Although SSDI and SSI have some similarities, they are quite different programs. It is important to understand the difference in these two programs when applying for disability benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or also commonly known as Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is the disability program that is funded by the Social Security taxes that are paid by employers, workers and people who are self-employed. This program requires the claimant to have earned the appropriate credits which is based on the taxable work of the disability claimant. This means that the claimant must have paid into this program through payroll taxes from previous work. This program was designed to assist those individual workers that paid into the program that become disabled and are unable to work until retirement age so they basically receive those benefits early.

Financial eligibility for SSDI is based solely on the F.I.C.A. Social Security (F.I.C.A.) payroll taxes the claimant paid through employment. This program is not based on your current wealth situation. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have paid F.I.C.A. taxes in 20 out of the last 40 calendar quarters (essentially five out of the last ten years). If you are under age 31, that number is reduced. If you are over age 42, the minimum number of quarters increases approximately one quarter for each year over age 42. So, as long as you can meet the payroll tax payment requirement, you may receive SSDI benefits if you become totally disabled regardless of what other income or wealth you may have. Monthly benefits are determined by the amount of F.I.C.A. taxes the disability claimant paid into the program over the years. The SSA attempts to estimate the payment amount that the claimant would have put into the program if they worked until retirement age. Monthly payment amounts may vary from person to person. Benefit payments begin 5 months after the "onset date" of the disability determined by the SSA.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program funded through general revenues. This program is designed to assist disabled adults and children that have a financial need due to their inability to work because of their disability. Opposite of SSDI, the SSI benefits program does look at the claimant's assets, resources, and income. Claimants must have limited income, resources and assets to qualify for this program. Monthly payments are determined by the amount of income the claimant earns each month. If a claimant is found to be disabled, the monthly payments will begin on the 1st day of the month the claimant filed for disability benefits.

Attorney Scott Lewis often recommends to his Indiana disability clients to apply for both programs when submitting their initial application for disability. Often times, claimants are not sure what program that they qualify for so it is important not to "miss the boat" when you may just qualify for one of these programs. Remember, if you apply to one of the programs but not the other, the SSA will not evaluate your claim for the opposite program. The SSA will only review your claim for what you are applying for.  So, as recommended by Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis, take the time to complete both applications.

At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Scott Lewis offers a free consultation to those individuals seeking Social Security disability benefits. Call Indiana Disability Appeals Lawyer Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Lawyer, Scott D. Lewis, has represented claimants that experience pain causing them to be unable to work.  In these cases, it is important to effectively prove to the SSA that this pain prevents the claimant from performing their job and any other job.  Since pain is subjective, it may be hard to describe.  Pain is not a visible condition which makes it even harder to prove.  It is essential to identify the physical location of the pain.  Attorney Scott Lewis may ask his clients to rate their level of pain on a scale from one to ten, one being minimal pain such as a mild headache and ten being excruciating pain so severe that the individual must go to the hospital.  It is important not to exaggerate your pain because it may destroy your credibility in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  When alleging pain, it is important to be credible.  Claimants should be specific about the level of pain during certain times.  For example, if you have constant pain at a level 5 but the level increases when you vacuum the house to a level 10, then the claimant should describe this change when performing certain activities.  If there is something that specifically triggers your pain, this triggering activity should be described.  For example, if you experience pain in your back from walking or if you experience migraine headache pain from staring at the computer monitor, this needs to be explained to the SSA.  Remember, you want to describe the pain in as much detail as possible.  The claimant should use accurate and detailed adjectives when describing their pain.  Such details may include sharp, dull, throbbing, piercing, or shooting pain.  It may be constant pain or it may progress with certain activities. 

Attorney Scott Lewis advises his clients to accurately describe their pain to their treating physicians at all times.  When visiting your doctor, it is important to be honest about your pain.  When the doctor asks you how you are doing, it's not uncommon for patients to answer "fine" even though they are in pain.  Also, if the claimant's treating physician ask if they are in pain and the answer is a simple "yes," that response may not be adequate to help detail teh claimant's medical records.  These responses may be recorded on your medical records and this may not help you win your Social Security disability claim. 

If your treating physician has prescribed you medication for your pain, it may be beneficial to share how the medication helps with the pain that you experience.  In some cases, the medicine might only alleviate some of the pain.  If that is the case, the claimant should describe what the medication does not relieve. 

