Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

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! 

Indianapolis Social Security disability Attorney Scott Lewis often talks to potential clients about disabling conditions that are very difficult to live with. Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS can affect a Social Security disability claimant's life in such a way as to make it impossible to maintain a full time job. For that reason, individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome may cause abdominal pain and cramping among other painful symptoms.  It can also be characterized by periods of loose stools and periods of constipation.  This painful condition can intrude on almost all aspects of a person's life.  While there may be physical disabilities associated with IBS, there may also be mental disabilities including anxiety, stress, and even depression.

How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) look at Irritable Bowel Syndrome?  The Social Security Administration recognizes Irritable Bowel Syndrome in its Listing of Impairments under Listing 5.06 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  What happens if your case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not precisely meet the listing?  You may still be able to win your Indiana Social Security disability claim or Indiana Social Security disability appeal.  If you can show Irritable Bowel Syndrome effects you in such a way that you cannot perform substantial gainful activity.  Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome may prevent you from working because you have to take unscheduled breaks.  Most employers are unable to tolerate a worker that cannot stay on task for certain periods of time. 

Indiana residents that suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS and are unable to perform work like activity because of this disabling condition may want to consult with a Social Security disability attorney to evaluate their claim.  Many disabilities such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be difficult to discuss, but it is important for Indiana and Indianapolis Social Security disability claimants to know that they are not alone in dealing with these types of disabilities.  

At the law office of Scott D. Lewis , Mr. Lewis provides a free confidential evaluation on many disabilities including Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis has won cases for individuals suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and he would be happy to discuss your own personal claim.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis travels throughout the state of Indianan practicing Social Security disability law.  If you would like a FREE consultation call (317) 423-8888 today!   

Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis receives many telephone calls daily asking if a consultation is free or if the potential disability claimant has to pay to speak with him.  The answer is simple, at the Law Office of Scott D. Lewis, the initial consultation is FREE.  In order to assess whether you have what he believes to be a "valid" Social Security disability claim, Attorney Scott Lewis finds it necessary to discover preliminary information about the claimant to help sort out whether they have what he considers a "good" claim. 

Some questions in the initial consultation between the potential client and Attorney Scott Lewis may include:

1.  What is your current disability or disabilities?

2.  How do your disabilities prevent you from working?

3. Are you currently working?  If you are working, is it only on a part time basis?

4.  Are you filing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim or a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, or both?

5.  If the Social Security Administration (SSA) has denied your claim, why were you denied?

6.  Are you seeing medical professionals and do you have medical records describing your disabling condition?

While these are just a few of the questions Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis may ask in his initial consultation, it is important for the potential Social Security disability client to ask and answer many other questions in order to get a good idea what their particular claim is about and what direction it should go in. 

Most Social Security disability claimants are worried about cost.  Indianapolis and other Indiana residents need to rest assured the initial consultation with Scott Lewis and his staff is of no cost to them.  With that in mind, Social Security disability claimants should use this to their benefit and ask questions that concern them.  Many fears the disability claimant may face are common in disability claims and many times Attorney Scott Lewis may give them a better understanding as what to expect in the disability claims process.

You don't need to have filed a Social Security disability claim to speak to Attorney Scott Lewis for a free evaluation of your case.  If you are still working and in your near future believe you will be unable to work due to a disabling condition, or your physician has told you to stop working because of your condition, feel free to call Lawyer Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Also, if you have been denied and believe the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made a mistake in denying your disability benefits call Scott Lewis for a free evaluation of your case.

Indianapolis Attorney Scott Lewis represents Indiana residents with a wide variety of disabilities including arthritis, depression, back problems, bipolar disorder, diabetes, and many other conditions.   If you or someone you know would like a free consultation call (317) 423-8888 today to discuss you case with a lawyer whose practice is focused on Social Security disability law.

Many hard working Indiana residents struggle to accept the fact they are no longer able to work to support their families due to a disabling condition. Depending on your disability working part time or eventually returning to the work force full time may not be out of the question. There are a few things to consider, such as how much money you can make and what programs the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers to get you back in the work force.

