Schizophrenia & Social Security Disability Benefits
Mental illness, such as schizophrenia, can be disabling. Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects how a person experiences reality. Schizophrenia must be diagnosed by a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or other clinician, and may be characterized by: paranoia, hallucinations, bizarre delusions & perceptions, lack of emotions or motivations, and social and occupational dysfunction. […]
Qualifying Disabilities for Social Security Disability Benefits
Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis represents claimants that are fighting to win Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Many of his Indiana clients ask him what disabilities will qualify them for these disability benefits programs. Even though a claimant doesn’t always have to meet one the Social […]
How Can I Improve My Social Security Disability Claim?
Indianapolis Attorney Scott D. Lewis represents Social Security disability claimants that have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In his experience in working with disability claimants, there seems to be one common question his clients ask him. “How can I improve my Social Security disability claim?” Mr. Lewis […]
Social Security Disability Benefits for Multiple Sclerosis
Indiana Social Security disability claimants living with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are unable to work due to their MS related disability and/or other conditions, may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes MS as a chronic illness or “impairment” that can cause […]
Pain and Social Security Disability Benefits
Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits claimants often experience pain from their disability, but find it difficult to explain the level of pain to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It may be likely that pain interferes with the claimant’s ability to work. So, how does a SSDI or […]
Social Security Disability and Amended Onset Dates
After a long wait for an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, Indiana residents may find themselves negotiating with an ALJ as to the onset date of their disability. 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 […]
Cardiovascular Impairments and Social Security Disability Benefits
How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluate a disability claim based on cardiovascular impairments or heart disease? 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 […]
Does Social Security recognize my chronic pain as a disability?
Many times Indiana residents suffering from chronic pain resulting from varying disabilities find themselves denied disability benefits. They often state they simply cannot work because the pain they experience is so bad it affects concentration, the ability to stand, walk, or sit even for short periods of time. Chronic pain resulting in the inability to […]
Social Security Disability and Mental Retardation
Those classified as mentally retarded can sometimes find themselves with their claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits denied. Although some of these claims may be initially denied, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does acknowledge the disabling effects of mental retardation in its listing of impairments. Listing 12.05 […]
Social Security Disability and Bipolar Disorder
Indiana residents who suffer with Bipolar Disorder often find themselves in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) when attempting to get their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the existence of Bipolar Disorder in their “Listing of Impairments” under listing 12.04 Affective […]
