Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

At the Indiana law office of Scott D. Lewis, Lawyer Scott D. Lewis and his staff take great pride in assisting disability claimants with their Social Security disability claim. Indiana disability claimants applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits often struggle with the disability claims process.  Many disability claimants become overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork, the timelines set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), or simply become frustrated because they were denied disability benefits. As most SSDI or SSI claimants file their initial disability application on their own or with assistance from family or friends, there are many benefits to hiring an experienced disability attorney or representative to assist you in the disability appeals process. 

Once a Social Security disability claimant has been denied SSDI or SSI benefits, he/she must file an appeal in order to continue to fight for the benefits that he/she may deserve.  As the disability claimant begins the appeals process, he/she may find it to be confusing or frustrating, and may want the help from an experienced individual to assist with the appeals process.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mr. Lewis will happily assist you with your claim if you hire Mr. Lewis as your attorney.  Lawyer Scott Lewis has experience in representing individuals with a variety of disabling conditions.  Although each client's situation is unique, Mr. Lewis and his staff have the same goal for every disability claim they handle.  They strive to be timely in all of the necessary SSA appeal filings, they attempt to gather all supporting medical records from medical providers, and they do their best to give quality personal service. 

Mr. Lewis advises those individuals that are unable to work due to a disability that it may be in their best interest to consult an experienced Social Security disability attorney or representative to discuss their disability claim.  Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation to individuals seeking SSDI or SSI benefits.  This no cost, no obligation case evaluation typically educates the disability claimant on the SSA's claims process, the appeals process, and the hearings process.  Regardless if you suffer from physical conditions such as back problems, or mental conditions such as depression, Mr. Lewis and his staff are prepared to answer best any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your claim or the claims process.  Don't pass up this free consultation; you may be just a phone call away from having some clarifications regarding your disability claim.  Call today at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation!

If you only knew how many times Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyers like Scott Lewis have heard this very question. There are many different aspects to a Social Security disability claim and no one case is exactly like another one. While there may not be a clear cut answer to why some Indiana residents find a Social Security disability check in their hands before another person, in Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience, there may be a few reasons this can happen and it can include, but is not limited to:

• Good medical records.  Comprehensive medical records outlining and detailing a disabling medical condition may be the key to a quick favorable outcome in a Social Security disability claim.
• Prior work experience, age, and education.  In the Social Security Administration's approval process they determine your ability to work with your disabling condition while looking at age, education, and prior work experience. 
  
• All disabilities are different and can create different barriers to employment.  While some disabilities may be visually evident, other disabilities like mental disorders may not be visible to the naked eye. 
  
• The guy down the street may be luckier than you.  That's right, he may have been evaluated by someone in the Social Security Administration that was more lenient on granting disability claims.  Believe it or not, actual people look at your claim and make a determination. 

The above are the thoughts and experiences of Scott D. Lewis, and other Social Security disability attorneys or representatives may have different experiences with the Social Security Administration (SSA).  If you have been denied your Indiana Social Security disability benefits and believe it was an unfair decision, contact attorney Scott Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis and his staff are available by calling (317) 423-8888.  Call today for your free consultation. 

If you have suffered an aneurysm you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis advises clients to go forward with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim if they are unable to work due to the after effects of an aneurysm.

An aneurysm is an inflated blood-filled part of an artery that essentially exists due to a weak portion of the artery wall.  Some of the more common places that can cause severe problems and even death include the heart, brain, and the stomach among other areas of the body. 

Aneurysm of the aorta or major branches is a qualifying condition for Social Security disability benefits and is listed under section 4.10 in the Listing of Impairments.  For more information relating to the criteria needed to meet or equal this listing one should refer to Social Security's "blue book".

A ruptured brain aneurysm may result in symptoms including double vision, speech problems, and cognitive issues.  The inability to maintain concentration for a specified amount of time may be enough for an individual to be successful in a Social Security disability claim.

If you have suffered an aneurysm and the after effects are preventing work like activity you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.  If you have questions concerning your disability benefits contact Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis for your free case evaluation.  You can contact Mr. Lewis and his staff by calling (317) 423-8888. 

Indiana Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis has noticed a few changes concerning the waiting period for getting your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearing.  Has the wait time for your Social Security disability hearing been reduced?  Mr. Lewis is not so sure there is a clear cut answer to this question. 

The Indianapolis Indiana Social Security disability hearing office has been attempting to get the number of days you have to wait for your hearing down to a manageable number.  The use of video hearings with Administrative Law Judges (ALJ's) from other states presiding over the hearings held at the local Indianapolis office has seemed to make a dent in this huge backlog at times.  Although it is surprising to find an Indiana Social Security disability claimant to be at a video hearing within 12 months of their date of application, while in the next video hearing room an individual has waited for 30 months, there seems to be little explanation for why this discrepancy exists.  This can make it very difficult for Mr. Lewis to give his clients a good idea of when they might find themselves at the hearing office. 

There have been reports that while the Social Security Administration is taking measures to reduce the backlog, it is actually growing.  If this is indeed the case, the Social Security Administration may need to hire even more Administrative Law Judges and open more hearing offices.  Perhaps more concentration on finding individuals disabled in the earlier stages of the application process could be an answer.  Mr. Lewis knows one thing for sure: the individuals suffering the most from a hearing backlog are those disabled claimants who are unable to provide for themselves and their families.

If you have questions concerning your Social Security disability claim contact Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis for your free case evaluation.  Mr. Lewis can help with the application process and represent you at your Indiana Social Security disability hearing.  Call (317) 423-8888 and speak with Mr. Lewis today! 