The first thing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient may want to consider is how much money they can make working without jeopardizing their Social Security disability benefits.  This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Amount.  This is a monthly amount an individual cannot exceed after subtracting impairment related work expenses.  SGA is a higher limit for statutorily blind individuals.  In 2010, the monthly dollar amount is $1,640 for statutorily blind individuals and $1,000 for other disabled individuals. 

A program of interest for Social Security disability recipients wanting to re-enter the workforce is the Trial Work Period.  In this scenario, a person may try to re-enter the work force and still have earnings and continue to collect Social Security disability benefits. There are rules covering the Trial Work Period in the link provided above.  Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis receives calls on a weekly basis asking what the provisions are for earning money while collecting Social Security disability benefits and routinely steers these questions for more specific information to the Social Security Administration's website.

The above information is not intended as legal advice, if you have a disabling condition that is preventing you from working, contact the Law Office of Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Many conditions such as arthritis, depression, cancer, and scoliosis can prevent you from working.  If you suffer from a disabling condition, contact Lawyer Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888.

Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis often gets telephone calls from Indiana residents asking when they should file their initial Social Security disability claim.  Many disability claimants make the mistake of waiting because they believe they must be disabled for a period of one year before they can file a Social Security disability claim.  There are a number of things to consider when deciding to file a Social Security disability claim:

1.  Has your disability or combination of disabilities prevented you from making enough money to take care of yourself and/or your family?  The amount of money the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers to meet this level is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount.  In 2010 the SGA amount for non-blind individuals is 1,000.00.

2.  Will you meet the "durational requirement"?  Your disability must actually last for 12 months or be expected to last for 12 months.  Many times Lawyer Scott Lewis tells his clients if there is a question as to whether the disability will last for 12 months, do not give up on the claim.  If the disability is preventing you from performing SGA, as stated above, it may be in your best interest to appeal your disability claim if you are unsure as to whether you may recover from your disabling condition.  Also, due to the lengthy hearings process in your Social Security disability appeal you may have very well met the durational requirement before you find yourself before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

3.  Don't jeopardize your "date last insured".  Based on your work history and paying into the Social Security system you will establish a dale last insured.  A Social Security disability claimant must prove they became disabled before the date last insured in Title II also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims.

4.  Also in Title II or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims you can only receive disability benefits for one year prior to your application date.  So, by delaying your initial Social Security disability application you may lose out on disability payments you may have been entitled.

Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis urges you to contact his office at (317) 423-8888 if you have question regarding whether you should apply for your Social Security disability benefits or when you should apply for your disability benefits.  Social Security Lawyer Scott D. Lewis practices in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  He handles cases involving diabetes, back pain, bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis and many other disabilities.  Scott Lewis is a Social Security Lawyer located in downtown Indianapolis just minutes from the Social Security Administration's hearing office. 

You just received a letter stating your Social Security disability claim was denied and you are wondering what to do next?  Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis receives calls asking this very question every day. Indiana residents receiving a notice of disapproved claim need to know they have certain rights and can appeal a denial of their Social Security disability claim.

There can be a few reasons you find yourself denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  When Attorney Scott Lewis hears that your Social Security claim was denied because the Social Security Administration did not feel that your disability was severe enough to prevent you from working, he realizes you may have grounds to appeal the decision.

Why did you get denied?  One reason you may have been denied your Social Security disability benefits is because your medical record was incomplete.  In your initial application you may have unintentionally omitted important medical sources.  Another reason could be the SSA was unable to get important medical documentation that you told them about.  There could have been an oversight by the SSA or an oversight by the medical source you provided to them.  In any case, by the time you reach an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing it is very important that your Social Security claim file is up-to-date and complete.  While the above may be one reason you are denied, there can be many other reasons for a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) denial. 

What to do next?  A "Request for Reconsideration", sometimes referred to as an appeal by Social Security disability claimants is usually the next step when receiving an initial denial.  Basically, what you are saying to the Social Security Administration is "hey, you made a mistake take another look at my disability claim".  You have 60 days plus some mailing time from the date of your initial denial to file the Request for Reconsideration.  If denied at this stage, you then must file a Request for a Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge.  At this point, you usually find yourself waiting a long period of time for your day in court.

