Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

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.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis represents Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits claimants with their pending claims. Initial disability claims may be filed at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, by calling the SSA's toll free phone number, or visiting the SSA's website.  Although it may be discouraging to claimants to hear that some sources report 70% of all claims are denied at the initial application, Scott Lewis encourages his clients to continue to fight for their disability benefits by appealing the SSA's decision to deny their claim. Statistically, continuing the appeals process may be beneficial to 70-80% of all claims that were initially denied.

What's the downfall to appealing your claim?  Disability Lawyer Scott Lewis would say that it is the time period the Indiana SSDI and SSI claimants have to wait in order to get a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  Attorney Lewis advises all of his claimants to "not give up" and continue with the disability appeals process.  Because of the "back log" of disability cases in the state of Indiana, Indianapolis Social Security disability claimants may find themselves waiting two years before they are in front of an ALJ for their disability hearing. 

What does a client do when they are waiting for a hearing in front of an ALJ?  Continue to be patient, keep your Social Security Lawyer informed, continue to visit with your doctors, and do not become discouraged.  As frustrating as it may be, when Attorney Scott Lewis wins his clients claims, often his clients will get a lump sum payment from the SSA for the time that they have waited to get a disability hearing.  Even though the wait may be long, many Indiana Social Security disability claimants find that they have no choice but to fight the SSA's initial decision because the claimant cannot work to provide for their family.  

The Law Office of Scott D. Lewis is a law firm that represents Social Security disability claimants throughout the appeals process. Attorney Scott Lewis and his staff will attempt to help you obtain and complete the appropriate paperwork to file your appeal, collect medical records, and meet the required deadlines set by the Social Security Administration.  Attorney Scott Lewis travels throughout the state of Indiana and various other states practicing Social Security disability law.  If you find yourself disabled because of back problems, heart problems, mental disorders or any other disabilities that prevent you from working, call Scott Lewis today.  If you are disabled and you have been denied SSDI or SSI benefits, call Scott Lewis for a free consultation regarding your disability claim appeal at (317) 423-8888. 

Nearly six (6) million of Americans suffer from heart failure every year. Many of these individuals are Indiana residents that may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a set of qualifying disability listings covering the various types of heart impairments referred to in the listing of impairments section 4.1 through 4.12. This listing of impairments discusses a set criteria of requirements that the claimant must meet to be granted monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits. Although there are other ways to receive Social Security disability benefits, some of the impairments listed under this listing are:

• chronic heart failure, 
• ischemic heart disease,
• recurrent arrhythmias, 
• symptomatic congenital heart disease, 
• heart transplant,
• aneurysm of aorta or major branches, and
• chronic venous insufficiency.

For more information on these impairments and their requirements by SSA, please visit www.ssa.gov. 

Due to the complexity of the medical terminology and rules in a disability claim for cardiovascular disease, you may want to consider the help of a Social Security Disability Attorney to assist you with your disability claim. Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis and his staff may help assist you in submitting all the relevant medical evidence to support your disability claim, as well as attempt to retrieve the opinion evidence from your doctors. Medical evidence may be very beneficial in supporting your SSDI or SSI claim. It is imperative that you prove to the SSA how your heart disease impacts your ability to work.  Some of the necessary evidence for your claim can include:

1. reports of the history of your illness from your doctor,
2. physical examinations,
3. laboratory studies, and
4. your prescribed treatment. 

Scott D. Lewis is an Indiana Attorney that has experience in Social Security disability claims. In his years of experience, Scott D. Lewis has helped many Indiana disability claimants with their disability appeals. So, if you have been denied your Social Security disability benefits due to heart problems, depression, fibromyalgia, back problems, or any other disabling condition, contact Attorney Scott D. Lewis today for your free consultation at (317) 423-8888.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is not fully understood by doctors today. Because of this, some Administrative Law Judges do not think fibromyalgia holds much weight as a debilitating condition. There is a far better chance that you may receive Social Security Disability benefits if your fibromyalgia is paired with another condition such as arthritis or another muscle or skeletal condition.

Some symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain, muscle spasms, fatigue, and/or sleep disturbances. The cause for fibromyalgia is not known for sure, but there are some hypotheses including genetics, stress, and a dopamine dysfunction. Because of the lack of knowledge as to what causes fibromyalgia, the Social Security Administration may overlook a case dealing strictly with fibromyalgia.

One of the ways to receive Social Security Disability benefits for fibromyalgia, may be that the claimant must show that his/her condition is severe enough to limit their ability to perform simple work operations at most jobs. Some examples of restrictions may be walking, standing, carrying, speaking, and/or completing simple instructions from memory.

Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, has worked with claimants suffering from fibromyalgia. In his experience with Social Security Disability law, it may be necessary to show that an Indiana claimant suffers from severe widespread pain for at least three months in 11 of the 18 tender points as established by the College of Rheumatology and the Centers for Disease Control along with other factors. Some Administrative Law Judges may also find an Indiana disability claimant disabled if they can show that fibromyalgia restricts their activities of daily living in such a way that it is obvious that their impairment is severe.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which attention problems exist simultaneously with hyperactivity. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is in the Child Listings Section (Part B) of the Listing of Impairments for the Social Security Administration. >Section 112.11 is the specific section for ADHD. It states that two main requirements must be satisfied.

The first is that medical findings must document all three of the following:
1) Marked inattention
2) Marked impulsiveness
3) Marked hyperactivity

The second is that for children ages 1 to 3 they must meet one of the age appropriate criteria in paragraph B1 of section 112.02. Also for children ages 3 to 18 they must meet two of the age appropriate criteria in paragraph B2 of section section 112.02 of the Child Listings Section (Part B) of the Listing of Impairments.

Some symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may include being easily distracted, forgetting things, not listening when spoken to, and/or becoming easily confused. There are three main known causes of ADHD. The first one is genetics. Studies have indicated that genetics are a factor in 75% of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder cases. The second cause is Environmental. It has been suggested that about 9% to 20% of ADHD cases can be traced back to alcohol and tobacco abuse during pregnancy. The third cause for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is Social. The World Health Organization says that ADHD might be caused by family dysfunction or inadequate education services.

Attorney Scott D. Lewis has dealt with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) clients in his experience in Social Security Disability law. ADHD may affect a child or adult's performance at work or school. ADHD may prevent an individual from focusing on the task at hand, and they may struggle getting everyday tasks accomplished.

Indiana Attorney Scott D. Lewis finds that children with ADHD may not be in the appropriate grade for their age, may have difficulty with social interaction, may be enrolled in learning disabled classes, and have problems interacting with family or friends appropriately. It is important to obtain good medical records from a treating physician, and current and past academic records showing difficulties in school to submit to the Social Security Administration to heighten the chances at winning this type of disability claim.

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About 31 million Americans experience back pain at any given time in the United States. Many of these people are Indiana residents that may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Back impairments are listed under section 1.04 in the Social Security's Listing of Impairments. This section is titled "Disorders of The Spine". Back impairments may also be any back pain in general. Back impairments may include pain when you are sitting, standing, or walking. Back pain may come from an injury, an accident, or a medical condition like scoliosis. Some other specific disorders that are listed under section 1.04 are herniated nucleus pulpous, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.

Back pain is one of the most common claims that Social Security Judges see. Because of this, claimants must show that they have more than mild to moderate discomfort that most people experience. Claimants must show that their pain is severe and debilitating to the point were work is not possible. Some of the factors that judges want to see may include objective evidence such as MRI reports, the disability claimant has exhausted all efforts to treat the problem, and a long work history may be beneficial.

Attorney Scott D. Lewis has many Indiana Disability clients that suffer from extreme back pain. Severe back pain may limit an individuals ability to preform simple activities of daily living. Such as bathing and grooming, household chores, driving, and even interacting with your family in a normal fashion. If you find that your back pain is severely interfering with your life, you may find it necessary to contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer.

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Many Indiana residents living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an injury caused by repetitive movements that strain the median nerve of the carpal tunnel area of the wrist. This results in tissue enlargement that pinches the median nerve running through your hand. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include sensations of burning or tingling, loss of grip strength or dexterity, locking of joints, swelling, inflammation, or pain.

Currently the Social Security Administration has no entry in the Listing of Impairments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is why most people do not know that they may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome does not have a entry in the listing of impairments because it is not considered one of the more common disabilities. A likely reason for this is because most people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can perform other aspects of their job. Typing may be hard for someone living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome but answering the phone or going to meetings may not require repetitive use of the hands resulting in pain.

While Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may not be recognized in the listing of impairments, it can be considered a disabling condition by the Social Security Administration. An Administrative Law Judge may find Carpal Tunnel Syndrome prevents you from returning to past employment, and may find that due to your condition there are no jobs in the economy in significant numbers you can preform. Indiana Residents that have questions as to if their condition is severe enough to receive benefits may want to contact a Social Security Disability Attorney.

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Many Indiana residents wonder if it is possible to apply for Social Security Disability benefits online. It is actually a fairly easy process with only four main steps that can be followed on the Social Security Administration website. The first thing to do is log on to the Social Security Administration website at http://www.ssa.gov. Next, click on the Disability Benefits link in the middle of the page. This brings you to a page that is titled "Apply Online for Disability Benefits". At the bottom of this page the four main steps are outlined for you.

