New rules on Social Security appeals, sealed cases to take effect in Southern District next week
New rules regarding Social Security appeals and sealed cases will take effect next week in the Indiana Southern District Court.
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US fights ruling to extend SSI benefits to Puerto Rico
The federal government filed a brief late Monday to the U.S. Supreme Court arguing Congress has the authority to withhold Supplemental Security Income benefits from U.S. citizens depending on where they live even as President Joe Biden promised to extend those benefits to Puerto Rico.
7th Circuit upholds denial of disability benefits despite ‘several medical problems’
An administrative law judge did not err in finding that a woman was not entitled to disability benefits despite having “several medical problems,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals held Wednesday.
Appeals court rules for insurer in long-term disability policy dispute
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled for an insurer Wednesday in a dispute over long-term disability benefits, finding its policy excluded Social Security benefits and affirming an order that the recipient refund monthly payments, with interest, that the insurance company overpaid.
ALJ’s denial of disability benefits over potential side effects upheld
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed an administrative law judge’s decision that a northern Indiana woman is not disabled, finding that any conclusions about her medication’s side effects would be pure speculation.
SCOTUS raises bar for some immigrants to avoid deportation
The Supreme Court on Thursday made it harder for longtime immigrants who have been convicted of a crime to avoid deportation. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the opinion for a 5-3 conservative majority that ruled against a Mexican citizen who entered the U.S. illegally and has lived in the country for 25 years.
Supreme Court to weigh Puerto Rico access to US aid
The Supreme Court agreed Monday to decide whether it is unconstitutional to exclude people living in Puerto Rico from Supplemental Social Security Income.
Denial of disability benefits upheld at 7th Circuit
Despite one doctor’s opinion that she was disabled, a woman who was denied disability benefits failed to win her case at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Appellate courts to hear med-mal, disability cases next week
Indiana’s appellate courts are set to hear arguments next week in a case related to medical malpractice and one dealing with disability issues arising under Kentucky law.
7th Circuit: Injured worker not qualified individual under ADA
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a ruling that a woman fired from her job after a spinal injury was not a qualified individual under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
7th Circuit splits in dual citizen’s challenge to reduction of U.S. Social Security benefits
A split 7th Circuit Court of Appeals panel affirmed a grant of summary judgment to the Social Security Administration on Monday in a class-action suit brought by a Canadian woman with dual citizenship who alleged her U.S. Social Security benefits were wrongly reduced based on similar benefits she receives from Canada.
Trump end run around Congress on COVID aid raises questions on his claims
President Donald Trump’s end run around Congress on coronavirus relief is raising questions about whether it would give Americans the economic lifeline he claims and appears certain to face legal challenges. Democrats called it a pre-election ploy that would burden cash-strapped states.
Indianapolis attorney who took assistant’s Social Security withholdings disbarred
An Indianapolis attorney who converted his only employee’s Social Security withholdings for his own personal use for more than a decade has been disbarred from the practice of law after the Indiana Supreme Court found that he had committed attorney misconduct.
Sizable nondisability: 7th Circuit declines to find ADA violations in obese workers’ claims
Despite increasing obesity among Americans, employers have not seen a corresponding rise in workplace discrimination complaints. But attorneys suspect workers are opting not to sue because such cases may be difficult to prove.
Trucker awarded nearly $900K after Lawrenceburg post office fall
The United States government has been ordered to pay nearly $900,000 to a disabled truck driver who suffered brain and spinal injuries after a fall at an Indiana post office.
7th Circuit reverses denial of disability benefits, awards benefits in ‘rare step’
In taking what it called a rare step, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered an award of disability benefits to a woman who was previously denied her request for them. The 7th Circuit concluded an administrative law judge’s decision denying her request was not supported by substantial evidence.
Indiana Southern District warns of scam callers posing as court staff
Hoosiers with cases pending before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana are being advised to steer clear of scam callers posing as court employees and requesting personal information.
High court to consider state role in prosecuting immigrants
Donaldo Morales caught a break when federal prosecutors declined to charge him after he was arrested for using a fake Social Security card so he could work at a Kansas restaurant. But the break was short-lived. Kansas authorities stepped in and obtained a state conviction that could lead to Morales’ deportation.
7th Circuit vacates denial of disability benefits to woman with mental illness
A bipolar woman’s application for disability benefits will be reconsidered after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded an administrative law judge failed to consider her treating psychiatrist’s opinions in its denial.
ALJ’s denial of disability finding for man remanded
A man who suffers from severe weekly seizures that leaves him confused and disoriented will have another chance to make his case for disability benefits after the Northern District Court found an administrative law judge’s denial warranted remand.