If you find all of the above confusing, you are not alone.  Many of Scott Lewis' Indiana Social Security disability appeals clients come to him to help them understand the process.  Indianapolis Attorney Scott Lewis tries to explain to his disability clients in as much detail as possible how the Social Security disability process works and how to prepare for thier disability appeal. 

The above is not intended as legal advice and if you desire help with your Indiana Social Security disability claim, you can send a contact form or call Scott D. Lewis at 317-423-8888 for a free consultation.  Attorney Scott Lewis handles cases dealing with back pain, depression, heart problems, diabetes, and many other impairments.  Scott Lewis and his staff strive to get you the benefits you qualify for.

Indianapolis Attorney Scott Lewis often finds himself talking to his clients in depth about the pain they are experiencing.  Describing your pain in detail may help a Social Security disability client win their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.  Other than your medical records and possibly a medical expert, the only other information an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at your disability appeal may be able to rely on is your testimony.  With that in mind, disability lawyer Scott Lewis believes it is very important to describe the pain you feel as accurately as you possibly can. 

Different Social Security disability claimants experience and tolerate pain at varying levels.  Due to the subjective nature of pain, it may be difficult to explain to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and make them understand how painful your condition is.  Many physical conditions can cause pain including back problems, fibromyalgia, diabetes, migraine headaches, COPD, heart problems, and other conditions.  A Social Security disability claimant may experience pain from not one physical condition, but a combination of physical conditions. 

Many times at a Social Security disability hearing, Indiana Attorney Scott Lewis will ask his disability clients questions to help them better explain the pain they experience.  For example:

Where do you feel the pain?  If you experience pain in your back and it radiates down your legs, you should let the SSA know the exact location of your pain.

What does the pain feel like?  If it is a sharp, dull, or burning sensation, you should describe it in as much detail as possible. Many times, Attorney Scott Lewis may ask his Indiana disability clients to describe the pain they experience on a zero to ten scale.  Zero being no pain and ten being pain so severe they must go to the hospital.

How often do you feel the pain?  Is it hourly, daily, weekly, etc.? 

How long does the pain last?  Does the pain come and go, or does it last throughout the entire day?

Is there anything that makes the pain better or worse?  Do medications help alleviate the pain?  Does it help to lie down? 

Does the pain affect your activities of daily living?  Is it too painful to sit, stand, walk for even short periods of time?  Are you able to do household chores such as laundry, cleaning, wash dishes, and cook?  Are you unable to leave your house due to the pain you experience? 

Attorney Scott Lewis believes it is important for his Indiana Social Security disability appeal clients to know that it may make a big difference to answer questions fully concerning their disabilities.  Many times a simple yes or no answer may not be enough to help inform an ALJ to understand how you experience pain.  Most disability appeal hearings are only 45 minutes long, and walking out of the hearing room without explaining the pain you experience may be a mistake. 

Whether you experience physical pain or a mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or a learning disorder, you may want to consult an experienced Social Security disability lawyer.  Attorney Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation by calling (317)423-8888.  If you or someone you know would like to talk to a Social Security appeals attorney, call today! 

Many Indiana residents experience some degree of hearing loss. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has some programs that provide disability benefits to people with permanent impairments such as hearing loss. Indianapolis Social Security disability claimant's with hearing loss may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if they meet the criteria required by the SSA in the SSA's "Listing of Impairments".  To determine whether you qualify for such benefits, the SSA's criteria for hearing loss can be found in the SSA's "Listing of Impairments," Section 2.0, Special Senses and Speech.   

There are two different listings for hearing loss on the Social Security Administration's Listing of Impairments.  In Section 2.10, criteria is defined for people who have hearing loss and do not have a cochlear implant.  In Section 2.11, criteria is defined for disability applicants who have had a cochlear implant. 

 

What evidence should a disability claimant provide the SSA to help win their disability claim?

The SSA will need evidence showing that you have a medically determinable impairment that causes your hearing loss and audiometric measurements of the severity of your hearing loss.   Generally, the SSA requires both a complete otologic examination and audiometric testing to establish that the claimant has a medically determinable impairment that causes the hearing loss. Once the SSA has evidence that the claimant has a medically determinable impairment, the SSA can use the results of audiometric testing to assess the severity of the hearing loss without another complete otologic examination. Test scores together with any other relevant information about your hearing may help support your disability claim.

