Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

Indiana disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis has helped individuals win Social Security disability claims invovling Aspergers Syndrome when they found themselves initially denied.  Many Indiana residents and their families are shocked when they find themselves with a notice of denial when they know this type of impairment can create a huge impact in some areas of functioning.

Most of the individuals Mr. Lewis sees with Aspergers Syndrome are children and while there are many symptoms associated with Aspergers Syndrome some of the more common symptoms include:

• Difficulties with social interaction
• Repetitive behaviors and problems accepting changes in routines
• Hypersensitivity to textures, tastes, and sounds.
• Avoidance eye contact
  
• Extreme focus on one area of interest

The above symptoms may vary from individual to individual and can have varying degrees of severity.  It is important to note,  an individual trained in the appropriate medical field can usually better assist in deciding what symptoms are generally attributed to Aspergers Syndrome.

Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis has talked with families who have an individual with Aspergers Syndrome and understands the effects it may have on academic performance, social interaction, and the ability to perform work like activity.  It is important to remember the Social security Administration (SSA) does recognize Aspergers Syndrome as a disabling condition.  It may be necessary to appeal your denied Indiana Social security disability claim in order to get the benefits granted that you deserve.

if you or someone you know has been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and believe that decision was unfair contact Mr. Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Disability attorney Scott Lewis focuses on denied Social Security disability claims and can be reached at (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation.

At the Indiana law office of Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis, Mr. Lewis and his staff often find themselves explaining the different stages of the disability claims process to those individuals seeking disability benefits. Individuals that have applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits often find themselves receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). When the SSA notifies the disability claimant that their initial application was denied, it is up to the applicant to continue the disability claims process by appealing the denial. Within sixty (60) days, plus five (5) days for mailing time, the disability applicant must file the appeal with the SSA.  This stage of the claims process is called the "Request for Reconsideration" stage.  This request is simply asking the SSA to reconsider your disability claim. 

Once this "Request for Reconsideration" is submitted by the Indiana disability applicant, the request for reconsideration goes back to the same state agency who denied the claim the first time, but a different examiner at the Disability Determination Section (DDS) of the SSA reviews both the initial application and the "Request for Reconsideration".  Once the disability examiner at the Disability Determination Section (DDS) makes the reconsideration determination, the applicant will be informed by mail.  Unfortunately, statistically about 80% of the time the reconsideration decision is the same as the initial decision resulting in another denial. However, statistically about 20% of the time a claimant wins at the reconsideration level.  In most states, in Indiana, if you want to appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits, you must go through the reconsideration appeals process. There is no way to avoid it. In a few states, the Social Security Administration has abolished reconsideration and you can file an immediate request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The denial notice from Social Security will tell you what the next step is that you need to take.

If you are disabled and are unable to work due to your disabling condition, but have been denied SSDI or SSI at the initial application level, you may want to seek representation from a qualified Indiana disability attorney or representative.  Indianapolis lawyer Scott D. Lewis encourages disability claimants to fight for the benefits they deserve.  Mr. Lewis urges disability claimants to file a "Request for Reconsideration" immediately when they are denied.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Mr. Lewis and his trained staff can assist the claimant with filing the "Request for Reconsideration." 

Here are some important tips to remember when filing your disability appeal with the Social Security Administration:

1. Provide the SSA with the most updated medical information including recent visits to doctors, hospitals or clinics, and updated medication lists. Submit the medical records from providers that you have visited, from the time of your initial application until your "Request for Reconsideration" was filed.  
2. If you submitted your initial application in writing, make a photocopy of your application.  This can be useful when completing the "Request for Reconsideration" paperwork.  Carefully review your initial application to make sure you haven't forgotten any medical providers, hospitals, or clinics.  If you have, include them on your appeal application.  Also, include any conditions or side effects to medications that you may not have included on your initial application. 
3. File your "Request for Reconsideration" within sixty (60) days of the date on the denial notice, plus five (5) days for mailing. Turn in your request for reconsideration as early as possible. Every day you wait is a longer delay.

These are just a few tips that may help speed up the reconsideration process. While it may not mean that your SSDI or SSI benefits will be granted at the "Request for Reconsideration" stage, you will at least a get "faster" denial so that you can move onto the "Request for Hearing" stage.  At the Indianapolis law office of Scott D. Lewis, we can assist those individuals with the disability appeals process.  We strive to meet all deadlines set by the SSA.  Call (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation regarding your disability claim.  Don't quit, fight back!  Let our law office help fight for the disability benefits that you deserve.   