The first step is to review the disability checklist. This checklist consists of all the information that you need to complete the Disability Application and the Disability Report. If you click the link at this step, it will take you to the Adult Disability Checklist. On this page there is a printable version of the list.

The second step is to fill out the application itself. If you click on the link in the second step it takes you to a page with three important sections. The first one is "using this application". This link will take you to the instructions for the Social Security Disability benefits application. The second section is the bullet list of links to help with other questions. The third section is the last section on the page that is the start of the application process for Social Security Disability benefits.

The third step in applying for Social Security Disability benefits online is to complete the Disability Report. This step is very similar to the second step because of the three main components on the Adult Disability Report page. The first part is instructions on how to fill out the form, the second part is links for other questions or problems, and the third part is starting the report.

The final step in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits online is filling out and signing the "Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA" form. To complete this step you must print out the form, fill it out, and be sure to sign it. After you have filled it out, you may either drop it off at the Social Security Administration building or have it mailed to the Social Security Administration.

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A common question that many Indiana disability applicants have may be: why does the Social Security Administration care about my work history? Sometimes at an Administrative Law Judge hearing in order to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the judge and the job expert must find that you cannot return to any past work along with meeting other standards. It is important that in describing your past work history that you are very thorough. The more information that you give to your attorney, the judge, and the court in general, may increase your chances at winning your social security disability claim. When the court uses the phrase "past work" they are talking about any job that you have held for at least three months in the past 15 years. Any job older than the 15 year period is irrelevant because the person is likely to have lost the skill for the job or the technology they used is now outdated.

After looking at your current abilities and disabilities the court will determine a RFC (residual functional capacity). This is a rating on how much work and what kind of work you can do. You may not be able to work construction, but a retail job may not be out of the question. This is why it is important to give an accurate past work history. The more details you give, the better the court can compare your prior skills to your current RFC. Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis often finds Indiana disability claimants have a difficult time remembering past work details. It may be helpful if Indiana Social Security Disability claimants make notes prior to the hearing in an Indiana courtroom to help them adequately describe prior employment.

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It is estimated that by the end of the year 2010 a little over 43,000 people will have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States. Some of these people are Indiana residents wondering if they can receive social security disability benefits for this condition. Pancreatic cancer is in section 13.20 in the listing of impairments under malignant neoplastic diseases. As defined by The Mayo Clinic, Pancreatic Cancer is cancer of the organ that lies directly under your stomach. The pancreas releases enzymes that help digest food and hormones for your metabolism. Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include pain in your upper abdomen, jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss, and clinical depression. No one knows for sure what causes pancreatic cancer but there may be some risk factors. These may include age over 60 years old, smoking, obesity, and African-American ethnicity. There are many different tests that a doctor may perform to determine if someone has pancreatic cancer. The most common is a biopsy, while an x-ray or a CT scan might also be used.

Indiana residents attempting to receive social security disability benefits from the social security administration may be interested in knowing the different stages of pancreatic cancer. There are four main stages of pancreatic cancer. Stage one is cancer in the pancreas only. Stage two is after the cancer has spread to nearby tissue and possibly the lymph nodes. Stage three is when the cancer has spread to the major surrounding blood vessels and the lymph nodes. Stage four is cancer that has spread to all surrounding organs and most of the abdomen. There are two main treatments for pancreatic cancer. The first is surgery. This is only possible if the cancer is in its early phases. This procedure involves removing the pancreatic head if the cancer has not spread any farther. If the cancer has spread farther than the pancreatic head, then chemotherapy may be the next best option. Chemotherapy is used because of the benefit of survival and it may improve the quality of life in general for the patient. The preceding information is intended as a summary of information from other sources, and is not intended to be used as medical or legal advice.

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Emphysema affects 2 million Americans annually. People with this condition often wonder if they can receive social security disability benefits. The answer is yes, you may be able to receive social security disability benefits for emphysema and other lung conditions including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer. Mayo Clinic defines emphysema as a condition that limits the amount of airflow when you breathe out. Some symptoms of emphysema might be shortness of breath and/or expansion of the chest caused by the trapped air in the lungs. The primary cause of emphysema is the smoking of cigarettes, but it can also be caused by an alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.

The diagnosis of emphysema will be confirmed by a pulmonary function test and most likely an x-ray. Emphysema is an irreversible degenerative disease. The only thing to do to slow the progression is to stop smoking and/or not breathing any other lung irritants in. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help improve the patient's quality of life and teach them how to manage their condition, but will not cure them. The only true cure for emphysema is a lung transplant but many of the patients are not strong enough to survive the surgery. This is due to the many drugs that emphysema patients are given to help the quality of life that cause damage to the other organs. The risk of infection is also very great with transplants because of the anti-rejection drugs that the patients must take. These drugs suppress the immune system therefore making infections deadly.

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