It's important to know the SSA's requirements in order to successfully submit medical evidence in support of your claim.  The SSA requires that the complete otologic examination must be performed by a licensed physician (either medical or osteopathic doctor). This exam must include the following:

• medical history,
• description of how the hearing loss affects the claimant,
• the physician's description of the appearance of the external ears,
• evaluation of the tympanic membranes, and
• assessment of any middle ear abnormalities.

Audiometric testing must be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an otolaryngologist or an audiologist.

When a claimant does not have a cochlear implant, the SSA requires an audiometric test to support their disability claim. 

What audiometric testing does the SSA need when the claimant does not have a cochlear implant?

According to the SSA's listing of impairments, the SSA generally needs the following testing when a claimant does not have a cochlear implant:

• pure tone air conduction and bone conduction testing,
• speech reception threshold (SRT) testing, and
• word recognition testing.

This testing must be conducted in a sound-treated booth or room and each ear must be tested separately. You must not wear hearing aids during the testing. To determine whether the disability claimant's hearing loss meets the air and bone conduction criteria in Section 2.10, the SSA will average the air and bone conduction hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hertz (Hz).

What audiometric testing does the SSA need when the claimant does have a cochlear implant?

The SSA will consider you to be disabled until 1 year after initial cochlear implantation. After that period, the SSA may require word recognition testing performed with any version of the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) to determine whether your impairment meets this listing. This testing must be conducted in quiet sound field. Your implant must be functioning properly and adjusted to your normal settings. The sentences should be presented at 60 dB Hearing Level (HL) and without any visual cues.

Some symptoms and or diseases that may accompany the hearing loss may include the following:

• Difficulty with word recognition,
• Vertigo (disturbances in balance) causing hallucinations of motion, dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, confusion, and several other side-effects, or
• Ménière's disease which is characterized by unpredictable and irregular attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.

Social Security disability claimants may want to provide medically acceptable imaging to support the evaluation and diagnosis of their hearing loss.  Such imaging may include, but not limited to, x-ray imaging, computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without contrast material, myelography, and radionuclear bone scans. 

There are some risk factors that may be the cause of your hearing loss.  Aging is the most common reason that people experience some degree of hearing loss.  A person's heredity may also come into play.  Some genetic factors may make a person more susceptible to hearing damage.  Farming, factory work, or other jobs that require noisy heavy machinery may also cause ear damage.  Other loud noises such as firearms, fireworks, headphones, or motorcycles may damage your ears also.

Hearing loss can prevent people from performing some jobs and can make life hard in general.  If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits call Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law for help.  Scott D. Lewis is an Indiana attorney located in downtown Indianapolis.  If you or someone you know has a debilitating condition such as blindness, loss of speech, hearing loss, or any other disability condition, call (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation today!

Social Security disability claimants entering an Indiana hearings office for their disability appeal may wonder what to expect. For many Indiana residents, the idea of appearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may be intimidating. Attorney Scott D. Lewis tries to explain to his Social Security disability clients what to expect at the hearing and attempts to explain to the client what the strong and weak points of their disability claim are. As far as what to expect at your hearing for your appeal, here are a few items clients wonder about:

What should I do when I arrive at the hearing office?

The Social Security hearings office usually request the clients to arrive at theoffice 30 minutes before their scheduled disability hearing. The Social Security Administration request the claimant to bring a picture I.D. and many Social Security hearing offices will have security that may require you to go through a metal detector.  After passing through security, the disability claimant should check in with personnel at the Social Security hearings office to let them know you have arrived and then the disability claimant can take a seat.

What does the hearing room look like?

In the Indianapolis Social Security hearings office, disability clients are usually surprised to find a rather informal hearing room.  The rooms are small with desks and chairs for the disability client, the representative, experts, and a court reporter to sit at.  The ALJ is usually at another desk that is more elevated.  The hearing rooms are not "grand" court rooms you may have seen on television, but a more informal environment.

How long will my Social Security hearing last?