Are you an Indiana resident that suffers from a disabling condition or a combination of disabling conditions causing you to be unable to work?   Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer, Scott D. Lewis, represents disabled individuals with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  Often times, disabled individuals are unaware that the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two different disability benefits programs to disabled individuals unable to work due to their disabling condition.  Although the medical requirements are the same for both of these SSA programs, there is a difference between the non-medical requirements to determine eligibility.   Many individuals are confused by determining whether they should apply for SSDI or SSI benefits.  Attorney Scott Lewis advises all of his disability clients to apply for both programs, just in case they may qualify for one, but not the other. 

So, what is the difference between the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and are there any other programs that I should be aware of? 

There are two different federally funded disability programs offered by the SSA.  These two programs are Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.  First, let's discuss the Social Security Disability Insurance program.  Many people refer to the Social Security Disability Insurance program as the following:

• SSDI
• SSD or Social Security Disability
• Title II
• DIB

From this point forward, the above program will be referred to as SSDI.  To be eligible for SSDI benefits the disabled individual must be "insured". What does this mean?  To be insured, the disabled individual must have worked for a period of time long enough to have paid Social Security taxes to have earned work credits. If a disability applicant is awarded SSDI payments, the amount of benefits will be determined based on how much the applicant paid into the system. In addition, the date that you are found to meet the definition of disability under Social Security rules must be before your date of last insured. The date of last insured is usually five years from when the individual with a consistent work history stopped working.  In summary, there is both a duration work requirement and a recent work requirement to determine if you are eligible for SSDI. SSDI benefits may be paid to the disabled person and to minor children.  Those who win their Social Security disability benefits through the SSDI program may be entitled to Medicare in two years and six months from the date of onset. The onset date is the date the individual is found to meet the definition of disability.

Adults suffering from a disabling condition that occurred prior to the age of 22 and continues to be disabled may also qualify for SSDI benefits.  This is known as Childhood Disability Benefits or Disabled Adult Child Benefits and are under Title II. These individuals must also have a parent who is on Social Security disability or retired and collecting Social Security benefits, or a parent must have died and the parent was fully insured when they died. What this all means is that the adult child, if they meet the formerly mentioned criteria, is entitled to benefits based on the parent's work record. Because these are Title II benefits, the adult child (who is disabled) is also entitled to Medicare.

Additionally, disabled widow's benefits are also available under the SSDI program. A disabled widow can get benefits based on the deceased spouse's earnings record, but you must be 50 years or older and the onset of your disability must have been within seven years of your spouse's death.

The second program offered by the SSA is the Supplemental Security Income benefits program. Supplemental Security income is commonly known as SSI or Title XVI benefits. From this point forward we will refer to this program as SSI.  To qualify for SSI, disabled adults must have limited income and resources.  What does Social Security mean by limited income? The SSA may consider the following things "income":

• money earned from work
• money received from other sources like unemployment benefits, friends or family
• VA or Social Security benefits
• workers compensation benefits
• free food and shelter 

What is "limited resources"?  Resources can be anything such as cash, land, vehicles, personal property, life insurance, bank accounts, stocks, US Savings Bonds, and anything else that can be converted to cash and used for food and shelter.  The SSA has limits on countable resources.  Those who qualify for SSI will usually qualify for Medicaid, as well.  These benefits are paid out of the general tax revenues and not the Social Security tax revenues. 

The SSI program also offers benefits to children under the age of 18, or under 22 and regularly attending school, and are disabled living in a household with limited income and resources.  Social Security will look at the amount income and resources of the parents living with the child to determine if the child is eligible for these benefits.  The best way to find out if your child is eligible for SSI benefits is to contact SSA.

The SSA determines disability for the two programs exactly the same, by using a five step process.  Although, determining child disability varies from this process for children under the age of 18. 

If you are disabled, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.  If you are unsure of which program that you qualify, call Indiana disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation regarding your disability claim.  His law office is eager to assist you with your claim, call (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation today!

While there are many factors that may have an influence on your chances of receiving a favorable outcome in your Indiana Social Security disability claim, Indianapolis disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis finds a few factors always seem to stand out.  By no means are these the only areas you should be concerned with, but in Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience they usually play an important role in your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. 

