The Social Security Administration acknowledges Multiple Sclerosis in their Listing of Impairments.  Specifically, Listing 11.09 addresses Multiple Sclerosis and the criteria needed to meet Social Security's standards for disability.  It may not be that easy though, in Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience many individuals do not meet or equal a listing but instead must argue their physical or mental residual functional capacity is so low they cannot sit, stand, walk, lift, or manipulate objects with their hands in appropriate amounts to perform substantial gainful activity.  Individuals with Multiple sclerosis may also have difficulties staying on task due to decreased concentration or focus making it impossible to do work related activities. 

Mr. Lewis and his staff understand how confusing and frustrating the Social Security disability process can be.  The law office of Scott D. Lewis offers a free case evaluation to help determine the validity of your Social Security disability claim.  By calling (317) 423-8888, you can talk to Mr. Lewis and his staff to receive your free consultation.

In child Social Security disability claims, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider household income and resources when determining eligibility. this means that the SSA will not only consider the child's income and resources, but also income and resources of family members living in the household.  This is a very important hurdle to overcome before the disability your child experiences is ever examined by the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration will consider all impairments your child experiences when determining disability.  If your child experiences more than one physical or mental disability, the Social Security Administration should consider all impairments in combination when determining whether the child is disabled.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis attempts to let his clients know good medical records can be the key to a successful claim.  Seeing specialists whose practices are focused on the disability your child is experiencing can greatly enhance your chances of receiving the disability payments your family is entitled to. 

If you or your child is experiencing a disabling condition and your claim has been turned down Social Security disability benefits by the Social Security Administration, contact Mr. Lewis and his staff for a free case evaluation.  Mr. Lewis has experience with children's disability claims involving autism, bipolar disorder, ADHD, retardation, and many other conditions.  By calling (317) 423-8888 you can discuss your claim with the law office of Scott D. Lewis today!

While there can be financial reasons why your claim was denied, many claims are denied because the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided your disabling condition is not severe enough to qualify you for disability payments.  If you have been denied because the Social Security Administration believes you can perform some type of work, but you believe your disability prevents you from working you have the right to appeal the decision.  The majority of disability claims are denied in the initial stage and many statistics show your chances of winning your disability claim increase if you file an appeal.

It is important for Indiana residents to use the appeals process if they feel they were unjustly denied their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  If you have been denied your Social Security disability benefits contact Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis for your free consultation.  Mr. Lewis handles a wide variety of cases including claims involving cancer, depression, diabetes, schizophrenia, lupus, and chronic heart failure just to name a few.  Call (317) 423-8888 to discuss your claim with Mr.. Lewis and his staff.

If you would like to apply for Social Security disability benefits online you can visit www.ssa.gov.  Some individuals think is a  pretty simple website to navigate and might be a faster way to get the process started.  Indiana Social Security disability claimants not comfortable with the use of a computer may want to call the Social Security Administration's toll free number at 1-800-772-1213.  You can also go to your nearest local Social Security office.  If you need help finding your local office you can visit www.ssa.gov.

When first applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits it may be helpful to be prepared.  At some point, the Social Security Administration will probably want information on any medical providers you have seen. In Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, it can be very important to provide the SSA a comprehensive list of your health care providers.

If you have been denied your Social Security disability benefits or simply have questions concerning the disability process, you can contact Mr. Lewis and his staff for a free consultation.  Mr. Lewis has experience representing his Indiana neighbors with a wide variety of disabling conditions including but not limited to heart disease, hepatitis, diabetes, depression, and cancer.  Call (317) 423-8888 today for your free case evaluation!

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize cardiovascular impairments as a disabling condition.  In Social Security's Listing of Impairments, cardiomyopathy is referred to in Listing 4.00 Cardiovascular Impairments.  Many times, individuals do not suffer from cardiovascular impairments at the listing levels to receive Social Security disability benefits.  Another way to win your claim may be the fact that the symptoms you experience due to your heart issues simply prevent you from working. 

While individuals suffering from cardiovascular impairments symptoms may differ some common symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting

While the differences between the two programs can have detailed information that can take pages to describe the simple difference is that the SSDI program is generally for disabled workers that have paid into the system and are entitled to disability payments because they are "insured" based on the payments they have made throughout their work history.  The SSI program pays benefits to individuals based on their disability regardless of whether they have accumulated enough work credits.  Is it that easy?  No, not really.  The Social Security Administration looks at various other factors when determining an individual's eligibility.