The length of the hearing varies for from judge to judge, but in Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis' experience, most disability appeal hearings are scheduled for 45 minutes.  Some Administrative Law Judges conduct appeal hearings that last longer, while some conduct shorter hearings.  Much of the time discrepancy may depend on how much medical evidence there is to go through and the extent of questioning of the disability client and experts, if any are present.

Who will be at my Social Security appeal hearing?

This also may vary from Judge to Judge.  People attending your Social Security hearing can include an attorney or representative (if you choose to have one), a medical expert, a vocational (job) expert, a court reporter, and the Administrative Law Judge.  As stated earlier, this can vary as some Administrative Law Judges do not use the aid of experts. 

Will I know if I won my Social Security disability case that same day?

Maybe.  Some Administrative Law Judges issue a "bench decision".  If the Judge decides in favor of you, he can issue the decision at the hearing.  Although, more often you will not know if you have won your Social Security disability claim that same day.  A written ruling is mailed out at a later date stating if your claim was found favorable or unfavorable. 

The information above is not intended as legal advice, only the experiences of Scott D. Lewis, an Indiana Social Security disability lawyer.  Your experience with the Indiana Social Security disability hearings office or any other Social Security hearings office  may be entirely different depending on your particular disability claim or procedures in that particular hearings office.

Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis handles many different types of disability claims.  If you are appealing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim and would like to discuss your claim, call (317) 423-8888.  Mr. Lewis handles cases ranging from Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, diabetes with neuropathy, bipolar disorder and many other claims.  Mr. Lewis is located in downtown Indianapolis, only blocks away from the Social Security Hearings Office.  Call today for your free consulation!

Many Indiana residents wonder if they can receive Social Security Disability benefits for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is listed on the Social Security Administration's website under the Listing of Impairments. Section 13.05 outlines the necessary conditions that need to be met to possibly receive Social Security Disability benefits. Section 13.05 states that a person can have either aggressive (fast-moving) or indolent (slow-moving) Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in a person's lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is the disease fighting part of your body; this may cause tumors to develop from your white blood cells.

Symptoms may include:
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Abdominal/Chest Pains
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night Sweats
- Weight Loss

There is no clear cause of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma but there are some risk factors. These may include: old age, certain infections, chemicals, and medications that suppress the immune system. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is far more prevalent than Hodgkin's disease. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is the sixth most common type of cancer in men and fifth most common in women in the United States. There are many different kinds of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. They can all be divided into two categories: fast-moving and slow-moving. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is formed by B-cells or T-cells.

Indiana residents who suffer from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma may not be able to carry out simple tasks for a job. Chest and/or abdominal pain and fatigue may prevent a person from keeping a steady job. If you are an Indiana resident attempting to get Social Security Disability because you are unable to preform work-like activities, you may want to contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer or representative to discuss your options.

The above information is not intended as medical advice, you should contact a qualified physician to obtain medical advice. Attorney Scott D. Lewis represents clients all over the state of Indiana and has represented clients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the past. If you or someone you know is suffering from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, other cancers, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or any other debilitating condition contact Scott D. Lewis' office located in downtown Indianapolis at (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation today.

You are finally getting prepared for your Social Security disability hearing in front of an Indiana Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). After a long wait to get a hearing, you may be wondering what is going to happen at your disability hearing. Disability attorney Scott Lewis attempts to let his Social Security disability clients know what to expect in the hearing room. Although, in his experience most of the Judges have their own agenda and conduct the hearing a little differently, their is generally a common framework they all seem to follow. Whether you are trying to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits the questions usually revolve around three main areas.  These areas include the following:

1.  Personal information

The Judge often asks very general personal questions. These questions may include information about your age, your education, where you live, who you live with, do you have children, are you right or left handed, how tall you are and how much you weigh, among several other questions.

2.  What past work have you performed?

In this area the Judge may ask questions such as: did your previous jobs have a title, how long did you work at the job, how did you perform your previous jobs, how much did you lift, carry, stand, walk, and/or sit during those jobs.

3.  What is your medical condition(s) that prevents you from working?

The Judge will generally ask you to explain your disabling condition(s). What medical providers you are seeing, what limitations you experience from your disabling condition(s), and what medications you are taking. The general theme here is usually about how your disabling condition keep you from working.