1. The Social Security disability claimant's medical records.  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis strives to emphasize to his clients that the majority of successful Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims have a well documented medical record history.  If you believe the Social Security Administration (SSA) is going to just take your word on your disabling condition, you may be in for a big surprise when you receive your decision in the mail. 
2. How credible the disability claimant is.  In other words, are you telling the truth?  You can probably guess that the Social Security Administration has seen its share of individuals stretching the truth when it comes to how disabling their condition really is.  Indiana disability benefits attorney Scott Lewis attempts to tell all of his clients it is important to be truthful.  In Mr. Lewis' experience, in general, if the SSA or an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) believes you are not being truthful about one thing, chances are they may not believe you on other aspects of your disability claim. 
3. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that is assigned to the disability claim.  This is a big one!  The amount of claims each individual judge approves varies and each ALJ's approval rating is all over the board.  Some statistics state the average approval rating at the hearing level is around 60 percent.  What does that mean?  Well as they say, "you do the math."  That means some judges are much higher than that and some judges are much lower.  If you get one of these Administrative Law Judges that denies far more claims than they approve there is not much you can do.  Indiana disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis usually has access to statistical information to let his clients know the judges approval rating and attempts to prepare his disability client for what kind of hearing he/she can expect with that particular judge.  The assignment of judges is random and sometimes you may be the unlucky one to be assigned an ALJ that you may not perceive as fair.

How can you improve your chances of winning your Indiana Social Security disability benefits claim?  In Scott Lewis' experience, you should be diligent in seeing your medical professionals when necessary and be realistic about what your limitations are.  Even if you are assigned a judge that turns down most of the claims he/she hears, it is still difficult for the judge to say "no" to a well documented, well founded claim. 

Scott Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney that takes great pride in helping disabled individuals with their claims.  Mr. Lewis handles a wide array of claims including, but not limited to, cancer, depression, arthritis, emphysema, spinal disorders, and bipolar disorder. You can discuss your case and receive a free evaluation by calling (317) 423-8888 to speak with Mr. Lewis and his staff. 

Indiana Attorney Scott D. Lewis represents Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants with their disability claim.  Often times, he will get asked by his disability clients if it is important for them to continue to take their medications prescribed by their treating physicians.  When Mr. Lewis discusses the claimant's case, during the free consultation offered at his law office, he often shares with them the importance to continue to visit their treating physicians and the importance of the claimant to comply with the treating physician's orders, including medications. 

As disability lawyer Scott Lewis explains the disability evaluation process to his potential clients, he also explains the importance of medical records and medication history.  When submitting records in support of the claimant's disability claim, Mr. Lewis and his staff will  attempt to submit all medications prescribed by the client's treating physician.  Many times, claimants will experience side effects with their medications.  These side effects may contribute to the claimant's inability to work.  Side effects of some pain medications or other medications may include, but are not limited to:

• fatigue
• drowsiness
• nausea
• breathing impairment
• mental fogginess
• gastrointestinal effects
• decrease in reaction time

These side effects may impact the claimant's ability to engage in normal daily activities or one's ability to persist in a work environment.   

Scott Lewis believes that if a disability claimant does not comply with their treating physician's medication orders, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may deny their disability claim.   In Mr. Lewis' experience, it may be in the claimant's best interest to take the medications that have been prescribed by their treating physician and take prescribed medication as instructed. The SSA will determine the severity of the disability and their ability to function while the claimant is medicated.  If the disability claimant fails to comply with their medication orders, the SSA may not be able to make a determination.  For example, if you are person suffering with asthma or epilepsy, if you fail to take your prescribed medication as directed, the SSA may find that your condition is more limiting or severe when not medicated.  In contrast, taking the medication prescribed to you by your treating physician may also render your condition as being non-disabling or may possibly determine that your condition is less severe, but still disabling.  Unfortunately, if a patient is not taking his or her medication this determination cannot be made by the SSA.

Whether you are suffering from bi-polar disorder, migraines, epilepsy, or asthma, it may be in your best interest to take all medications as prescribed and as directed by your doctor.  Compiling a list of medications, doses, and side effects cab be important when filing for SSDI or SSI benefits.  Failing to do so may weaken a disability claimant's case in the eyes of the disability examiner or the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  It is important to remember all Social Security disability claims are different and ALJ's views on medications may vary.  Noncompliance with medications may not always result in a losing claim, but Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis experience has shown it can be an issue.  If you would like a free consultation regarding your Social Security disability claim, contact Attorney Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 immediately.  Mr. Lewis and his staff are eager to discuss your claim today!