One symptom of various disabilities Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis hears over and over is that his disability clients are always tired or fatigued.  It is not surprising his clients complain of this problem considering the very severe impairments many of them experience.  It is important for Mr. Lewis' clients to let him know that fatigue is a major problem if it is affecting their ability to work.

While there is a condition referred to as "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" and Mr. Lewis has experience representing individuals suffering from it, the majority of his clients experience fatigue as a problem from another disability.  Many Indiana disability claimants complain of fatigue from physical conditions such as back problems, heart conditions, COPD, stroke, diabetes, and many other severe impairments.  Your fatigue or feeling of being tired may not be due to just one impairment, but a combination of disabling conditions.

Many individuals suffering from major depression report being in a constant state of fatigue.  Some of these individuals state they are unable to get out of bed, perform activities of daily living, or even take care of themselves due to being "tired" all of the time.  Individuals suffering from a mental disorder who are represented by disability attorney Scott Lewis should let Mr. Lewis know if they experience fatigue or any other symptoms that prevent them from working.

Side effects to medication can also include fatigue.  If you are experiencing fatigue from the medication(s) you are taking it may be important to let your prescribing physician know.  There may be alternative medications that do not have this side effect.  The Social Security Administration is required to consider the side effects of medication when determining your Social Security disability claim.

Scott D. Lewis is an experienced Social Security disability benefits attorney and takes great pride in representing his Indiana neighbors.  If you find yourself struggling to understand what may be a confusing disability process contact Mr. Lewis for a free consultation.  By calling (317) 423-8888 you can receive a free case evaluation. 

Many people rely on Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits for survival.  Its not a truckload of money and many Indiana Social Security disability recipients find it difficult to make ends meet with only their disability checks from the Social Security Administration (SSA).  So if you are receiving disability payments and wonder if they will ever stop you are probably not alone.

If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance payments and your disabling condition is as severe as it was when you first were granted benefits and you are not working or receiving income up to a substantial gainful activity amount chances are your payments will probably continue. Although, you should not be surprised if your case is reviewed on a regular basis to determine your eligibility.

If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income payments the above criteria applies, but there is an additional aspect of continuing benefits with regard to resources.  Supplemental Security Income payments have a financial element along with the severity of your disability and substantial gainful activity.  As with SSDI claims, SSI claims can be regularly reviewed to determine continuing eligibility. 

Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis understands how important a Social Security disability check can be to a disabled individual.  Mr. Lewis strives to get the benefits his clients deserve.  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis has helped individuals with a wide range of disabling conditions including stroke, emphysema, fibromyalgia, mental retardation, and diabetes among other conditions.  If you have questions about your Social Security disability claim contact Mr. Lewis today at (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation. 

Scott D. Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney and has experience with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims from start to finish.  When a Social Security disability claim is found favorable it generally sets into motion a chain of events that hopefully will result in a payment to the disabled individual.  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis advises his clients on what to expect in the event of winning their claim, but usually cautions them to not get ahead of themselves and concentrate on winning the disability claim first.

So what happens after you receive a notice in the mail that you have won your disability claim?  If it is a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim you can probably expect a phone call from the Social Security Administration to determine what resources you have among other factors to determine how much your monthly benefit will be.  The SSI program is basically a "needs" based program and how much the Social Security Administration determines you need through a formula that is used will determine how much you will receive. Once that is determined an award letter is generated detailing how much your payments will be, when they will start, and how much of a back payment is due if any.

If you are entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you will probably not be contacted by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  The formula used for computing your payments is based on your work history.  This can usually be computed by the Social Security Administration without your assistance.  Resources are generally not an issue for computation purposes.  Once again, an award letter is generated telling you how much your payments ill be, when they start, and how much of a back payment is due if any.

Your award letter also contains information regarding government health care and other issues, so it is important to read all correspondence from the Social Security Administration carefully as some items are time sensitive.  Most of the letters sent by the SSA contain toll free telephone numbers and other contact information if you have questions regarding your Social Security disability benefits.

Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis helps Indiana residents with a variety of disabling conditions including arthritis, coronary artery disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety among other impairments.  If you are struggling with your Indiana Social Security disability claim or simply have questions about filing a disability claim contact Mr. Lewis and his staff today.  Mr. Lewis provides a free consultation by calling (317) 423-8888.

Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis talks to numerous clients who are suffering from cardiovascular impairments.  Many of these individuals have been hospitalized on many occasions and are struggling to keep their lives on track due to the after effects of a heart attack or other heart problem.  When attempting to win your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim it is important to remember there are certain aspects of your claim the Social Security Administration (SSA) is focused on.

The Social Security Administration does evaluate heart problems under what they term "The Cardiovascular System" in its Listing of Impairments 4.00.  This listing outlines the criteria that needs to be met for a finding of disability.  This section outlines disabling cardiovascular conditions in different categories and these include:

• Chronic heart failure
• Ischemic heart disease
• Recurrent aryhimyhas
• symptomatic congenital heart disease
• Heart transplant
• Aneurysm of aorta or major branches
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Peripheral arterial disease

Indiana Social Security disability claimants should keep in mind that medical records may be the key to a successful Indiana Social Security disability claim.  Continued medical care by a qualified physician specializing in the area of your disabling condition can create medical records that may be very beneficial in your disability claim.  A supportive physician can also help your claim by completing disability forms that outline how your heart condition effects your ability to work. 

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis represents many clients suffering from a heart condition that is preventing them from working and providing for themselves and their family.  If you have questions concerning a Social Security disability claim, contact Mr. Lewis for your free case evaluation.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation!