SSA Announces 13 New Compassionate Allowances Conditions Involving the Immune System and Neurological Disorders
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced 13 new Compassionate Allowances conditions involving the immune system and neurological disorders. The Compassionate Allowances initiative identifies claims where the nature of the applicant’s disease or condition clearly meets the statutory standard for disability. Social Security states that with the help of sophisticated new information technology, the agency can quickly identify potential Compassionate Allowances and then quickly make decisions. This makes me wonder if this “sophisticated new information technology” is what was discussed in an Indianapolis Star article that I previously reported here. Added to the list are the following:
Malignant Multiple Sclerosis
Paraneoplastic Pemphigus
Multicentric Castleman Disease
Pulmonary Kaposi Sarcoma
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Primary Effusion Lymphoma
Angelman Syndrome
Lewy Body Dementia
Lowe Syndrome
Corticobasal Degeneration
Multiple System Atrophy
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
The ALS/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex
The agency announced a small grant program for graduate students that will help Social Security improve its list and has recently awarded an approximately $1.8 million grant over a five-year period to Policy Research, Incorporated (PRI) through the Disability Determination Process Small Grant Program. This new program aims to improve the disability process through innovative research by graduate students who will receive small stipends for their work. In addition, the agency recently streamlined its online disability application for people who have a condition on the Compassionate Allowances list.
Information about prior announcements may be found in the archives of out blog. For a complete list of all of the compassionate allowance conditions, please clickhere.
September 2011 Newsletter
Social Security Sentinel
NEWS DEDICATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
www.disabilitytse.com
September 2011
Tom S. Ebbinghouse, Attorney
Published Author
Social Security Disability Claimant Representative
Thoughtful Things
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Winston Churchhill
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Free Book Offer
SSA Article
Free Report Offer
Our People Profile
Doloris’s Divine Dishes
ACT NOW!
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Winning Your Disability Claim
By the Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
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Social Security Removes Listings for Endocrine Disorders (Diabetes Mellitus)
An endocrine disorder is a medical condition that causes a hormonal imbalance. When an endocrine gland functions abnormally, producing either too much of a specific hormone (hyperfunction) or too little (hypofunction), the hormonal imbalance can cause various complications in the body. The major glands of the endocrine system are the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pancreas. Diabetes Mellitus is probably the most common of the endocrine disorders.
Listings describe medical conditions that are so severe that SSA presumes any person who has a medical condition(s) that satisfies the criteria of a listing is unable to perform any gainful activity and, therefore, is disabled. The inability to work must also have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or be expected to result in death. Social Security calls this provision ‘‘the duration requirement.’’ Thus, the listings are special rules that provide SSA with a mechanism to identify claims that should clearly be allowed. SSA states that it uses listings only to allow claims and that SSA does not deny any claim solely because a person’s medical condition(s) does not satisfy a listing.
Why does SSA state it revised the listings for endocrine disorders? “We are revising the listings for endocrine disorders because medical science has made significant advances in detecting endocrine disorders at earlier stages and newer treatments have resulted in better management of these conditions since we last published final rules making comprehensive revisions to the endocrine listings in 1985. Consequently, most endocrine disorders do not reach listing-level severity because they do not become sufficiently severe or do not remain at a sufficient level of severity long enough to meet our 12-month duration requirement.
Please remember our office if you know of someone who can benefit from our services.
Also keep in mind that we offer Tax Problem Resolution representation as well.
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Our People Profile
Barbara Requenes, or as her friends and family know her, Barbara Ann, is our newest member of the Ebbinghouse Law Group. Barbara and her 26 years of legal experience currently occupy the paralegal position within Ebbinghouse Law Group. She attended Ball State University where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business. Barbara began her career as a legal assistant in the litigation field. Throughout her career, she has obtained a vast knowledge of many practice areas of law and now calls Ebbinghouse Law Group home. Although she has many areas of interest, some of Barbara’s favorite past times include; spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, fishing, and she has also been known to play a competitive game of darts. Barbara’s personality is one of a kind. She thrives on sharing her smile and optimism with everyone she comes in contact with.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook
and I wanted share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Doloris’s Divine Dishes
Good Eats Meatloaf
6 oz garlic-flavored croutons For the glaze:
½ tsp ground black pepper ½ cup catsup
½ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder Dash Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme Dash hot pepper sauce
½ onion, roughly chopped 1 tsb honey
1 carrot, peeled and broken
3 whole cloves garlic
½ red bell pepper
36 oz ground chuck or hamburger
1 ½ tsp kosher salt
1 egg
Heat oven 350 degrees. In a food processor bowl, combine croutons, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme. Pulse until the mixture is of a fine texture. Place this mixture into a large bowl. Combine the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper in the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed. Combine the vegetable mixture and meat with the bread crumb mixture. Season the meat mixture with the kosher salt. Add the egg and combine thoroughly, but avoid squeezing the meat. Pack this mixture into a 10-inch loaf pan to mold the shape of the meatloaf. Bake for one hour.
