Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

Scott Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer who is experienced in helping individuals in obtaining the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.  Mr. Lewis has also read the results and talked to his Indiana disability clients about consultative examinations.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses consultative examinations when they determine there is either not enough supportive information from your treating physician(s) or you simply do not have a physician to provide information to support your disability claim. 
A consultative examination (CE) is an examination covering psychiatric, psychological, or physical impairments.  The consultative examination is conducted by medical professionals contracted by the government to provide information regarding the severity of the disabling condition the claimant has asserted as a mental or physical impairment. 

Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis fields many questions from his clients about these consultative examinations.  Many individuals ask Mr. Lewis if it is mandatory that they attend the examinations.  Mr. Lewis often tells his clients that not attending a consultative examination could result in denial of the disability claim.  Active participation in the disability process when you are asked to help move the process along may help you receive a favorable outcome.  If you cannot attend your consultative examination, let the Social Security Administration know so it can be rescheduled at a time more convenient for you.

There can be drawbacks to relying on a consultative examination for an approval of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.  These examinations are usually very brief.  In Mr. Lewis' experience, they are not a good substitute for a long standing relationship with a treating physician.  You also must remember a consultative examination is usually a single appointment by a physician who has never seen you before.  Obviously this is probably not a good substitute for numerous medical records you may have accumulated from your treating sources.  Your treating physicians medical records should play an important role in you being approved for Social Security disability benefits, so it may not be wise to rely on a consultative examination to provide you with the disability benefits you are seeking.

Scott Lewis tells his Indiana disability benefits claimants the consultative examination may be a hoop you simply have to jump through in order to eventually get your Social Security disability benefits.  Mr. Lewis represents his Indiana neighbors with a variety of disabling conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and bipolar disorder. If you have questions concerning your Social Security disability claim you can contact Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for a FREE case evaluation.   

If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits or are appealing a denied Social Security disability benefits claim in Indiana and you are confused by what's going on, you may not be alone.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis talks to potential disability clients on a frequent basis about the complex issues that arise during a disability claim.  There may be words that are difficult to understand or abbreviations that are hard to figure out in the disability process.  If you are suffering from a mental disorder and your psychiatrist or therapist talks about a "GAF" score you may wonder exactly what they are referring to. 

A Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score is a number used to rate individuals social, occupational, and psychological functioning.  The numbers range from 0 to 100 and are generally classified in the following way:

• 91 -100 Superior range of functioning in a wide range of activities.
• 81 - 90  Absent of minimal symptoms.
• 71 - 80  If symptoms are present they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial stressors.
• 61 -70  Some mild symptoms.
• 51-60  Moderate symptoms.
• 41-50  Serious symptoms.
• 31- 40  Some impairments in reality testing or communication.
• 21 - 30  Behavior is considerably influenced by delusions or hallucinations.
• 11 -20  Some danger of hurting self or others.
• 1 - 10  Persistent danger of hurting self or others.

It is important to note that the above is only a general framework defining GAF scores, and more information can be obtained describing each category in more detail.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis urges his clients to seek the care of a qualified mental health professional to assess your mental impairments.  GAF scores can be used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in determining the severity of your mental condition.

Mr. Lewis attends numerous Social Security disability appeals hearings in Indiana and, at times, finds a medical expert at the hearing is very interested in knowing how high or low an individual's GAF score is.  If you are suffering from a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, or any other disabling condition, contact Mr. Lewis for your fee consultation.  Call (317) 423-8888 to discuss your case with Mr. Lewis and his staff.

Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis has seen doctors that will go to great lengths (usually short of going to your hearing of course) and doctors who refuse to help at all, and everything in between.  So what can you do when your treating physician will not support you in your Indiana Social Security disability appeal? It probably depends on why they will not support you.  There can be a variety of reasons why your doctor won't support your disability claim.  Perhaps you simply do not get along with your doctor, or your doctor does not believe your disability prevents you from working, or finally maybe your doctor says he/she will help you, but will not assist you with your disability claim when push comes to shove.  In Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, a cooperative treating physician can have a huge impact on you receiving a favorable outcome in your Social Security disability claim.

So what can you do when your physician is not willing to help you?  It may depend on your health care coverage.  You may be limited on who you can see pursuant to your medical coverage.  It may help you to discuss your concerns with your treating physician.  Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis encourages his clients to try and have a good relationship with their doctor(s).  It is important to remember that physicians are people too and have likes and dislikes like all of us, and it makes sense if they like you they may be willing to go that extra mile for you in helping to establish your disability and your inability to hold down a full time job.

Some Indiana disability claimants have the option of switching physicians when they are unhappy with their treating physician.  One of the problems Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis has experienced with claimants switching physicians is the amount of time the claimant is under a new supportive physician's care.  At times, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may put more stock in medical records where a physician has treated you for an extended period of time compared to a physician who has only seen you for a short time. This is not to say you cannot win your Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim with short term relationships with your physicians, but it may be more difficult.