Most disability claimants find it to be helpful to keep daily logs of their experiences of chronic pain.  Keeping records may truly benefit in proving your disability claim.  Remember your goal.  Your ultimate goal is to effectively describe your chronic pain in your disability claim.  In summary, a claimant would want to include the following information in their daily log:

• Location of the pain on your body
• Very descriptive words identifying what the pain feels like (remember to use the scale to describe the level of the pain)
• Duration of the pain
• Frequency of the pain
• Any activities that trigger the pain
• Any effects the pain has on the claimant
• Medication effects

If you or someone you know is experiencing pain due to a disability, you may qualify for disability benefits.  Attorney Scott D. Lewis can assist you in getting the benefits you deserve.  If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits, contact Scott Lewis for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888.

You may wonder what it would take for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to award a cancer patient disability benefits. To qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, any disability must last or be expected to last for at least twelve consecutive months or the disability must expect to result in death. This includes claimants with cancer. Fortunately, some disability claimants respond to treatment and may not necessarily need the assistance of an experienced Social Security disability attorney.  To obtain Social Security disability benefits from the SSA, it is imperative to understand what the SSA will consider in determining your disability.

The SSA will consider to what extent the cancer is involved, frequency, duration and how responsive the disability claimant is to treatment.  In addition, the SSA will consider where the malignancy began (origin) and what effects post-therapeutic residuals have on the cancer patient. Social Security disability claimants filing an appeal might find it beneficial to consider the SSA's "Listing of Impairments" to determine if the cancer they experience is acknowledged by the SSA.  In the Listing of Impairments, Section 13.00 Malignant Neoplastic Diseases, you will find:

• Lung Cancer
• Leukemia
• Breast Cancer
• Cancer of the Head and Neck
• Sarcoma of the Skin or of the Soft Parts
• Malignant Melanoma
• Cancer of the Lymph Nodes or Thyroid Gland
• Carcinoma or Sarcoma of the Salivary Glands 
• Cancer of the Skeletal System (Exclusive of the Jaw)
• Cancer of the Mandible, Maxilla, Orbit, or Temporal Fossa
• Cancer of the Brain or Spinal Cord  
• Cancer of the Pleura or Mediastinum     
• Cancer of the Abdomen, Esophagus or Stomach  
• Cancer of the Small Intestine    
• Carcinoma or Sarcoma of the Large Intestine
• Cancer of the Liver, Gallbladder or of the Pancreas 
• Carcinoma of the Kidneys, Adrenal Glands, or Ureters
• Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder, Prostate Gland or Cancer of the Testicles 
• Carcinoma or Sarcoma of the Uterus (Corpus or Cervix)
• Cancer of the Ovaries    
• Carcinoma or Sarcoma of the Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes, Penis or Vulva

Also of note, the SSA may consider other listings not contained in the list above to determine whether your disabling condition falls within another category of impairment.  If the SSA determines that your disability does not meet a listing or medically equal a listing, it is important to determine your residual functional capacity.  Remember, if your residual functional capacity does not allow you to engage in substantial gainful activity, you may be entitled to SSDI or SSI benefits. 

So what does a disability claimant do if they find that their diagnosis of cancer is not enough to receive disability benefits?   Let the the SSA know of any and all other disabing condition you experience.  The SSA will consider all of your impairments combined together to determine disability.  Your combination of impairments may be enough to win your disability claim.

We realize Indiana disability claimants feel as though they are in a maze of obstacles when attempting to get disability benefits for cancer.  You have a right to an attorney when fighting your disability appeal.  Indianapolis disability benefits lawyer, Scott D. Lewis, is happy to provide a free consultation and will attempt to clear up any problems you may experience when pursuing your disability claim.  Call (317) 423-8888 today!

Are you a Social Security disability claimant suffering from arthritis and have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits? Is your disabling condition preventing you from working but you've received an unfavorable decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding your disability claim? 

It's important to understand how to get approved for Social Security disability benefits.  In all Social Security disability claims, the SSA will review the claimant's claim by using their 5 step sequential process.  In summary, these five steps include:

1. Is the claimant working?
2. Is the disability severe?
3. Is the claimants disability or condition in the SSA's listing of qualifying impairments?
4. Is the claimant able to do work that they previously performed?
5. Is the claimant able to perform any other type of work?

If you are a claimant with severe arthritis who is unable to work, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.  Arthritis is one of the leading disabilities for benefits.  Arthritis is included in the SSA's Listing of Impairments, Section 1.00, Musculoskeletal Disorder.  Some categories of this section include Inflammatory Arthritiis and Degenerative Arthritis. 