Cut down the cayenne and chili powder for a less spicy meatloaf.
August 2011 Newsletter
Social Security Sentinel
NEWS DEDICATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
WWW.disabilitytse.com
August 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Free Book Offer
SSA Article
Our People Profile
Doloris’s Divine Dishes
Free Report Offer
Thoughtful Things
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” Mark Twain
ACT NOW!
Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim
By the Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your FREE book or go to our website
Social Security Announces New Compassionate Allowances Conditions
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced 12 additional Compassionate Allowances conditions involving severe heart diseases, bringing the total number of conditions in the expedited disability process to 100. Compassionate Allowances are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits. These conditions primarily include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of rare disorders that affect children. According to Social Security, the idea is to fast track those cases for quick processing.
The Commissioner announced in October 2008 the first list of 50 conditions which I reported on my website www.disabilitytse.com. In February 2012, the list was expanded with 38 additional conditions, which are reported here.
The 12 new heart conditions that qualify for Compassionate Allowances are:
Aortic Atresia
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Recipient
Eisenmenger Syndrome
Mitral Valve Atresia
Endomyocardial Fibrosis
Primary Cardiac Amyloidosis
Heart Transplant Graft Failure
Pulmonary Atresia
Heart Transplant Wait List – 1A/1B
Single Ventricle
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Tricuspid Atresia
If you suffer from any of the 100 conditions, when you apply, or if your case is currently being reviewed, you should point out your condition and that it is on the list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions.
Please remember our office if you know of someone who can benefit from our services. Also keep in mind that we offer Tax Problem Resolution representation as well. Go to www.TheTaxSolvers.com for further information.
Our People Profile
Bedford Kitty (a.k.a. Bubby, Little Big Man) was found in the middle of the road on a busy highway at four weeks old. Our truck went over him as he was positioned perfectly in between the tires. Bedford is extremely intelligent, which has a tendency to get him into trouble. He lived indoors for about 10 years until he decided he wanted to live outdoors and transition into the “mighty hunter” that he is today. We weren’t aware of his desire to be an outdoorsman until he ruined a couch and started leaving hints all around the house for us to find. After Bedford moved out he gained back the weight he lost during the last three years becoming a truly happy cat. His days and nights are filled with adventures in the backyard; stalking small animals (which he never catches), bird watching and playing with leaves. The best time of day is when his Mom Jennifer comes to sit outside on the deck in the evening to give him exclusive attention, with pets and scratches under the chin.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Deloris’s Divine Dishes
Grandma’s Rhubarb Pie
4 CUPS RHUBARB
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp flour
1 tsp butter
SMALL DASH OF SALT
Unbaked 8 inch pie shell
Cut the Rhubarb stalks in half length wise, and then cut them into ¼ inch slices. Place the rhubarb into the pie shell and dot with 1 tsp of butter.
Beat sugar, eggs, salt, and flour together with a mixer on low for 2 min.
Pour the mixture over the rhubarb and bake at 350 degrees for about ½ hour.
“This Rhubarb pie recipe is the best I have ever eaten, especially with the custard base to it. It was given to my mother by her mother about 80 years ago.” Joan D.
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Social Security Payments Will Be Made On Time
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced today that Social Security payments for August 3rd will be made on time and as scheduled. Payments for August 10th, 17th, and 24th also will be made as scheduled.
“I am happy to announce there will be no delay in the payment of August Social Security benefits,” Commissioner Astrue said, “which should be a relief to those people who were concerned about their benefits. I’m pleased the President and Congress were able to come together in a bipartisan fashion to avoid an interruption in payments.”
People still receiving paper checks from Social Security may want to consider signing up for Direct Deposit as all current beneficiaries must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013.
July 2011 Newsletter
Social Security Sentinel
NEWS DEDICATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
www.disabilitytse.com
July 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Free Book Offer
SSA Article
Our People Profile
Doloris’s Devine Dishes
Thoughtful Things
“Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you, but not in the one ahead.” Bill McGlashen
ACT NOW!
Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim
By the Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your FREE book or go to our website www.disablityTSE.com
Average Processing Times at Indiana Social Security Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
The processing time for Indianapolis Social Security Disability Hearings at the Office of Adjudication and Review (ODAR) has fallen again. In November 2009, the number of days from the filing of a Request for Hearing until the case was completed at the hearing site averaged 579 days. In April of 2009, it was 738 days, in June of 2008 it was 896 days, and as of March 26, 2010 it was 534 days. As of April 29, 2011, the number of days from the Request for Hearing for average processing at the Indianapolis ODAR was 428 days, Fort Wayne, Indiana was at 340 days, the new Valparaiso, Indiana office was at 301 days and the Evansville, Indiana office was now at 298 days.
Please remember our office if you know of someone who can benefit from our services.
Also keep in mind that we offer Tax Problem Resolution representation as well.
Go to www.TheTaxSolvers.com for further information.
Our People Profile
Catrina (a.k.a. Miss Fluffy Buns), our black and white kitty, was found living under a porch when she was five months old. She was rescued by her Mom Jennifer approximately 12 years ago. She is a great pal and enjoys playing “hide and seek” from behind the couch. Mom is great but she considers her Dad Tom THE absolute BFF! Catrina loves to spend quiet time being loved, adored and petted by Dad on the couch while he reads the newspaper. She diligently works on keeping her amature orthonologist status by spending her days bird watching from the living room window, while reclining on her own private footstool. Her happiest day was when her “brother” Bedford left the house to live outside. She loves to lounge on the other side of the sliding glass door and pester Bedford while he eats. She used to go out on the back deck, but now that Bedford claims it as his domain by just being there, she will rarely go outside. She much prefers having 100% attention from Jennifer and Tom and is miffed to see them outside petting Bedford.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Perfect Picnic Potato Salad
The secret to good potato salad is to combine all ingredients while the potatoes and the eggs are warm –it helps to infuse all the flavors together.
I start with 10 to 12 red potatoes you can also use about 8 big brown russet potatoes boil them until fork tender. I peel and cut the potato in half, then slice them like I am going to fry them.
Boil 10 eggs if you buy them about two weeks in advance they will peel easier. I start my eggs in cool water let them come to a boil, cover and let set for 10 minutes, makes a perfect hardboiled egg.
I also use sweet pickle’s not sweet relish. I make my own sweet relish out of a good brand of sweet pickles like Gherkins; chop the pickles dry, not in their juice.
I use about 1 and 1/4 cups of the relish and 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the pickle juice. I think store bought sweet relish has a little bit of a bitter taste.
Boiled potatoes
10 boiled eggs
4 stalks of celery chopped small
1 whole small to medium onion chopped small
I use about 1 1/2 cups of miracle whip
About 2 to 3 tablespoons of mustard
1/2 teaspoons of salt
Mix all ingredients together
Make sure you mix all ingredients when the potatoes and eggs are warm, it makes a big difference.
I let my salad sit on the counter from 2 to 3 hrs to let all the flavors fuse together then refrigerate.
My family thinks this is the best potato salad they have ever eaten.
Social Security Announces New Compassionate Allowances Conditions
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced 12 additional Compassionate Allowances conditions involving severe heart diseases, bringing the total number of conditions in the expedited disability process to 100. Compassionate Allowances are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits. These conditions primarily include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of rare disorders that affect children. According to Social Security, the idea is to fast track those cases for quick processing.
The Commissioner announced in October 2008 the first list of 50 conditions which I reported here. In February 2012, the list was expanded with 38 additional conditions, which are reported here.
The 12 new heart conditions that qualify for Compassionate Allowances are:
Aortic Atresia
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Recipient
Eisenmenger Syndrome
Mitral Valve Atresia
Endomyocardial Fibrosis
Primary Cardiac Amyloidosis
Heart Transplant Graft Failure
Pulmonary Atresia
Heart Transplant Wait List – 1A/1B
Single Ventricle
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Tricuspid Atresia
If you suffer from any of the 100 conditions, when you apply, or if your case is currently being reviewed, you should point out your condition and that it is on the list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions.
Average Processing Times at Indiana Social Security Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
The processing time for Indianapolis Social Security Disability Hearings at the Office of Adjudication and Review (ODAR) has fallen again. As reported elsewhere on this site, in November 2009, the number of days from the filing of a Request for Hearing until the case was completed at the hearing site averaged 579 days. In April of 2009, it was 738 days, in June of 2008 it was 896 days, and as of March 26, 2010 it was 534 days. As of April 29, 2011, the number of days from the Request for Hearing for average processing at the Indianapolis ODAR was 428 days, Fort Wayne, Indiana was at 340 days, the new Valparaiso, Indiana office was at 301 days and the Evansville, Indiana office was now at 298 days.