Many times, individuals will apply for both programs creating concurrent applications.  In Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience this is usually a good idea because if you do not qualify for one program you may qualify for the other.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) can usually pull a claimant's record and tell them if they have accumulated enough work credits to apply for the Social security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.

Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis knows the disability process can be confusing.  Mr. Lewis offers a free case evaluation to try to answer many of the questions individuals may be struggling with.  If you experience depression, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, back pain, or any other disabling condition, contact Attorney Scott Lewis for your free case evaluation.  Call (317) 423-8888 today and speak to Mr. Lewis and his staff. 

• Problems with social interaction.  This usually includes the inability to identify social cues. 
  
• Unusual facial expressions and may attempt to avoid eye contact.
• Heightened sensitivity to textures, tastes, sounds, and light.
• Repeating words in a formal manner, and also may talk excessively about one subject.
• Some individuals may find a change or routine very disturbing.

• Acquiring and using information.
• Attending and completing tasks.
• Interacting and relating with others.
• Moving about and manipulating objects.
• Caring for yourself.
• Health and physical well being.

• How long you can sit, stand, and walk.
• How much you can lift and carry.
• Do you have postural limitations such as bending, squatting, or stooping?
• Do you have limitations on fine or gross manipulation with your hands?

1. "Do I really have to hire a lawyer to represent me in my Social Security disability claim?"
2. "Should I hire an attorney to handle my Social Security disability claim?"
3. "Will it benefit me to have representation at my Social Security disability hearing?"
4. "If I hire an attorney, will I be able to get my disability hearing faster?"
5. "How will I be able to afford to pay an attorney to represent me with my disability appeal?"

If you have been recently denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you probably just read the above questions and thought to yourself that you have been thinking about these exact same concerns.  Here are the answers you have been looking for!

Do you really have to hire a lawyer to represent you in your Social Security disability claim?  Quite simply, no.  SSDI or SSI claimants are not required to have a Social Security disability attorney or representative represent them in their disability appeal.  Having representation is a client's right.  If you attend your SSDI or SSI hearing alone, most Administrative Law Judges will ask the claimant if they would like to continue their claim so they can seek representation.  Again, this is a right, not a requirement.

Should you hire an attorney or representative to handle your Social Security disability claim?  This is a personal preference.  Some individuals decide that they would like to handle their claim on their own.  Although, statistically, more disability claims are won among individuals that are represented by an attorney or representative than those individuals that are not represented at their Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.  In fact, some ALJ's will send the claimant away from their hearing to get representation before proceeding. 

Will it benefit a claimant to have representation at their Social Security disability hearing?  Hiring a skilled Social Security disability attorney or representative has many benefits.  An experienced Social Security disability attorney like Scott D. Lewis, can assist the claimant with filing their appeals in a timely manner.  In addition, the knowledge that a Social Security disability attorney regarding the disability appeals process, can greatly benefit the claimant.  Many clients are not familiar with the medical evidence that might be needed to support the claimant's disability claim, but a disability attorney is familiar with the Social Security Adminsitration's criteria that defines disability. 

If you hire an attorney, will you be able to get your disability hearing faster?  Absolutely not!  Most claims are processed exactly the same regardless if you hire an attorney or not.  Please don't think that your attorney is able to speed up the disability process.  Unfortunately, his/her arms are tied until the SSA assigns a hearing date for the claim.  If you find yourself in dire circumstances, contact your attorney right away.

How will you be able to afford to pay an attorney to represent you in your disability appeal?  So, you are unemployed and you have no income, but you are worried about how you can afford to pay an attorney to represent you in your disability claim.  No need to worry, most Social Security attorneys are paid the same way as Scott D. Lewis.  Mr. Lewis is only paid if he wins your claim.  If your claim is denied, Mr. Lewis will charge you nothing.  To find out more, please contact the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC for more details.

Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis offers a FREE consulation to disabled individuals trying to fight for disability benefits.  For your free case evaluation, contact Mr. Lewis or his staff at (317) 423-8888.