A claimant with Inflammatory Arthriits (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis) should experience persistent swelling, pain and limitations to the joints to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.  The limitations to the joints may include limitations to:

• hips;
• shoulders;
• knees;
• elbows;
• ankles;
• wrists; or
• hands.

A claimant with Degenerative Arthritis (such as Osteoarthritis) should safisfy the SSA's requirement if they are experiencing limitations with their arms and hands or if they have significant issues with walking or standing.  Individuals with neck or back problems due to their Degenerative Arthritis must have persistent sensory, motor & reflex loss in order to qualify for disability benefits.

It should be kept in mind that even though a claimant doesn't necessarily meet the criteria of the Listing of Impairments, that he/she may still qualify for disability benefits.  Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer, Scott D. Lewis, can discuss your disability claim with you at (317) 423-8888.  Call Scott for your free consultation.

Indianapolis lawyer Scott D. Lewis finds when interviewing his clients they often leave out some of their disabilities when attempting to receive Social Security disability benefits. You should not leave it up to the SSA to inquire what your disabling conditions might be. It may be beneficial to make a list of the severe and non-severe conditions that you experience. It is important to remember the Social Security Administration may also consider non-severe conditions in combination with severe conditions when deciding whether you will receive Social Security disability benefits.

Indiana claimants should always remember the question at hand is whether you can perform your past relevant job(s) or other jobs that exist in the national economy. So, while you may consider the fact you have asthma as a minor problem, it may keep you from performing jobs around dust or fumes. Another example could be an individual suffering from anxiety cannot perform jobs requiring the individual to interact with the general public. While you may consider your back impairment the primary reason you cannot work, it is important that you let your Social Security disability attorney know that you have other medical issues that have an effect on your activities of daily living and your ability to hold down a job.

Other conditions many individuals may not consider can include but are not limited to:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
• Depression
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Hepatitis
• Arthritis
• Learning Disorders
• Visual Impairments
• Hearing Loss

Remember, just saying you have asthma is probably not enough. Seeing a medical professional on a regular basis and seeking treatment for your condition(s) may also be very important in obtaining Social Security disability benefits. There may come a time when a claimant will need to appeal their disability claim and need the advice of an experienced disability benefits attorney.  If you require the assistance of a Social Security disability lawyer, contact the law office of Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888.

A

What can this mean to you?  It sometimes means that it may be less money paid to you in past due benefits. The past due disability benefit payment, commonly paid in a lump sum for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claimants may be reduced substantially by agreeing to an amended onset date.

Indianapolis Attorney Scott D. Lewis sometimes finds that an ALJ is willing to find a favorable ruling for his client, but at times a judge may ask the disability claimant to amend the onset date. The reasoning for agreeing to an amended onset date can vary, but many times it is because the judge believes the medical records do not establish the claimant's disability until after the date the claimant alleges the disability began. There can be other reasons for amending the disability onset date that can also include the disability claimant reaching a particular age. It seems that some judges want to amend onset dates much more often than others in disability claims.

Many times when the above scenario happens at a hearing, the judge may be open to an argument from an attorney, representative, or the client as to why an earlier date should be established. Some judges may be swayed if a certain medical record can be cited as to a firm diagnosis or other facts in the record to substantiate an earlier date.

Indiana residents finding themselves with an option of taking an amended onset date and receiving a favorable ruling often concede in order to start receiving their much needed disability benefits. The fact remains that if a claimant does not take the judge's offer, an unfavorable ruling still can be made in the case.

In conclusion, when Indiana residents enter the courtroom, have all of your medical records up to date and be prepared to argue the date you allege you became disabled. Just stating that you could not work on a particular date is unlikely to be enough. Detailed medical records and progress notes will probably be the basis of the ALJ's decision.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation regarding your Social Security disability claim.  Contact Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 with your Social Security disability questions.

Does any of the above sound like things you experience on a daily basis?  If so, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Degenerative Disc Disease and other back impairments can be severe enough to limit your activities of daily living in such a way that you are simply unable to function in a way that you can be gainfully employed. So if you find yourself in this situation, you may ask what to do.

If you are financially able, it may be beneficial to see a physician, preferably a physician that specializes in this type of disorder. Get appropriate testing such as an MRI, and remember the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers whether you follow your physician's advice concerning treatment. Some treatments can include:

• physical therapy,
• anti-inflammatory medications,
• spinal injections, and 
• surgery.