Attorney Scott Lewis likes to meet with his Social Security disability clients before the Social Security hearing to let them know what they can expect. It is important to explain in detail the pain and limitations of your disabling condition. At your Social Security disability hearing if the ALJ could ask if your back hurts, a simple "yes" is probably not the best answer. In the opinion of Mr. Lewis, a better answer could be to say yes, and then explain to the Judge how the pain feels, how often you experience it, and how long it lasts. The intensity and duration of the pain you experience may help the Judge determine that there are no jobs you can perform.

Mr. Lewis encourages his clients to be honest at the Social Security disability hearing. In Attorney Lewis' experience, if the ALJ believes you are not telling the truth concerning one question, the Judge may not believe any other answers you give. At your Social Security disability hearing, the ALJ usually has an extensive medical record in front of him/her. You may be surprised to know some of your physicians write down things in your medical record such as drug use, alcohol use, and other items you may not believe are important. At times the ALJ may see these things and question the Social Security disability claimant about them. Not believing they are important or embarrassed by these questions, a claimant may not answer them honestly. In these cases, the Judge may find that your entire testimony is not credible.

This is only a brief summary of the experience of Attorney Scott D. Lewis and should not be construed as legal advice. Indiana residents that have questions concerning what happens at a Social Security hearing can contact Attorney Scott Lewis for a free consultation. Mr. Lewis has experience with disability claims involving many disabilities including bipolar disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart problems, cancer, and various other disabilities. Call today at (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation.

Indiana Social Security disability claimants diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects around 300,000 people in the United States. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths on the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. MS most commonly occurs in young adults and is typically more common in females than males. Multiple sclerosis has many forms and can have new symptoms with every attack.

Symptoms may include:
• Weak or numb limbs
• Loss of vision (usually one eye at a time)
• Pain during eye movement
• Shock sensations with head movement
• Loss of coordination
• Problems with speech
• Fatigue

Symptoms caused by MS usually happen in attacks or relapses where neurological function is significantly less in a acute period of time.

Although studies continue to be performed to identify the causes of Multiple Sclerosis, It is thought there are three main causes that are most likely why an individual has Multiple Sclerosis. The first cause is genetics. It appears there is a greater chance that someone will have multiple sclerosis if it is in the family. The recurrence rate is about 20% in parents to children. The second cause is environmental factors. MS is more common in people who live farther from the equator along with a decreased sunlight exposure. The third cause is infections. Many microbes have been suggested as triggers to MS but none have been proven.

Multiple Sclerosis is in Section 11.09 under the Neurological conditions on the Social Security's "Listing of Impairments." There are three conditions a claimant must meet to qualify for Social Security disability benefits under this listing. Refer to section 11.09 on the Listing of Impairments on the Social Security Administration's website to view these.

If you do not meet or equal the listing for Social Security Disability listed above, you may still be able to win your Social security disability claim. Your residual functional capacity form Multiple Sclerosis may prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.  Your inability to stand, sit, or walk for extend periods of time, or your inability to stay on task may also help you win your Social Security disability claim.

The above information is not inteded as medical or legal advice.  You should consult a physician for medical advice.  If you are unable to work due to Multiple Sclerosis contact Lawyer Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Other disabilities that may qualify you for Social Security disability benefits can include chronic pain syndrome, depression, back injuries, diabetes, and many other impairments.  Call 317-423-8888 to speak with Attorney Scott d. Lewis and his staff today. 

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Indiana disability claimants suffering from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)often experience severe pain that prevents them from holding down a full time job. Often caused by trauma, the pain individuals experience can be chronic and severe in nature and may go to other areas of the body. This condition may also be referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. If you or someone you know is struggling with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome they might be eligible to receive Social Security disability.

While currently the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have a listing in the Listing of Impairments for RSD or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, this does not mean you cannot win your Social Security disability claim. Many Indiana residents may find due to this disability they cannot sit, stand, walk, or lift objects necessary to maintain employment. Some Indiana residents may find they cannot be at work the required number of days to stay employed because of their disability. Other Social Security disability claimants may find the chronic pain they experience makes them unable to stay on task in their job. Many times, disabled people simply cannot do the required work an employer expects them to do. In these cases, the SSA may agree that you cannot do your old job or any other jobs in the economy.

