February 2012 Archives

February 29, 2012

Hepatitis and Your Indiana Social Security Disability Appeal

Do you have symptoms from Hepatitis that prevent you from working?  You may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis talks to many Indiana residents with disabling conditions and Hepatitis is no exception.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize Hepatitis as a disabling condition that can prevent an individual from working. 

Hepatitis refers to inflammation and swelling of the liver.  Hepatitis is an infectious disease most commonly caused by a virus.  Some, but not all, symptoms of Hepatitis can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain and/or joint pain
  • Abdominal pain and nausea

Individuals attempting to receive Social Security disability benefits can enhance their chances of a successful claim by receiving medical care by a physician specializing in the impairment the claimant is suffering form.  The Social Security Administration recognizes Hepatitis in it's "Listing of Impairments" under Listing 5.00 Digestive System.  In the "Listing of Impairments," Social Security attempts to detail the criteria needed to medically meet or equal their definition of disability.

Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott D. Lewis helps disabled individuals with a variety of impairments appeal Social Security Disability  Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  If you would like a free case evaluation contact Mr. Lewis or his staff at (317) 423-8888 and you can discuss your questions and concerns regarding Social Security disability benefits. Call today for your free consultation!

February 24, 2012

Indiana Social Security Disability Attorneys Can Assist With Claims Involving Autism

Scott D. Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer that has represented individuals suffering with autism and often helped them get the benefits they are entitled to.  It may seem like a long process fighting the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive disability payments, but many individuals find it is a battle that can be won.

scales.JPGWhile many parents of autistic children believe it is very evident their child suffers from this condition, they sometimes soon find the Social Security Administration has denied their claim. Adults with autism also may find it very difficult to navigate through the appeals process attempting to win a Social Security disability claim.  If you believe you or your child may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits it is important not to give up. Many statistics show your chances of winning your disability claim increase by appealing your claim.

While the symptoms of autism can vary by type and degree from individual to individual, some symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Difficulty with relationships and social interaction
  • Difficulties with language
  • Behavior issues

While the above are just a few general symptoms of autism, it is probably wise to get help from a qualified medical professional to assess and receive treatment for autism.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis finds that claimants with a well documented case of autism by a medical professional trained in that area generally has a better chance of winning a Social Security disability appeal. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a Social Security disability claim and would like a free consultation contact Mr. Lewis and his staff for a free consultation.  Mr. Lewis represents individuals with a wide variety of disabling conditions such as depression, stroke, cancer, diabetes, anxiety, and many other disabling conditions.  If you are interested in a free case evaluation contact Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888.

February 22, 2012

Why Did the Social Security Adminstration (SSA) Deny My Indiana Social Security Disability Claim?

In Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience, the above is one of the most often asked questions.  There may be numerous answers to this question depending on your own personal circumstances.  Probably the most obvious answer is that the majority of initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims are denied.  That answer usually doesn't comfort a disabled person that is entitled to their disability benefits.  It may help to know that statistically your chances of winning your Social Security disability claim increase if you appeal your denial. 

As stated earlier, there can be numerous reasons for your Social Security disability claim being denied.  One reason in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases is that you have too many resources to be eligible for the program.  In Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims you could be denied because you are making too much money in your current employment to be eligible for the program, or you have not accumulated enough work credits to be eligible.  These are a few reasons you may find yourself opening a letter from the Social Security Administration denying your claim.

One of the biggest reasons for a Social Security Administration's denial of your disability claim is because the SSA simply states your disability is not severe enough to entitle you to benefits.  It is really a little more complicated than that as certain variables are looked at in the determination such as your age, education, and prior work experience.  Basically, in the end if you are denied because the SSA doesn't believe your disability is severe enough, they are saying you can do some type of work.  It may not be the work you have been accustomed to doing, but perhaps lighter work or sedentary work.  Remember, you have a right to appeal that denial and that is usually where Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis steps in.

If you have questions as to why you were denied your Social Security disability benefits you can contact Mr. Lewis and his staff to discuss your concerns.  Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis provides a free case evaluation and can answer many questions by telephone.  Call (317) 423-8888 if you would like to speak to Mr. Lewis about your Social Security disability claim.

February 20, 2012

Your Indiana Social Security Disability Claim and Arthritis

Arthritis can not only be painful, but it may be keeping you from working and supporting yourself and your family.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis represents individuals suffering from arthritis that is preventing them from performing work like activities.  If you have been denied your Social Security disability benefits because of arthritis, or any other disabling condition, it may be time to file an appeal and get the benefits you may be entitled to.

Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis understands what his Indiana neighbors are going through when arthritis prevents them from working.  Some, but not all, of the symptoms his clients often complain about are:

  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced mobility of the joint(s)

handicapo spot.jpgThe Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize disability due to arthritis.  In Social Security's "Listing of Impairments" Listing 14.09 Inflammatory Arthritis attempts to clearly define when the SSA will consider arthritis disabling.  If you do not meet or equal this listing there are other ways you can still win your Social Security disability claim.  If your physical residual functional capacity is reduced to a level where you cannot work a full time job you may be considered disabled and receive Social Security disability benefits.

Scott D. Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney who takes great pride in representing individuals with disabling conditions.  If you or someone you know has been denied their Social Security benefits, contact Mr. Lewis and his staff for a free case evaluation.  By calling (317) 423-8888 you can receive your free consultation. 

February 14, 2012

Indianapolis Disability Lawyers Can Help With Claims Involving Many Different Impairments

question mark silver.jpgIf you are suffering from a mental or physical condition that is preventing you from working you may be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  There are a wide variety of conditions the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes as disabling conditions.  It may be in your best interest to consult a Social Security disability attorney if you have questions as to whether or not you may qualify for disability benefits. 

Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis has represented individuals with a wide range of disabling conditions.  If you have more than one disabling condition that is preventing you from performing substantial gainful activity the SSA may look at all of the conditions in combination when determining if you are disabled.  If you are filing an initial application for Social Security disability benefits it may be in your best interest to let the Social Security Administration know all of the impairments that are keeping you from working. 

Attorney Scott D. Lewis offers a free case evaluation if you have questions about your Social Security disability claim.  Many of his Indiana neighbors may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for an attorney, but Mr. Lewis is able to assure them that he works on a contingent fee basis.  In other words, there is no fee unless Mr. Lewis is successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve.  If you would like to speak to Mr. Lewis and his staff simply call (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation today!
February 12, 2012

Do I Have to Attend My Indiana Social Security Disability Hearing?

Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis finds that every once in awhile he has a disability client that asks if they must attend their Social Security disability hearing.  The reasons for not attending a hearing can vary from the lack of transportation to a medical condition that simply prevents the disability claimant from attending the hearing.  While there may be many reasons an individual cannot attend a hearing there may be many reasons why an individual would want to make an effort to be present on that very important day.

In Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis', experience many Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) will make an exception for those individuals not able to attend a hearing due to a mental or physical condition.  Mr. Lewis has attended hearings where the disability claimant testifies by telephone.  While this may not be the best scenario, at times it may be the only way to get testimony from the disabled individual.

Mr. Lewis believes it can be in your best interest to actually attend the hearing in person.  Many individuals suffering with pain and/or physical/mental disabilities that are very evident upon observation could find their condition is minimized by simply analyzing medical records and not observing the condition(s) in person.  Mr. Lewis believes it is important to remember ALJ's are people too and may be persuaded in a case that they believe is borderline by actually seeing the disability claimant and talking to them in person.

Does this mean you must be physically present to win your Indiana Social Security disability claim?  No, Mr. Lewis has been successful in a disability case where the claimant testified by telephone.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis believes it is important to remember this is a big day for the disability claimant and it may be in your best interest to attend your hearing and be heard.

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis helps his Indiana neighbors with a wide variety of disabling conditions.  Mr. Lewis has represented individuals with cancer, diabetes, depression, learning disabilities, back pain, and many other disabling conditions.  For your free consultation contact Mr. Lewis and his staff at (317) 423-8888.

February 12, 2012

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorneys Can Help With Claims Involving Spinal Stenosis

In Attorney Scott Lewis' experience as a Social Security disability lawyer, he handles numerous claims involving back pain.  Many of his Indiana neighbors suffering from severe back pain struggle to maintain even a minimal quality of life.  If you or someone you know is suffering from severe back pain creating an inability to work it may be time to file a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.

There are many types of back disorders and those individuals experiencing Spinal Stenosis may soon find that this particular disorder can be very painful and disabling.  Spinal Stenosis relates to narrowing of the spinal column that can create pressure on the spinal cord.  Another term individuals with spinal stenosis may hear is neural foramina, which refers to narrowing of the openings. 

While the causes of Spinal Stenosis may vary many individuals suffering from Spinal Stenosis may experience:

  •  Pain
  • Numbness
  • Weakness

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes Spinal Stenosis in its Listing of Impairments under Listing 1.00 Musculoskeletal System.  This listing outlines the criteria that needs to be met or equaled in order to qualify medically for Social Security disability benefits. 

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis has experience representing individuals suffering from disabling back problems.  If you have questions regarding the disability process or have been turned down for your benefits contact Mr. Lewis and his staff today for your FREE case evaluation.  By calling (317) 423-8888 you can speak with Mr. Lewis and his staff.

February 9, 2012

Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits Because of Cancer

Are you an Indiana resident that has been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to work due to this diagnosis?  You may be wondering if you would qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to your disabling condition.  Most cancers are addressed in Section 13.00 Malignant Neoplastic Diseases in the Social Security Administration (SSA) "Listing of Impairments".

Individuals filing an application for SSDI or SSI benefits for cancer should keep in mind whether their condition is severe enough to prevent them from performing any type of substantial gainful activity.  Indianapolis Attorney Scott D. Lewis recommends to his clients to provide the SSA with medical documentation that specifies the type of cancer that you have been diagnosed with, and the extent, and site of the primary, recurrent, or metastatic lesion. In addition, include all medical records indicating surgery including operative notes and a pathology report.  It may be beneficial to submit any summaries of hospitalization(s) or other medical reports to support your disability claim. It may also be necessary to provide medical documentation indicating recurrence, persistence, or progression of the cancer.

In evaluating your disability claim, the SSA may consider the location of your cancer, its severity, the type, duration, and frequency of your treatment and your response to that treatment. It is important that these medical records cover sufficient time to show whether therapy will be effective. In some cases, Social Security may delay their decision of your disability claim until the effectiveness of therapy can be assessed. Medical evidence regarding therapy should include, but is not limited to:

  • drugs prescribed,
  • dosage of each drug,
  • frequency of administration of the drugs,
  • any and all plans for continued use of drugs,
  • type and extent of any surgery related to the cancer, and
  • schedule of radiation therapy.

Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis believes that it may benefit a disability claimant to provide the SSA any information regarding any adverse affects of therapy.  Some examples may include:

  • weakness,
  • nausea,
  • complications due to treatment, and
  • mental disorders as a result of this diagnosis

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis represents individuals diagnosed with cancer in their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  If you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer and you are unable to work due to this diagnosis, contact Attorney Scott Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Mr. Lewis and his staff are available to discuss your claim at (317) 423-8888.  Call today for your free consultation.