Most Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants initiate the disability claims process by filing their initial application for benefits on their own or with assistance from a family member or friend. Unfortunately, some statistics report that nearly 80% of disability claims are denied at the initial application level. Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer, Scott D. Lewis, has experience in the disability appeals process.  Mr. Lewis offers a free consultation to those individuals that are unable to work due to a disabling condition or a combination of disabling conditions. 

Once the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your disability claim, you may want to contact a qualified Social Security disability lawyer or representative to discuss your Indiana disability benefits claim.  Although optional, Mr. Lewis recommends having legal representation at your disability hearing.  An experienced disability attorney or representative can be trained in presenting and arguing disability cases in front an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and may be trained in questioning the vocational expert or medical expert that may potentially be at your hearing.  Indiana disability claimants may argue their own case in front of an ALJ, but some statistics show that disability claims that are argued by a disability attorney or representative are more likely to win.

Once Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis and his staff receive a copy of the claimant's Social Security file, he and his staff carefully review it. Reviewing the file will inform him what the disability examiners at the initial and reconsideration levels looked at when the claim was denied at those levels. This also gives Mr. Lewis an idea of how strongly or not your own treating doctors support your case. Additionally, reviewing your file allows Mr. Lewis and his staff to identify whether or not certain evidence from some of your medical sources was simply not gathered. Many times, Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis finds an incomplete medical record and attempts to retain needed medical records.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, his staff attempts to take the necessary steps in order to gather any additional medical records, or updates, that should be presented to the SSA to support your claim. Medical records are gathered from your doctors, hospitals, and clinics and then submitted to the hearings office for the ALJ to review prior to your hearing date. Because everyone's disabling condition is unique, Mr. Lewis prepares for the hearing by carefully reviewing and familiarizing him with the individuals medical history so that he is properly prepared to respond to the ALJ's questioning.

Although disability attorneys and representatives are not doctors, they have a certain level of experience when it comes to evaluating medical records in the context of disability determinations.   If you have been denied disability benefits, call Attorney Scott Lewis to discuss your disability claim at (317) 423-8888.  During your free consultation, you can decide if you would like representation at your disability hearing.  Mr. Lewis strives to fight for the disability benefits that you may deserve!

Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis has on more than one occasion talked with individuals who are suffering from Arnold-Chari Malformation.  While the definition of what is commonly called a "Chari Malformation" can be long and perhaps confusing due to complex medical terms in simple terms it is a defect in the cerebellum that it is located below a particular location.  Chari Malformation may occur during the fetal period and be present at birth or it may occur as an adult. 

Symptoms from Chari Malformation may vary from individual to individual in severity.  Some of the common symptoms may include but are not limited to:

• Speech problems
• Vision problems
• Gait difficulties
• Numbness and/or tingling
• Dizziness
• Neck pain

When attempting to receive Social Security disability benefits for Chari Malformation or any other disabling condition it is usually very important to have detailed medial records.  In Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis' experience, appropriate testing for the diagnosis of a disorder may be the key in persuading the Social Security Administration (SSA) or an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to decide in your favor. 

Many individuals may not suffer from any symptoms from Chari Malformation, but if your symptoms prevent you from working you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis has represented individuals with Chari Malformation and helped them receive the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.  Contact Mr. Lewis and his staff today at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation.

You have received a denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for your Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and you had sixty (60) days to appeal this decision. In Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience, this is an all too familiar scenario.  As some Indiana disability claimants experience, sixty (60) days may not seem like a whole lot of time and passes by before you know it causing you to miss the deadline set forth by the SSA to file an appeal. All SSDI or SSI claimants' that have been denied disability benefits have the right to appeal that denial decision. As stated above, disability claimants have sixty (60) days from the date of the denial letter to file an appeal. Although, the SSA takes into account that the appeal period begins with the date of the denial notice, so they allow five additional days for the mailing time of the denial notice. Basically, this means that any disability applicant who receives a disability denial has five (5) extra days, for a total of sixty-five (65) days, to get their appeal to Social Security. In order for an appeal to be timely it must be in the Social Security office of jurisdiction on the sixty-fifth day from the date of the notice of denial.

