.

Many times, Indiana disability attorney Scott D. Lewis finds what a claimant thinks is a rare condition is actually not so rare and many other individuals suffer from the same or similar condition.  If you have questions regarding a disabling condition you can contact Indiana disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation.

There is still a tremendous backlog of individuals waiting for an Indiana Social Security disability hearing. Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis spends much of his day explaining to current and future Social Security disability clients that they are in a long line waiting for their day in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Statistically your chances of winning your claim go up when you finally enter a courtroom to present evidence in front of an ALJ, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not going to pay your bills during this long wait.

So exactly how long does it take to get your disability hearing in Indiana?  It depends on a variety of factors.  The Indianapolis Office or Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is currently one of the more lengthy waits if your hearing is in Indiana.  There are other hearing offices throughout the state of Indiana that are quicker to get you your day in court.  Can you pick where you have your hearing?  No, it is assigned a location depending on where you reside. 

Is there any good news on the horizon?  Things MAY be looking up. Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis has noticed a decrease in the wait time in some cases.  In the recent past,  Mr. Lewis would tell his disability appeals clients the wait was generally running 18 - 24 months from the date they requested a hearing until they would actually see a judge.  Lately, Mr. Lewis has seen individuals receive a Social Security disability hearing in 12 months after requesting a hearing.  

Does this mean your hearing will be within 12 months of the day you requested it?  Probably not.  Many factors determine your hearing date including what Administrative Law Judge you are assigned, whether you have an in person or a video teleconference hearing, and other factors. Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis believes the best thing you can do during this wait is to be prepared.  Continue to see your medical professionals as needed and keep attorneys or representatives like Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis informed of your situation.

If you would like a free case evaluation concerning your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim contact Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 today!

Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis seems to get more and more calls from his Indiana neighbors asking the above question.  This may be due to medical advances being able to diagnose coronary artery disease at an early stage or perhaps simply more individuals are experiencing this cardiovascular impairment.  There are many factors that go into a finding of disabled for coronary artery disease and if you are pursuing an Indiana Social Security disability claim you need to be aware of what documentation you may need to win your disability claim.

Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis has seen many clients denied disability benefits at the initial and reconsideration levels when they have already underwent numerous medical procedures including bypass surgeries, stent placement, and various other procedures.  Some individuals have experienced heart attacks and still find themselves pulling a denial from their mailbox.  Many individuals not familiar with heart problems may be shocked to find a finding of disability is not a sure thing when an individual suffers from this type of impairment.  The truth is, the Social Security Administration (SSA) believes you can recover from these types of cardiovascular impairments and go on to perform substantial gainful activity. 

How can you win an Indiana Social Security disability claim for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?  One of the keys may be good solid comprehensive medical records.  Statements from your treating physician, preferably a specialist in the cardiovascular area, stating your restrictions and inability to work can be beneficial.  One way to win your Indiana Social Security disability claim is to meet or equal Social Security's Listing of Impairments under Section 4.00 for the Cardiovascular System.  The Listing of Impairments can be very rigid in their guidelines, and many Indiana disability claimants find that they don't precisely meet the standards contained int the listings.  It is important not to give up when you do not meet or equal a listing, but instead concentrate on your physical residual functional capacity or how limited you are by your heart condition.

Indiana disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis usually concentrates on symptoms his clients experience such as extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and the inability to stay on task just to name a few.  Many individuals find they cannot complete a full work day due to this disability and if they do they are simply unable to return to the workplace the next day due to exhaustion and/or pain.  It can be very important to let your treating physician know the serious symptoms you are experiencing in order to win your Social Security disability claim. 

If you are struggling with your Social Security disability claim and would like a free consultation, you can contact Indiana disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Mr. Lewis does not only handle cases involving coronary artery disease, but a wide range of disabling conditions including but not limited to bipolar disorder, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and major depression.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis and his staff can be reached by calling (317) 423-8888.

Social Security disability claimants experiencing seizures often find themselves denied their disability benefits during the claims process.  While most Americans may think a person suffering from seizures would be a sure thing in obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, the Social Security Administration many times has a different opinion. 

Indiana residents suffering from seizures due to epilepsy or other causes are usually surprised to find at times it can be difficult to prove their claim is valid.  Seizures can be unpredictable and many times the only medical evidence contained in a Social Security disability claimant's file is self reporting documentation.  Many times, the seizure is over by the time an individual is seen by a medical professional.  Other issues can include the severity and type of seizure the individual has experienced.

Obviously, the intensity and severity of a seizure can vary from person to person.  Some individuals may experience convulsive seizures while others experience non-convulsive seizures.  The Social Security Administration will probably be interested in knowing the duration and the cause of the seizures.  Another major aspect of a disability claim for a seizure disorder is the after effects of a seizure.  Many individuals suffering from a seizure disorder report memory problems, and extreme fatigue following a seizure. The need to recuperate after a seizure for a lengthy period of time may prohibit an individual from maintaining full time employment.

Indiana Social Security disability claimants not complying with taking prescribed medication to reduce or eliminate seizures may also jeopardize their chances of winning their Indiana Social Security disability claim.  In most cases, if medication eliminates the disabling condition you are experiencing then you will be found not disabled by the Social Security Administration.  Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis encourages his clients to adhere to physician's orders and treatments in order to not only get well, but also build a more credible Social Security disability claim.  Acceptable medical testing such as MRI's is usually a very positive aspect of a valid Social Security disability claim.

If you find you are unable to work due to a seizure disorder or any other disabling condition contact Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Most questions can be answered over the telephone by calling (317) 423-8888.  Mr. Lewis handles many different conditions including heart disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, degenerative disc disease, and other impairments.  Call today and receive your free consultation!