If you are unable to work because of medical reasons, you might want to pursue a claim for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two disability programs.

To qualify for disability, the SSA has very specific medical criteria that must be met. A medical guide, which is called the Blue Book, is used to determine if an individual is disabled and qualifies for benefits. Most disability claims receive a denial notice.

Being awarded benefits can be challenging, but you can file an appeal to ask that your claim be reconsidered. If a reconsideration is denied, then you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

There are several reasons that claims are denied, but some are more common than others. A lack of hard medical evidence that shows the severity of the disability and how it renders the individual unable to work is the leading cause for claims being denied.

Individuals earning more than the limit set for substantial gainful activity and failure of the individual to continue with follow-up medical treatment so the condition can be followed and updated are other reasons for claim denials.

In Indiana, about 30% of initial disability claims are approved. On the reconsideration level, about 20% are approved. When the claims reach the hearing level, about 50% receive approval for benefits.

Visiting the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Indiana

If your claim is denied at the initial review then denied again when reconsidered, you can file an appeal to request a hearing before an ALJ. Hearings are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). In Indiana, there is an average wait of 18.8 months for a hearing.

It takes an average of 606 days to process a disability case. At the hearing, you will be questioned by the ALJ and a vocational expert as well. This is to determine what kind of work, if any, you can do and to verify that you are fully disabled.

Your medical conditions, your age, your work history, educational background, and any transferrable skills are considered so Disability Determination Services (DDS) has the entire picture in front of them.

Indiana has several ODARs. In Indianapolis, the ODAR has 17 judges and an average 20-month hearing wait. On average, that ODAR takes 617 days to process a claim and 54% are approved on the hearing level. The Valparaiso ODAR has 12 judges and a 20-month hearing wait.

Processing averages 666 days and there is a 48% approval rate on the hearing level at Valparaiso. The Evansville ODAR has six judges and an 18-month hearing wait. The average processing time is 593 days and there is a 46% approval rate on the hearing level. An attorney will help you prepare for the hearing.

Getting Help From A Disability Attorney

Disability claims are challenging. You can increase your odds of being approved for benefits if you enlist the help of a Social Security Disability attorney. Your lawyer will gather up all your evidence and documentation and get them ready for review by DDS.

Your lawyer can accompany you to the local SSA office to make sure your file is ready for review and has all the proper documentation. In addition, your attorney can handle communications with the SSA representatives. Your attorney will handle all appeals and get your claim on the right track.

All your medical records, including scans, x-rays, lab results, medical records, physician notes, and so forth are necessary to show that you are unable to work. DDS needs to see all your restrictions and limitations. Your attorney will help you get ready for the disability hearing as well. There are several SSA offices throughout the state.

• Social Security Administration
  6745 Network Place
  Indianapolis, IN 46278
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Social Security Administration
  231 Waterfall Drive
  Elkhart, IN 46516
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Social Security Administration
  2122 Lincolnway Court
  Fort Wayne, IN 46819
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

If you are considering a disability claim, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form that is available on this page. Your details will be shared with a Social Security attorney who can give you a free case review today.

Additional Resources

Indianapolis Social Security Disability Resources
Indiana Social Security Disability