Disabling back conditions and Degenerative Disc Disease are no secret to the SSA.  Many disability claimants' experience severe chronic back pain.  If your back impairment does not rise to the above stated levels, but you experience other phyical and mental impairments, the SSA may consider you disabled due to a combination of impairments. 

The above is not intended as medical advice, just a brief summary as to what an experienced Social Security Disability Appeals Attorney has come into contact with. If you have any questions regarding your Social Security disability claim or if you have been denied Social Security disability benefits, call Indianapolis Attorney Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888.

How does the Social Security Administration evaluate back pain? 

Disorders of the spine include the following impairments:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated nucleus pulposus
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal arachnoiditis

In Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis's experience, he finds that most claimants have difficulty obtaining SSDI or SSI benefits for chronic back pain at the initial stages of the claim.  Scott advises that if you have been denied disability benefits at the initial level or reconsideration level, to continue to pursue your claim.  Often, the claimant will have a higher chance of being awarded disability benefits when they appear in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at a disability hearing.  Because back pain is so common among claimants, it is extremely important to have supportive medical documentation regarding your disorder. It's even more important to prove that your back pain is causing more than the mild to moderate discomfort that is common among everyone at some point.  The claimant should prove that their condition is severe and it prevents the claimant from performing simple jobs that require sitting. 

Some ALJ's may look for the following when reviewing your claim:

• MRI reports showing evidence of problems in your back (such as disk issues with nerve root impigment);
• Evidence tat the claimant's back problems cannot be corrected with surgery;
• The claimant has been referred to a pain managment physician; and
• The claimant has a solid work history.

If you are experiencing chronic back pain and you have been denied Social Security disability benefits, fight for what you deserve.  Just remember, to possibly win your claim, meeting the Listing of Impairment 1.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders may be helpful and proving that your disabling condition has limited your functional capacity for work. 

It should be noted, that if an individual does not meet the listing for Musculoskelatal Disorders, the disability claimant may find himself winning their claim due to decreased physical functional capacity. 

Call the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC at (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation regarding your Social Security disability claim.

For example, if the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decided that the claimant became disabled on April 15, 2009, after the five month waiting period, benefits would begin on October 1, 2009.

Another example, if the claimant filed for disability on January 1, 2009, but alleged to be disabled since May of 2007, if the ALJ finds that the alleged onset date is correct, he is only allowed to grant an onset date 17 months prior to the filing date. So in this case, the actual onset date would be August 1, 2007. After the five month waiting period, this particular claimant would begin benefits on January 1, 2008.

There are a few exceptions to this waiting period. Claimants that were previously entitled to disability beneftis and their disability benefits ended, but then they became disabled again within 5 years of their benefits ending, they would not need to exercise the waiting period. There is no waiting period for claimants that filed for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or for claimants that are entitled to Childhood Disability Benefits.

If you are disabled and meet the disability insured status requirements for benefits purposes, you should expect to wait 5 months before your benefits begin. You are not entitled to benefits during this waiting period.

If you or someone you know has filed a Social Security disability claim and has been denied, contact Attorney Scott Lewis for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888. Scott is an experienced Social Security disability lawyer that would gladly discuss your Social Security disabiltiy claim with you. Call now!

Does major depression keep you from getting and/or keeping a job?

One of the first questions that a claimant may want to ask themselves is "Can I do a simple unskilled job, or do my depression symptoms keep me from doing this type of work?" If your depression prevents you from doing even simple unskilled jobs, you may be eligible for disability payments. In reality, it is not quite that easy because the SSA is going to want detailed medical information documenting your condition.

The best scenario to win your Social Security disability claim would be an ongoing relationship with a qualified health care provider. At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Lawyer Scott Lewis finds that a psychiatrist or psychologist is usually the most helpful in these types of claims. If the health care providers have detailed descriptions of how your depression affects you in everyday life and prevents you from carrying out normal activities of daily living, this can greatly enhance your chances of receiving SSDI or SSI benefits.

One of the ways a claimant may win a Social Security disability case for depression is to meet the SSA's Listing of Impairment, 12.04 Affective Disorders. This listing deals with depression. Just a few items that the SSA may look for may include:

• Sleep disturbance
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Anhedonia or pervasive loss of interest in almost all activities
• Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoid thinking
• Suicidal thoughts
• Concentration/thinking difficulty
• Decrease in energy

Another way of possibly winning a disability claim for depression may be proving that you have functional limitations that prevent you from working.  For example, you cannot be relied upon to perform a job when you have too many unexcused absences from your job due to depression or if you are taking unscheduled breaks at work to deal with your depression.  At the hearing level, many job or Vocational Experts (VE) will agree that a person with such limitations cannot perform jobs in the economy.