It can be very helpful to let your treating physician know how your disabling condition is affecting you in everyday life. This can include your pain levels, inability to sit, stand, walk, lift, or even concentrate.  Again, a good supportive physician may detail this information in your medical records, while a non supportive physician may elect to not note any of these issues.  When asked, disability lawyer Scott Lewis tells his clients to let their physician(s) know they are attempting to get Social Security disability payments in hopes these supportive treating physicians may know what standards must be met to be qualified for Social Security disability benefits.

The use of medical provider questionnaires and physical/mental residual functional capacity assessments may also help you in your Indiana Social Security disability claim.  If you are lucky enough to have a caring thoughtful physician that will complete these forms completely and accurately it can go a long way in establishing your disabling condition(s).  On the other hand, some physicians simply refuse to complete these forms for whatever reason.  Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis attempts to have his clients take these forms into their physician's office in person, so that the direct contact with the disability claimant may make it more difficult for the treating physician to say "no" to completing the forms. 

The preceding information is not intended as legal advice and is only the experience of Mr. Lewis in his practice of Social Security disability law.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis handles a wide range of disabling conditions including cancer, emphysema, learning disorders, diabetes, and many other conditions.  If you would like a free consultation regarding your Indiana Social Security disability appeal contact Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for a free case evaluation today! 

Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis finds on occasion his clients have a diagnosis without appropriate medical testing to back it up. At times, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will look through your medical record and remark that while it has volumes of records it is lacking appropriate medical testing. To put it in its simplest terms, you may complain of a broken leg, but without an X-ray you may have a difficult time convincing anyone there is actually a fracture.  Some common tests Indiana Social Security attorney Scott D. Lewis finds absent in a disability claimant's medical file can include but are not limited to those claiming:

• Fibromyalgia With this diagnosis, Mr. Lewis has found Administrative Law Judge's often have a hard time getting their hands around this condition without appropriate testing.  Because currently there is no X-ray or lab testing for the diagnosis of Fibromiyalgia, many times tender points throughout the body are used to determine a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.  A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia may be made when a patient is positive in 11 of 18 of these tender points.  Does this mean you will qualify for Indiana Social Security disability benefits?  Not always, as some Administrative Law Judges are still skeptical as to this diagnosis.
• Various Breathing Disorders  Pulmonary functioning tests may be beneficial to a claim for a breathing disorder.  A few of these tests can include spirometry and methocholine challenge.  If you suffer from COPD, emphysema, asthma, or any other pulmonary condition you should consult your physician for appropriate testing.
• Impairments of the Spine  Those Indiana Social Security disability claimants finding they are experiencing a disabling condition due to neck and/or back problems should seek appropriate medical testing such as an MRI.  In Indiana Social Security attorney Scott Lewis' experience, a MRI can be crucial in obtaining a favorable outcome with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The above testing procedures and various diagnosis are only examples and your medical condition may require different testing.  You should consult your physician(s) to determine what tests are appropriate for you. There are many other medical conditions that require testing and the above are only examples.  Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott D. Lewis provides a free consultation regarding Indiana Social Security disability claims.  If you find you are frustrated in your attempt to obtain Social Security benefits, call (317) 423-8888 for a free case evaluation.

Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis talks to many Indiana residents every week asking if they can win their Social Security disability claim when they are not seeing doctors.  He usually tells them it is going to be very difficult to get a favorable outcome without good medical records to prove they are disabled.  Without medical records the Social Security Administration (SSA) has nothing to base a decision on that will result in you being granted disability benefits.

Indiana Social Security claimants often ask if the consultative examination the Social Security Administration (SSA) administered will suffice since they don't have their own personal physician(s).  In Indianapolis Disability Lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, the disability claimant usually cannot rely on a consultative examination for a favorable result.  Anyone who has been to one of these consultative examinations probably has had a similar experience.  Most Indiana Social Security appeals claimants complain the examinations are very short and many times do not even cover the disabling condition(s) the disabled individual wants to be addressed.  In general, it is very difficult to find a substitute for a physician that has seen you for an extended period of time and is familiar with you and your disabling condition.



What should you do if you do not have health care and you believe you are disabled and unable to work?  While you may receive different advice from different sources, Indiana Disability Attorney Scott Lewis often tells his clients to apply for any government sponsored health care program that is appropriate for you, go to your local hospital and find out if they offer a low cost health care program, and search for free clinics that can render health care assistance.  These are just a few options to try and by no means will they always turn up a positive result. Unfortunately, with the health care system in its present state, there is no clear cut answer for those Indiana disability claimants who cannot afford health care.

Is Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis saying you do not have a chance to win and you should not apply for Social Security disability benefits if you do not have a physician or health care provider?  No,there may be circumstances when you can win your Indiana Social Security disability claim. If you find you cannot work due to a disabling condition, Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis believes you should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and hope your claim is approved.

Indiana disability claimants that have questions about their SSDI or SSI claim can contact Indiana disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Many times, most questions can be answered over the telephone.  Indianapolis Social Security Lawyer Scott Lewis sees a wide variety of disabling conditions including heart disease, emphysema, schizophrenia, diabetes with neuropathy, cancer, and many other conditions that can make you unable to support yourself or your family.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free consultation.

