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 […]
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 […]
“Off task” at work – does it matter at my Social Security disability hearing?
Social Security disability hearings can be confusing – the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), your attorney, and the experts use a lot of jargon that may make it sound like they are speaking a completely new language. The basic issue that all of these people are discussing is whether you can perform the duties of a […]
If I Had a Stroke, Can I Receive Social Security Disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) can determine whether or not you can receive disability payments for the after-effects of a stroke. While there are two separate disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the medical requirements to receive payments are the same. The mental and physical residuals from a stroke […]
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 Payments for Neurological Impairments
There are many medical conditions that can so severely affect an individual’s mental and physical functioning as to qualify that person for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. In my Indianapolis Social Security disability practice I represent many Indiana residents suffering from neurological impairments. Many of those clients suffer from […]
What happens to my child’s SSI benefits at age eighteen?
When a child turns eighteen, he or she becomes an adult under Social Security’s rules. Therefore, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for your child, you should be prepared for Social Security to re-evaluate your child’s medical condition once he or she turns eighteen. The Social Security Administration uses different criteria for […]
Receiving Social Security Disability For Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is becoming a much more commonly diagnosed problem for the clients I represent in my Indiana Social Security disability law practice. When I see an influx of certain types of cases, I am never sure whether the increase is due to the disease occurring more often, or to doctors making more accurate diagnoses. […]
Lupus and Your Indiana Social Security Disability Claim
As an attorney representing many individuals across Indiana in their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, I see a wide variety of disabling conditions. Recently I have encountered more individuals diagnosed with lupus than before. I would like to discuss some of the symptoms of lupus and how the Social […]
Brain Injury and Social Security Disability Benefits
Practicing Social Security disability law in Indiana has brought me into contact with a variety of disabling conditions and brain injuries are no exception. This type of disability may result in the inability to work due to physical and/or mental impairments. Your inability to sustain a forty (40) hour work week can result in qualifying […]