Finally, a claimant may find that they can receive a favorable outcome when the depression combined with other impairments prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).  While the claimants depression may not raise to the level of severity as described in the listing of impairments, if combined with other disabilities, the SSA may consider you disabled.

In summary, Indiana Attorney Scott D. Lewis encourages his clients with depression to have a good relationship with their health care providers and fully describe how depression affects them so that their condition can be treated and clearly identified.  Contact Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation regarding your Social Security disability claim.

Have you won your Social Security disability claim but are still waiting for your first disability payment? 

Realistically, a claimant will only know when their payment is coming when it actually arrives in the mail. In Scott's experience, there are many inconsistencies when claimants receive their first monthly payment or their back pay payment from the Social Security Administration (SSA). He often sees claimants receive their payment within 60 days of being approved but some claimants have to wait months and months before receiving their first payment. Don't be too surprised if you receive the back pay deposited in your account before you receive your decision from the SSA.

Indiana claimants may wonder what causes this inconsistency in payments. Although it is difficult to understand the delay, it may be because back pay payments are not processed at the same Social Security office where a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits claim is initially processed.   SSDI payments are handled at "Payment Processing Centers" which are often located at states other than the one the claim is initiated.  Additionally, it's only stating the obvious that there are large amounts of payments to process at the processing centers which may cause delays. 

As frustrating as it may be, be patient because your payment should arrive.  If you have successfully made it through the claims process, waiting a little while longer should be worth it when that first payment arrives.  If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits and would like a free consultation regarding your claim, call Attorney Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888. 

 When a claimant gets denied Social Security disability benefits, the claimant has the right to appeal that unfavorable decision. A claimant may choose not to seek the advice of a Social Security disability attorney or representative until the claimant receives their initial denial. Those seeking disability often times retain the services of a lawyer after their initial denial and when asking for a "request for reconsideration" or when requesting a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  Although some claimants may choose to go to their hearing without representation, many statistics show having a much higher success rate when a claimant has representation.

A Social Security disability lawyer's basic job is to figure out what has gone wrong with the client's claim and attempt to resolve those problems. An experienced attoney will review the inital claim, along with medical and non-medical evidence collected by the SSA, to determine why the claim was denied. The lawyer will also attempt to work with your doctors to get additional medical records that may support your disability claim. It is important to ensure that your Social Security file is complete with up-to-date medical records to help achieve a favorable outcome.

Attorney Scott Lewis and his staff always attempt to work closely with their clients throughout the appeals process. Scott offers a free consultation to qualified claimants that contact his office to discuss their claim. Scott Lewis strives to stay in contact with his throughout the long drawn out process. Mr. Lewis takes great pride in the fact that he or his staff promptly returns his clients phone calls and makes full attempt to be courteous of their needs. Attorney Scott Lewis would gladly discuss his success rate wtih disability claims before taking on your claim.

If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits and you want to appeal that decision, call Indiana Attorney Scott D. Lewis for your free consultation at (317) 423-8888 to discuss your claim.

A person with Crohn's disease may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you are an Indiana Social Security disability claimant with Crohn's disease, it's most likely necessary that you meet the Social Security Administration's criteria in order to qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates Crohn's disease in their "Listing of Impairments," Section 5.00 Digestive System; Section E. Claimants with Crohn's disease may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if he/she has the following:

• Persistent and recurrent intestinal obstruction causing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.
• Persistent and recurrent systemic manifestations (such as iritis, arthritis, fever or liver dysfunction)
• Intermittent obstruction due to intractable abscess
• Body weight loss

Although it may be very difficult to get disability benefits for claimants with Crohn's disease, it's not impossible.  Claimant's that can prove their disability is severe may have better luck in getting approved for disability benefits.  It's important to have good medical evidence supporting your claim.  Many claims may be denied for claimants that are not following prescribed therapy for their Crohn's disease.  You must meet the SSA's criteria for Digestive disorders for at least 12 consecutive months or expected to last at a level of severity for 12 consecutive months.

If you would like to discuss your disability claim with an Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney, call Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888.  Lawyer Scott Lewis can help you fight for the Social Security disability benefits that you deserve!

