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 […]

Medical Records and Being Prepared For Your Social Security Disability Hearing

In my practice as an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney, effective communication is vital to provide the best possible representation for my clients. My office takes pride in being responsive to our clients’ calls, emails, and letters. Client Responsiveness However, I am often surprised by clients who do not fulfill their end of the agreement. […]

Obtaining Social Security Disabiltiy Benefits with Good Medical Records

Most people are not familiar with the Social Security disability claims process. When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the success of your claim often depends on providing good supporting medical records. It is important to know what medical documentation that the Social Security Administration (SSA) needs. […]

Medical Treatment Updates and Your Disability Claim: How an Attorney Can Help

When evaluating a disability claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security will closely evaluate a claimant’s medical evidence to determine whether he/she meets its guidelines. It is the claimant’s duty to keep Social Security informed of any developments in his/her medical treatment and to provide the necessary information […]

Will an Administrative Law Judge understand my rare medical condition?

I represent claimants with a wide variety of physical and mental conditions.  I regularly talk to claimants with a rare or unique diagnosis that are concerned that their diagnosis will not be properly understood by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  These individuals want to make sure that they have a legal team that will advocate […]

Medical Expert Testimony at Your Social Security Disability Hearing

When the day finally arrives for your Social Security disability hearing, you may find that the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has asked one or more doctors to testify about your ability to do work-related activities. Some, but not all, Administrative Law Judges call on medical experts to testify at hearings. You may be wondering how a doctor who has never seen you before […]

What kind of medical documentation does the Social Security Administration consider when determining my eligibility for Social Security disability benefits?

All of the pertinent medical records obtained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or supplied by your attorney/representative should be considered by the Social Security Administration in determining your disability. Upon initial application, it is important that you inform the Social Security Administration of all medical providers that can support your claim for disability. If […]

Your Social Security Disability Claim and Acceptable Medical Testing

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 […]

What is a Medical Vocational Allowance?

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis has many clients that win their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim by means of a Medical Vocational Allowance. You may wonder what this means when it comes to Social Security disability claims. As Attorney Scott Lewis explains to his clients, it […]

Acceptable Medical Sources for Social Security Disability

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 […]