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis encourages his Social Security disability clients to try to have a good relationship with their treating physician(s).  Generally speaking, it is usually very helpful to have your physicians on your side.  When it comes down to "crunch time" and the Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for certain medical documents to support your Indiana disability claim, a helpful physician, psychiatrist, or therapist may be just what you need. 

Indiana Social Security appeals claimants may wonder how their doctor can help their disability claim.  There are a number of ways they may help:

1.  Medical specialists who keep detailed records including progress reports, test results, and the prognosis of your disabling condition, may play an important role in receiving a favorable outcome on your Social Security disability claim.

2.  Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis often asks the treating physicians to complete questionnaires concerning your disabling condition.  Many times, these questionnaires can help pinpoint your disability so that an Indiana Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can more easily find that you suffer from a disabling condition that prevents you from working.

3.  Your treating physician can provide letters detailing your disability and provide information as to the intensity, duration, and disabling effects of your impairment.  These letters can also provide information regarding the physician's opinion as to whether you are able to work or not.

In Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience the  Social Security Administration  and Indiana Social Security Appeals Judges usually want to see medical records from physicians that specialize in the area that you are claiming disability.  For instance, a General Practitioner who has diagnosed you with Bipolar disorder usually does not carry as much weight as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist that specializes in that particular area. The past experiences of Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis have taught him while a General Practitioner's medical records are good, a specialist's medical records are even better.

If you find you are struggling with your Indiana Social Security disability claim or Social Security appeal you can contact Attorney Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Mr. Lewis sees a wide variety of disabling conditions including Arthritis, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Mental Retardation, Sleep Apnea, Autism, and many other impairments.  Call today at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation.   

What is a Consultative Examination?  A consultative examination is paid for by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help determine what disabling condition(s) the Social Security disability claimant may be suffering from. This examination may be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a medical doctor.

The role of the examiner is to generate a report that the Social Security Administration will consider to determine if the disabling condition meets the standards set forth by the SSA to be a disabling impairment preventing the disability claimant from working. This medical professional will not treat you, but instead will most likely question you about your disabling conditions.

Do I have to go to the Consultative Examination?  Your claim may be denied if you do not attend the examination. While many Indiana residents complain that the physician at the examination did not adequately evaluate their disability, Attorney Scott Lewis advises his clients to go ahead and "jump through this hoop" in order to move the claim along. Although, it is very important to let the medical professional know all of your disabling conditions and try to explain how these disabilities affect you in everyday life.

Can my treating physician do my consultative examination?  Yes, but Attorney Scott Lewis has never seen this done. Perhaps, treating physicians will not accept the low fee the SSA offers, or other reasons may exist. Almost always, the SSA will have a person that has no knowledge of the disability claimant's condition perform the examination.

In Attorney Scott D. Lewis' Social Security disability practice, almost all disability claimants have similar complaints of consultative examinations. These complaints include:

• The medical doctor, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist didn't listen to me and would not even address the actual disabilities I have. 
• The medical doctor, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist rushed through the examination.
• The medical doctor, psychiatrist, or phsychotherapist told me that I was disabled and there shouldn't be a problem getting my benefits, but then shortly after I was denied benefits by the Social Security Administration.

In conclusion, Indiana resident going through the lengthy disability process need to acknowledge this is just one more step they are going through to hopefully receive their disability benefits. Attorney Scott Lewis finds that your own medical professional is usually your best bet when appealing your disability claim.

If you find yourself filing an appeal and you suffer from various disabilities such as back problems, arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, depression, or any other disabling impairment contact the law office of Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation today at (317) 423-8888.

Are you an Indiana resident filing a claim for Social Security disability?  Are you seeing a medical doctor regarding your disability?  Is your treating physician a nurse practitioner?  It's not uncommon for claimants to schedule their medical appointments with the medical office nurse practitioner rather than the doctor.  This may affect whether or not you will receive a favorable ruling on your disability claim.  

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates a claim, they will review the medical evidence submitted by your medical sources.  Treatment notes, medical documentation or records must be submitted by "acceptable medical sources."  The SSA has two categories of medical sources.  There are "acceptable medical sources" and other health care providers that are not "acceptable medical sources."  It is important to submit medical evidence that was reported by "acceptable medical sources."

"Acceptable medical sources" may include:

• Licensed physicians
• Licensed or certified psychologists
• Licensed podiatrists
• Licensed optometrists
• Qualified speech-language pathologists

Unfortunately, the SSA does not categorize nurse practitioners or chiropractors as being an "acceptable medical source."  This means that the medical evidence from a chiropractor or nurse practitioner cannot establish your medical impairment.  Although, information from other sources can be used to support your claim. These other sources may include non-medical sources such as social workers and employers; and public and private social welfare agencies; and other medical practitioners, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, naturopaths, and chiropractors.

Does this mean that your claim will be denied because you are not seeing an "acceptable medical source?"  Not always, the ultimate decision is in an Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) hands.  It is important for Indiana residents to keep in mind the medical sources that the SSA prefers may enhance your ability to receive a favorable ruling. 

If you would like a free consultation with Attorney Scott D. Lewis to discuss your Social Security disability claim, call (317) 423-8888.