Disability claimants that want to file an appeal have a few ways to file the appeal. Appeals can be filed the following ways:

• Online at the Social Security Administration's website at www.ssa.gov, 
• Mail in paper appeal forms, or
• You can go to your local SSA office and file your appeal in person.

It really does not matter which method you choose, just make sure to complete all necessary forms and return any requested forms by the deadline date. Disability claimants that are represented by a disability attorney (or representative) should contact their disability lawyer immediately when they receive their denial letter so that he/she can file your SSDI or SSI disability appeal on the claimant's behalf.

What happens when a disability claimant misses the Social Security disability appeal date deadline? This depends upon the Social Security Administration's claims representative who receives your appeal request. It also depends on how late the appeal is, and the reason your appeal was filed late.  If a claimant has "good cause" for filing their appeal late, the SSA just may allow the appeal request to be granted.   

According to Social Security guidelines, good cause for a late filing can be granted for some of, but not limited to, the following reasons:

1. The most commonly cited reason for filing a late appeal is that the claimant did not receive the denial notice.  
2. Claimants with a mental illness or physical limitations may find it difficult to keep up with the paperwork or be unable to complete the necessary forms in a timely manner.
3. Some disability claimants are not able to complete the appeals paperwork due to a language barrier or illiteracy.

Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis identifies the above are just some of the reasons an individual may have filed their appeal late. Once you discover that you have missed the appeal deadline for whatever the reason, you must provide the Social Security Administration with a written statement as to why you were late in filing your appeal. There are no guarantees that the SSA will accept your late appeal, but it may be worth the attempt. If the SSA does not grant "good cause" for the late filing, you will have no other choice but to file a new initial disability claim and start the applicaiton process from the beginning. In disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, some Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are not very flexible with late filing for hearing requests and they have the option to dismiss them without what they believe is good cause.

If you think that you may have a problem filing your disability appeal timely, you may want to consider hiring a Social Security disability attorney or representative to file your appeals for you.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Mr. Lewis and his staff strive to assist clients in filing their appeal in a timely manner.  Regardless of your disability, remember that it is your right to appeal the decision made the SSA so you can fight for what you deserve.  Disability lawyer Scott Lewis offers a free consultation to review your disability claim.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis represents a variety of Indiana claimants applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  His clients vary in age ranging from youths to adults in their early 60s.  Many times he discusses with clients the effects their age may have on their SSDI or SSI claim.  Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not specifically deny disabled individuals for reasons of age, it is Scott Lewis' opinion that age can be a relevant factor in determining disability.

How does my age affect my ability to obtain SSDI or SSI disability benefits?  A Social Security disability claimant's age is certainly considered when applying for disability benefits.  One way the claimant's age may be a deciding factor is that in order to receive SSDI benefits, a person must have earned enough work credits to qualify for this disability program.  Therefore, if a disabled claimant is 21 years old and has not worked long enough to earn enough work credits to qualify for the SSDI program, he/she will not be awarded SSDI benefits.  In summary, a younger adult is unable to fulfill the work credit requirements due to a lack of years in the workforce. Although these individuals are unable to qualify for the SSDI program, these individuals may qualify for the SSI program which does not require the earned work credits. 

In Attorney Scott Lewis' opinion, as disability claimants reach their 50s, they are more likely to have their disability claim approved by the SSA.  The SSA believes that as people age, their ability to transition into new employment areas diminishes. Older claimants become less adaptable and less able to switch to a different job in order to cope with health problems. For example, a person disabled due to a foot injury may cause a younger adult in his/her 30s to switch to a job in which he/she can sit down most of the time, but may disable a person in their late 50s because they are  unable to adjust to a different type of work.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed a medical-vocational guideline known as the "vocational grid" to help SSA employees in determining disability outside of evaluation of medical condition.  These rules were developed to help the SSA focus less on medical problems and more on the claimant's age, education, and work background. The premise of the grid rules is simply that the SSA recognizes that as individuals get older, they will have a more difficult time finding a job.  Specifically, Social Security recognizes that employers are less likely to offer an entry level job to a man or woman aged 50 or older.  In addition, the less education or fewer job skills the disability claimant has, the harder it will be to find employment.