Because of the nature of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome it is usually very important for Indiana residents to seek appropriate medical treatment and maintain a good medical record to prove this disabling condition. If your treating physician can describe your functional limitations in his/her progress notes it may enhance your chances of winning your Social Security disability claim.

Indiana lawyer Scott D. Lewis represents disabled people throughout the state of Indiana and provides a free consultation. Mr. Lewis often represents disabled individuals with disabilities such as back problems, heart problems, diabetes, epilepsy, depression, and many other impairments. If you are experiencing a disabling condition that prevents you from working call (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation.

Coming from a hard working Indiana middle class family, Attorney Scott D. Lewis knows how difficult it may be to make ends meet on a limited income. If you find yourself disabled and unable to work, this may create an even heavier burden on you and your family. Indiana disability claimants struggling with paying bills and putting food on the table sometimes need encouragement in moving forward in the disability process. Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis often tells his clients to stay optimistic during the lengthy appeals process. While Indiana is currently ranked near the bottom among states in processing time for Social Security claims, many times a winning case can result in a substantial past due benefit amount and a continuing monthly social security disability payment.

Indiana attorney Scott Lewis often asks his clients if they have a good family support system during this trying time. The financial and emotional support of family and friends can help his disability clients make it through the waiting process. If you find yourself without a good support system while waiting for your Social Security disability hearing, and If you do not currently have healthcare, lawyer Scott Lewis tells his disability clients to look for help in the local community. It is important to try to find low cost medical care when waiting on your Social Security disability appeal. Good medical records can be the "smoking gun" needed to win your Social Security disability claim. Scott Lewis often tells his disability clients that he can argue until he is "blue in the face" to win their case, but without medical documentation to support the claim, it can be very difficult to win a disability claim.

Many of Scott Lewis' clients do not know that Mr. Lewis is a 100% disabled service-connected veteran who is legally blind. Attorney Scott Lewis takes great pride in representing other disabled Indiana residents. Due to his own disability, Scott Lewis has decided to focus his practice on Social Security Disability Law. He sees many of the obstacles disabled people face as some of the same obstacles he has been forced to overcome. While Indiana disability claimants may not ever recover from their disability, a check coming in the mail every month may be one of the few positive things they can identify in thier disabling condition. If the disabled person is entitled to a monthly disability payment, they should be able to look in their bank account every month and find it there.

Attorney Scott Lewis handles many types of disability claims including back problems, mental disorders, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and many other impairments. Call for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888 and talk to Attorney Scott Lewis and his staff to discuss your Social Security disability appeal.

Indiana residents often find themselves with their disability claim denied when they suffer from a learning disability. If you have a learning disability or a combination of disabilities that prevent you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you have been turned down for Social Security disability benefits and believe you are entitled to these benefits, do not give up. Many disability claims are turned down in the early stages of a disability claim.

Claims involving learning disabilities may be won with appropriate medical and intellectual functioning documentation. Some documentation that may help win a Social Security claim can include school records indicating failing grades, teacher's notes and progress reports that show inferior work, poor standardized testing scores from academic institutions, and low IQ scores. Other factors that may be taken into account could include the inability to read, write, and understand & follow simple instructions. While many learning disability claims involve children attempting to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, adults may also be disabled from a learning disability or combination of disabilities.

Indiana claimants may find some of these claims difficult to win without appropriate medical or academic documentation. Indiana claimant's testimony at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)hearing may help sway the chance of winning in their favor if they can convince the judge their learning disability is severe enough to prevent them from obtaining full time employment. Many individuals with learning disabilities may need a job coach to function in the work place and many times with this finding they may win their Social Security disability claim.

Indianapolis Lawyer Scott D. Lewis has experience with clients that suffer from learning disabilities. Many times he finds the client's inability to read or write can drastically reduce the amount of jobs that exist in the economy that he/she may be able to perform. If you or someone you know would like a free consultation regarding Social Security disability benefits call 317-423-8888. Scott Lewis handles cases dealing with mental retardation, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and many other impairments.