Once you have had your hearing, the SSA will send you a notice with their decision. Claimants will receive a letter stating one of the following results:

• fully favorable;
• unfavorable;
• partially favorable; or
• dismissed.

The claimant's ultimate goal is to receive a fully favorable decision.  This means that you have won your claim and should receive the past due and monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits that you deserve. 

The next best hearing result would be a partially favorable decision.  This decision means that the ALJ believes that you are disabled and unable to work but did not find you to be disabled on the date that you alleged that your disability began.  The reason for a different onset date can sometimes be attributed to the medical evidence not substantiating the date that you believe that you became disabled.  Lawyer Scott Lewis advises his clients to read this notice carefully because you may lose some of your past due benefits.  If the ALJ found the evidence of your disability to be strong enough to give you a favorable decision but decided that your disability onset date was different than what you alleged, the ALJ will determine the date of your disability and give past due payments based on that date.  If the ALJ decides that your onset date (the date you became disabled) is after your date of last insured, you may only qualify for SSI benefits.  This doesn't mean that a claimant will never get SSDI benefits with this decision, it may all depends on the onset date determined by the judge. 

Some claimants will receive a notice stating the result is an unfavorable decision.  Unfortunately, this means that you have lost your claim.  An unfavorable decision can be appealed to the Appeals Council.  Scott Lewis advises that if you decide to appeal your unfavorable decision, you may want to consult an attorney.  The appeals process can be very complicated and may require careful attention.  A qualified Social Security disability lawyer may be able to properly assist you in this process.

If you received a notice stating that your claim has been dismissed, there may be several reasons for this decision.  Some dismissals are determined because the claimant did not show up for their hearing and the court was not satisfied with the reasons for not appearing at the hearing.  You must show good cause to the court when missing your hearing.  Other reasons for a dismissal may be that the SSA has discovered that your claim has already been decided on the same issues with the same facts.  You cannot file a claim that has already been decided.  On the other hand, if you believe that you are not re-filing a previous claim or you believe that you did show good cause for missing your hearing date, you may appeal the SSA's decision with the Appeals Council.

If your initial claim for Social Security disability benefits has been denied, you must take the appropriate steps to get a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.  Attorney Scott D. Lewis can help you through this process and fight for the benefits that you deserve.  For a free consultation, call Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888.

Indiana claimants with heart disease or other cardiovascular impairments may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The SSA defines Cardiovascular Impairments in the Blue Book "Listing of Impairments," Section 4.00 Cardiovascular System.  According to the SSA, Cardiovascular Impairments are any congenital or acquired disorder that affects the circulatory system or the proper functioning of the heart.  The circulatory system includes the veins, arteries, capillaries, or the lymphatic drainage.  Heart impairments result from one or more of four consequences of heart disease:

1. Chronic heart failure,
2. Pain or discomfort due to myocardial ischemia,
3. Central cyanosis due to reduced oxygen in the arterial blood or pulmonary disease, or
4. Syncope (or near syncope) due to lack of cerebral perfusion from any cardiac cause.

When filing a Social Security disability claim for heart (cardiovascular) disorder, it is important to support your claim with sufficient documentation.  Supply the SSA with detailed history reports, physical examination records, laboratory testing results, and prescribed treatment or medication.  This medical documentation should allow the SSA to assess the severity and duration of your impairment. 

The SSA has categorized Cardiovascular System impairments in the Listing of Impairments.  Some examples of cardiovascular impairments that are defined on the SSA's website are:

• Chronic heart failure
• Ischemic heart disease
• Recurrent arrhythmias
• Symptomatic congenital heart disease
• Heart transplant
• Aneurysm of aorta or major branches
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Peripheral arterial disease

Many individuals attempting to get Social Security disability for heart impairment(s) consult Indianapolis Attorney Scott D. Lewis about problems that they experience.  Many claimants have had heart attacks and other cardiovascular events that have rendered them unable to work.   Individuals with medical records showing stent placement, pacemakers, and other medical devices used to stabilize or improve the medical condition may still find themselves unable to secure gainful employment.  Some common problems affecting those with heart impairments may include but are not limited to shortness of breath and finding themselves tired throughout most of the day.  While these medical procedures may help in ensuring an improvement in heart function, many claimants seeking disability still experience problems in their activities of daily living. 

If your heart disorder prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.  Indiana Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation at (317) 423-8888.  Call now!