Even though Disability Lawyer Scott Lewis finds it easier to win an adult over the age of 50 disability benefits, this doesn't change the fact that a large percentage of claimants who are awarded disability benefits are in their 30s or younger. Regardless of a disability applicant's age, if the SSA determines that the claimant's residual functional capacity (physical, mental, or both) has prevented, or will prevent, him/her from engaging in substantial gainful activity for 12 months or longer, that individual will be approved for benefits if he/she meets or equals a medical listing.

If you are disabled and your disability is preventing you from working, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.  Regardless of your age, disability attorney Scott Lewis offers a free consultation of your disability claim.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Mr. Lewis and his staff eagerly await your call at (317) 423-8888 to discuss your disability claim.  Call now for your FREE consultation!

Meniere's disease is an ear disorder that may result in your inability to hold down a job and have a huge impact on your activities of daily living.  Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis has represented Indiana disability claimants with Meniere's and understands how difficult this disease can make everyday life.  If you suffer from Meniere's disease and you are unable to work because of symptoms that affect you in a severe manner, it may be time to file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. 

While the symptoms of Meniere's disease may vary, they may include:

• Episodes of dizziness and vertigo.  These episodes may result in nausea and may elevate the risk of falls.  The intensity and duration of these "attacks" may vary from individual to individual.
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears can also be a symptom of Meniere's disease.  While ringing in the ears is a common complaint, individuals with Meniere's may also complain of other distracting sounds.  The ability to concentrate on work like activity while experiencing these distracting sounds can be greatly affected.
• A general loss of hearing. Some individuals with Meniere's disease report hearing loss to varying degrees.

One can only imagine with the above symptoms how difficult it can be to function in a work like activity or simply to carry out daily activities.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize Meniere's disease in its "Listing of Impairments" under Listing 2.07 Disturbance of Labyrinthine-vestibular Function.  It is important for Indiana residents suffering from Meniere's disease to examine this listing to determine if they meet or equal the criteria needed for disability.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis often crafts questionnaires and submits them to physicians with the hope that they will complete them to help support a claim of disability for Meniere's disease. 

If you do not meet the listing for Meniere's disease, what should you do?  If you are unable to work because of this condition, it is important not to give up. In Indiana Social Security attorney Scott Lewis' experience you may be found disabled by an Indiana Social Security disability appeals hearing office because your disability simply prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).  In other words, with the problems Meniere's disease presents, you cannot perform work at a certain level.

Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis understands the Social Security disability claims process can be confusing and frustrating, so he provides a free case evaluation to discuss your claim.  Mr. Lewis spends much of his time talking to Indiana residents who find themselves unable to work due to a disabling condition and he strives to answer questions in an effort to help them better understand the Indiana Social Security disability process.  Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis handles a wide variety of claims including coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, autism, and arthritis, among other disabling conditions.  You can contact Mr. Lewis and his staff by calling (317) 423-8888 for a free case evaluation.

Indiana individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be surprised to find they have been denied benefits when they have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis does see individuals with this disorder turned down throughout the disability process and it could be for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons can include, but are not limited to:

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) simply made an error in denying the claim.  Perhaps they were unable to obtain critical evidence documenting your disabling condition. In Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, this scenario can be very common.  When Mr. Lewis prepares for a case, he strives to ensure all of these crucial medical findings are submitted to the Indiana Social Security Administration.  Also, Mr. Lewis attempts to get your physicians to fill out forms verifying how your disabling condition fits the Social Security Administration's requirements.
• It could be that the SSA has determined your condition is not severe enough.  To meet the severity level for Parkinson's disease (or known as Parkinsonian Syndrome) by the SSA you must meet or be equal to Listing 11.06 in its Listing of impairments.

If your condition does not meet the above referenced listing, does your physical or mental residual functional capacity prevent you from working?  In other words, because of the Parkinson's disease are you are limited in the areas of standing, walking, sitting, lifting, and concentrating among other areas preventing you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).  Other factors such as your age, education, and prior work experience may also be important factors in a finding of disability. 

Also, it should go without saying but it is important if you are able to work or exactly how much you are able to work.  The above information may be meaningless if you are currently working and making over a certain amount of income determined by the Social Security Administration.
What should you do if you are unable to work and have been denied Indiana Social Security disability benefits and you have Parkinson's disease?  If you have a valid claim, you should appeal your denial and move forward in the Social Security disability process.  Remember, there are time constraints in filing your Social Security disability appeals paperwork. 

Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis consistently talks with clients who have many questions and he offers a free case evaluation.  If you have questions about your disability claim regarding Parkinson's disease or any other neurological impairment such as epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or brain trauma you can contact Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis to discuss your claim by calling (317) 423-8888.  Mr. Lewis looks forward to speaking with you about your Social Security disability claim.

Feeling lucky?  Sometimes an Indiana disability appeal claimant will ask Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis if he/she can select a judge to hear their Social Security disability appeal.  His answer is "No, you pretty much get who you are assigned."  What does that mean to you?  Indianapolis attorney Scott Lewis tries his best to prepare his clients to be ready for the judge that will hear their case.  If your Social Security disability attorney or representative has been in front of a certain judge before they will probably know better how to prepare you for your hearing.

Social Security Administrative Law Judges are people just like you and me.  While they are all trained to conduct the Social Security disability hearings in a particular fashion, many judges craft their own style of hearing.  In the Indianapolis Office or Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), there are a variety of personalities of judges and with an entire floor now devoted to video hearings with judges from various states it can make for a very wide viewpoint of how the disability hearing process should be conducted.  But, make no mistake, as an adult attempting to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments the question is whether or not you can work. 

So your Indiana Social Security disability hearing is scheduled and you finally know who your Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will be, so what is next?  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis attempts to let his clients know what type of questions their particular judge is most interested in, how detailed your answers should be, and in general the framework this judge will use in conducting the hearing. 

It is also important to understand the judge's claim approval rating in which can vary greatly.  For example, some Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) deny a majority of the claims they decide, while others may approve a majority of the claims they decide. In Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, one of the best things you can do when confronted by a judge who regularly denies most of the Social Security claims he/she hears is to be prepared.  The claimant should make it hard for a judge to deny you.  It may be helpful in your claim to continue seeing your physicians on a regular basis, following prescribed treatments and medications, and by being honest about how your mental or physical condition(s) prevents you from working. 

If you are interested in knowing more about the hearing process or need assistance with your Indiana Social Security disability claim, contact attorney Scott Lewis for your free consultation.  Disability attorney Scott Lewis sees a wide variety of disabling conditions including cancer, emphysema, depression, diabetes, schizophrenia, and many other conditions.  Contact Mr. Lewis by calling (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation!

Social Security disability lawyers (or representatives) representing Social Security disability claimants in Indiana may help their Indiana neighbors in the disability claims process from the very beginning to the very end if the claimant wishes so. Some disability claimants feel they do not need representation at the initial stages of filing a disability claim.  While others may have questions from "A to Z " and may be confused by paperwork they have never seen before.  As a Social Security disability claimant, it is your right to have representation!  Whether you exercise this right to representation or not, some claimants find it comforting in just knowing that help is out there for you if you want it.

On a daily basis, Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis answers numerous questions from disability claimants ranging from medical questions to financial eligibility.  Mr. Lewis finds much of his initial contact with potential clients involves many questions on exactly how to get the Social Security disability claims process started.  Indiana residents soon find out that there are a few different ways to get the ball rolling and which process is right one for them.  Also, Mr. Lewis attempts to explain how the disability claims process may unfold and how time constraints play an important role in processing Indiana Social Security disability claims. 

Another major part of Mr. Lewis' job is to talk to his fellow Indiana residents about their disabling conditions.  Mr. Lewis understands this can be one of the most difficult times in the disability claimant's life.  Many individuals not only need the technical aspects of their claim answered, but a compassionate sounding board to talk to about how a disability can make everyday life very difficult.  Indiana Social Security attorney Scott Lewis and his staff strive to help disabled individuals through these very trying times.  Mr. Lewis and his staff spend the majority of their day on the telephone with their clients discussing the details of his client's disability claims.  Disability lawyer Scott Lewis informs his clients that if they have a legal question regarding their disability claim, it is important that they talk directly with him.  While many questions can be handled over the telephone, Mr. Lewis welcomes an in person appointment.

After you file your initial claim and it has been denied, Mr. Lewis can help his clients with their "Request for Reconsideration" and "Request for Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge" appeals.  While Mr. Lewis advises his potential clients on what to expect when filing an initial claim, he does not file a representative form until the initial claim is denied.  It is VERY important to appeal your initial denial within sixty (60) days from the date of your denial to ensure you protect your ability to appeal the denial.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis instructs future clients to call his office the day they receive their initial denial, so he can discuss the reasons for denial and determine how to proceed with the appeals process. 

