Can I Receive Social Security Disability for an Anxiety Disorder?
I represent many people with mental disorders, and anxiety is no exception. This diagnosis can stand alone, or at times, it may be accompanied by other mental and physical disorders. I have found that some of my clients’ symptoms from anxiety can be so severe that they are unable to interact with friends, family, or […]
Do I Need To Appear At My Social Security Disability Appeals Hearing?
From time to time I am asked “do I need to be at my hearing?” Always, I let my clients know that they should make every effort to appear in person. In my practice as an Indiana Social Security Attorney, it is almost always in your best interest to attend your hearing. My thoughts are, […]
Why should you have a brief for your Social Security disability hearing?
At the Law Office of Scott D. Lewis, we submit representative briefs to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) prior to our clients’ disability hearing. In my experience as an Indiana Social Security disability attorney, I find this to be helpful for a variety of reasons. A well-structured brief can give the ALJ a concise […]
How Important Are My Employees To You?
Years of practicing Social Security Disability law have taught me the importance of having an exceptional office staff. Good Social Security help can be hard to find. From answering initial client concerns to the final day in court, I find my staff to be diligent and caring. My current staff greatly exceeds my expectations on […]
Social Security Disability and the Durational Requirement
As a Social Security Disability Attorney, I see the Social Security Administration (SSA) turn people down for a variety of reasons. One of the common ways you may be turned down for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is because the SSA states you do not meet its Durational Requirement. This […]
Digestive Problems and Social Security Disability
The impact of digestive problems can be very disabling. I have seen a large increase in the amount of these cases in my practice. Whether it is due to better detection by physicians or an ever increasing amount of individuals suffering from these disorders, it is obvious these conditions can make a huge impact on […]
What is a Contingent Fee Agreement?
If you have applied for Social Security disability benefits and have been denied, you may have been advised to hire an attorney to help you appeal your case. However, you might be worried that you can’t afford an attorney – after all, aren’t lawyers famous for charging high hourly rates for every second they spend on […]
Do I have a good Social Security disability case?
I hear this question probably more than any other question from my clients. When I was in law school, one of my professors told me, “The facts always matter,” and a Social Security disability case is no exception. It’s also important to know how Social Security applies its rules to the facts of your case when […]
Anatomy of a Social Security Disability Hearing Part III: The Decision
When the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) makes a determination about your disability claim, he or she does not simply send you a letter that says “Congratulations! You have been found disabled!” or “Sorry, but you do not qualify for disability.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires the ALJ to provide you with a thorough explanation […]
Social Security Disability for Breast Cancer
While many people fully recover and are able to return to work after being diagnosed with breast cancer, some do not. Unfortunately, for some people, the treatments and procedures do not work, or they not work well enough to allow the patient to return to her previous level of functioning. The Social Security Administration (SSA) […]
