Updating Your Social Security Disability Claim with Your Attorney
With the huge backlog of pending Social Security disability claims, you may think your case has been lost in a sea of paperwork. My staff strives to let our clients know that just because they haven’t heard from us on recent progress with the Social Security Administration (SSA), we have not forgotten about them. My […]
Why Are Medical Records So Important to My Social Security Disability Claim?
Whenever I talk about the keys to a Social Security disability claim, I emphasize the importance of medical records. Medical records are important because the Social Security Administration (SSA) cannot find you disabled under its rules without finding that you have a “medically determinable impairment.” In other words, you must be able to provide acceptable […]
Objective Testing and Your Social Security Disability Claim
Proving you are disabled to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not always easy. Before the SSA will even consider how your symptoms affect your ability to work, you must show that you have a “medically determinable impairment.” Telling Social Security that you have pain or fatigue or memory loss is not enough, by itself, […]
Consultative Exams: What Are They And Should You Go?
Many disability claimants are caught off guard when they receive a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for a scheduled doctor’s appointment. These doctor appointments are called consultative examinations (CE’s). The SSA will sometimes send SSDI and/or SSI claimants to these examinations if they feel like more information is needed to determine a […]
Will My Doctor Be At My Social Security Disability Appeals Hearing?
It is highly unlikely that your treating physician will attend your Social Security disability hearing. Unless your doctor is a personal friend you can convince to attend your hearing, your doctor in almost all cases will not be there. First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not require your doctor to attend. Although some judges […]
How Do Drugs And Alcohol Use Affect My Disability Claim?
Your social security disability claim may be denied due to alcohol or drug use. The way this information usually gets to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is through the medical records. Most doctors offices ask questions concerning drugs and alcohol when patients go in for a check up. Some hospitals will conduct drug tests while […]
Bipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability Benefits
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental disorder. It is usually distinguished by periods of depression that alternate with periods of “mania.” Sometimes these episodes can be so severe that they impact a person’s ability to live a normal life. There are five levels of moods associated with bipolar disorder: Severe Mania Hypomania Normal Mood […]
Medical Records and Being Prepared For Your Social Security Disability Hearing
In my practice as an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney, I find that good communication is essential for me to provide the best possible representation for my clients. My office takes pride in responding promptly and attentively to our clients’ calls, emails, and letters. However, I am often surprised by clients who do not hold up their end of the deal! […]
What documentation do I need for my cirrhosis of the liver disability claim?
As a disability lawyer in Indiana, I speak to clients daily about the documentation they need to prove their Social Security disability claims. Once you have applied for benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will, with your permission, request medical records from the physicians and other medical providers who have treated or evaluated you for your impairments. As […]
Consultative Examinations and Your Social Security Disability Benefits
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 […]