Mr. Lewis handles a wide variety of disabling conditions.  If your disabling condition is preventing you from working and taking care of yourself & your family, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.  To receive a free consultation, call (317) 423-8888 to speak to Mr. Lewis and his staff!

Scott Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney who gets asked many questions regarding what qualifies a person for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  Every so often he speaks with a client who is unable to read or write and is struggling to find employment.  These individuals are sometimes surprised to learn the Social Security Administration (SSA) may believe there are numerous jobs in the economy that do not require a person to have the ability to read or write.  Does that mean you will be denied your Indiana Social Security disability benefits if you are unable to read and write?  Not always, there may be other factors that come into play when deciding if you are disabled.

Many Indiana residents that are unable to read and write have had difficulties obtaining an education.  This can be due to a variety of factors including having learning disabilities.  If you have had standardized intelligence testing (commonly known as IQ testing) and if your scores fall below a certain number you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.  You may find the criteria for this can be different for children than adults.  For more information you can look to Social Security's "Listing of Impairments" under listing 112.05 for children and listing 12.05 for adults.

A Vocational Expert (also know as a Job Expert) may testify at an Indiana Social Security disability hearing that some individuals with a very low mental capacity may be unable to perform even simple routine repetitive tasks.  This could be due to the fact that they cannot remember simple directions and would need reminded of the work process too often by a supervisor to maintain employment. Also, if an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decides a person may need a job coach to maintain employment, this may be the key for an individual to find themselves with a favorable ruling at the conclusion of a Social Security disability hearing.

Occasionally, disability appeals attorney Scott Lewis finds individuals, especially children, may be overlooked and denied Indiana disability benefits when it comes to learning disabilities.  If you are an adult or child that believes your inability to read, write, understand, and follow simple instructions create an obstacle to finding and keeping a job or preclude you from being able to perform age appropriate activities as a child you may be eligible for disability benefits.  Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis offers a free consultation by calling (317) 423-8888.  Mr. Lewis and his staff are interested in hearing about your disability claim and answering questions you may have regarding Social Security disability claim.  Call today for your case evaluation! 

You may be surprised how often Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis gets asked the above question.  The truth is, there are specific guidelines set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA) just for children.  The Social Security Administration does provide payments through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for disabled children.

On many occasions, Indiana Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis finds himself discussing the "ins and outs" of the SSI program as it pertains to children with his potential and current clients.  One of the first hurdles many families may encounter when trying to obtain Indiana Social security disability benefits for their child is the question of income and resources.  If the child or a certain family member's income and resources are above the limit set forth by the SSA, it may not matter how disabled the child is.  The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is what may be termed a "needs" based program.  In other words, if the SSA determines you don't need it, you don't get it.  So what happens if your child and family income and resources are below the limit?  At that point, the Social Security Administration will determine if your child has a qualifying disabling condition.

When it comes to a child, what does the Social Security Administration consider a disabling condition?  Indiana residents may want to take a look at Social Security's "Listing of Impairments."  This is a guideline assembled to outline certain disabling conditions.  It should be noted there is a section that is focused solely on child disabilities.  If your child does not precisely meet one of these listings there are still other ways to win your Indiana Social Security disability appeal. 

In cases involving children, the Social Security Administration will look at several domains in determining if a child is disabled due to a mental or physical impairment and these include:

• Acquiring and Using Information
• Interacting and Relating with Others
• Moving About and Manipulating Objects
• Caring For Yourself
• and Health and Physical Well Being

Some Indiana disability lawyers steer clear of childhood disability claims.  This could be due to various reasons, but Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis decides what cases he will represent, whether child or adult, on a case by case basis.  After talking with potential clients, Mr. Lewis determines if the disability is severe enough, among other factors, and then informs a potential client as to whether he believes it is a Social Security disability claim that may have a good chance of being found favorable.  If you or one of your children are suffering from a disabling condition and are wondering if you have a valid Indiana Social Security disability claim you can contact Indiana Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Mr. Lewis handles a variety of disabling conditions including ADHD, ADD, autism, bipolar disorder, learning disorders, and many other conditions.  Call (317) 423-8888 and receive your free consultation!