June 2011 Newsletter
Social Security Sentinel
NEWS DEDICATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
www.disabilitytse.com
June 2011
Tom S. Ebbinghouse, Attorney
Published Author
Social Security Disability Claimant Representative
Thoughtful Things
“If you do not know the rules, you risk losing the game-not getting your benefits.”
Toms S. Ebbinghouse
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Free Book Offer
SSA Article
Free Report Offer
Our People Profile
Doloris’s Divine Dishes
ACT NOW!
Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim
By the Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your FREE book or go to our website
www.disablityTSE.com
Preparation the Key to Success in Disability Hearings
At the meeting in my office the day before her hearing, my client was stunned to see that the medical records we had submitted in her case were over a foot high. “You know more about me than anyone else,” she said. “You have been there with me every step of the way. I could not ask for any more to be done.” We had tracked down all of these records as we wanted to be sure that the ALJ had a complete picture of her medical problems. We wanted to be sure that we were prepared with evidence for all situations.
I went over her case with her in preparation for the hearing the next day. We discussed our theory as to why she should be found disabled under the rules of Social Security. We discussed her past work and discussed why her disability prevented her from being able to do that work. I reminded her how a Social Security hearing was different from “TV court” and from other court proceedings. When I asked her if she had any other questions about her hearing, she said she felt that she was ready. She had read our memo about testifying at her hearing and said it answered so many of her questions that she felt she was now ready for the hearing.
After she left, I prepared my questions for the vocational expert. From my past experience, I knew that her past work had been light work that had transferable skills. I knew enough that I could handle the questioning of the vocational expert without any further preparation, but I went ahead and looked up all of the details in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. I wanted to be over prepared “just in case.”
Because of all of our preparation, the hearing went smoothly. She answered each of the judge’s questions with the whole truth. The client got the result that she wanted. As I thought, I did not really need to look up all of the details in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. But you never know for sure how a hearing will go. I still follow the motto of the Boy Scouts that I learned so many years ago-Be Prepared. It is still the key to success.
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“What Does The IRS Know About Me?”
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free report or request a free PDF download
by sending your request to jennifer@ebbinghouse.com
with Free Report number one in the subject line.
————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Please remember our office if you know of someone who can benefit from our services.
Also keep in mind that we offer Tax Problem Resolution representation as well.
Go to www.TheTaxSolvers.com for further information.
Our People Profile
Customer Services Specialist Jennifer Ebbinghouse has been working for the Ebbinghouse Law Group since 2009. She was born and raised in southern Indiana and graduated from University of Indianapolis as a registered nurse in 2004. Jennifer has worked in the hospital as a nurse on the medical surgical floor and Intensive Care Unit. Additionally, she has been charge nurse in the Immediate Care Setting and at a Federally Qualified Health Clinic.
She brings her passion for helping others to her position at Ebbinghouse Law Group, whether it’s reviewing medical records for case preparation or greeting clients when they come to the office. Jennifer always has a big smile and a ready laugh for everyone. Working in the business with Tom has been a rewarding and educational experience for her. Jennifer enjoys traveling with Tom, reading and her two kittys Catrina and Bedford.
Doloris’s Divine Dishes
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook
and I wanted to share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food
for you to enjoy.
Miss Patti’s Three Day Coconut Cake
1 box yellow butter cake mix (enough for two layers)
1 10 oz bag of angel coconut
1 pint sour cream
2 cups sugar
1 large container of cool whip
Mix cake according to package directions for two 8 inch cake pans, bake and allow to cool.
Mix together 6 to 7 oz of coconut, sour cream and sugar and cool whip.
Split layers in half, making 4 layers.
Spread mixture in between layers and all over outside.
Sprinkle with remaining coconut all over outside of cake.
Place in refrigerator for 3 days (Very Important) to hold for three days.
I also drain crushed pineapple and place between the layers along with crushed pecans.
(Add amount as you desire)
May 2011 Newsletter
EBBINGHOUSE LAW GROUP, LLC
Social Security Sentinel
NEWS DEDICATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
www.DisabilityTSE.com
May 2011
Tom S. Ebbinghouse, Attorney
Published Author
Social Security Disability Claimant Representative
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Free Book Offer……………….pg 1
SSA Article……………………pg 1
Our People Profile……………pg 2
Doloris’s Devine Dishes……..pg 2
READ FOR YOURSELF!
Read what it takes to win
Your Social Security Disability Claim
ACT NOW!
Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim
By the Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your FREE book or go to our website www.disablityTSE.com
SSA To Use Computers to Analyze Disability Claims In Indiana
The Indianapolis Star reports that Kia Green, a spokeswoman for Social Security, has stated that Social Security will use computers to perform an “intelligent analysis” of medical records that it receives through the Indiana Network for Patient Care (INPC) that is operated by The Regenstrief Institute. I reported the original press release about what The Regenstrief Institute is doing here. The original press release from Social Security did not mention that as the medical records are transferred from the Indiana Network for Patient Care that SSA’s computers would perform the “intelligent analysis” of the medical records. According to The Indianapolis Star article, if the system deems the information significant, it sends an alert to the decision makers reviewing the file. For example, if the medical file of a patient with end-stage renal disease shows the person is undergoing dialysis, an alert goes out. It would be interesting to see what the computers are searching for, what SSA has determined merits an alert, and what kind of reports the system generates.
FREE REPORT!
“What Does The IRS Know About Me?”
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free report or request a free PDF download by sending your request to jennifer@ebbinghouse.info with Free Report number one in the subject line.
Please remember our office if you know of someone who can benefit from our services.
Also keep in mind that we offer Tax Problem Resolution representation as well.
Go to www.TheTaxSolver.com for further information.
People Profile
Attorney Tom S. Ebbinghouse has been representing individuals with claims for Social Security Disability Benefits since 1994. He is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives and has educated other attorneys about Social Security Disability claims in publications and seminars: “Disability Basics”, Indiana State Bar Association, Solo and Small Firm Conference, 2010; “Basic Disability with Ethics” December 2009 Entitlements Planning; Seminar Chair for the Inaugural Advanced Social Security Master Series, ICLEF 2007; “Listings Example: Musculoskeletal”, ICLEF, 2006 Social Security (Seminar Chair and Speaker); “Disability 101″, ICLEF, Elder Law December 2004; “New Musculoskeletal and Related Listings”, ICLEF Social Security, May 2002; “A Brief Look at Social Security Disability and Medicaid Disability”, ICLEF, Elder Law November 2001; “Researching Social Security Issues: How to find a Needle In A Haystack”, ICLEF, October, 1998 and May, 1999; “Resources for Handling SSI Cases”, Pro Bono Service SSI Children’s Project May 1998.
Tom graduated from Depauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1977 where he majored in economics. He was a DePauw Rector Scholar as well as a member of the freshman scholastic honor society (Phi Eta Sigma) and the economics honor society (Omicron Delta Epsilon). Tom served as a law clerk for the Honorable J. Brandon Griffis of the Wayne Superior Court #1 for two summers while attending law school. He earned his law degree from Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington in 1980 graduating cum laude. He then was a Law Clerk for two years for the Honorable Robert H. Staton of the Indiana Court of Appeals. In 1982 Tom opened his solo practice in Indianapolis where he has concentrated his practice in disability and long-term health care issues (Social Security and Medicaid planning), Elder Law -incapacity (advance directives and guardianships), wealth preservation (trusts and wills), estate administration, and IRS tax problem resolution. All of these experiences have helped Tom better represent individuals in their claims for Social Security Disability Benefits. Tom is a member of the American Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, and the Indianapolis Bar Association. He is also a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Spinach Maria
5 (10 oz packages frozen chopped spinach)
1 tsp dry mustard
1 ¾ tsp crushed red pepper
1 Tbsp butter
6 Tbsp flour
8 oz cheddar cheese
4 oz Monterey jack cheese
1 ½ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
4 ½ cups milk
1 tsp granulated garlic
½ medium yellow onion
5 Tbsp melted butter
8 oz Velveeta cheese
Thaw spinach in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Squeeze excess water as much as possible out of the spinach.
Heat milk and spices in 4 qt saucepan on medium heat to just below boil. Reduce heat and simmer. Finely chop onion and saute’ in 1 Tbsp butter on medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes. Add to saucepan. Combine 5 Tbsp melted butter with the flour in a small saute’ pan. (This is the first step of making roux, which will thicken the sauce.) Mix until completely blended. Cook on low heat 3 to 4 minutes to make roux. Add roux to milk in saucepan and mix well. Cook until sauce thickens. Cut the Velveeta, cheddar, and jack cheese into small cubes and add to saucepan. Continue to mix until all the cheese is melted and blended into the sauce. Be careful not to burn the sauce while the cheese is melting. Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add drained spinach to cheese sauce, mix until completely blended. Spoon into a 11 x 9 x 2 inch or larger casserole and top with grated Monterey Jack Cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Makes 12 servings.
Processing Time at Indianapolis ODAR Falls Again!
Processing time at the Indianapolis Office of Disability Adjudication and Review has fallen again. As reported elsewhere on this site, in November 2009, the number of days from the filing of a Request for Hearing until the case was completed at the hearing site averaged 579 days. In April of 2009, it was 738 days and in June of 2008 it was 896 days. As of March 26, 2010, the number of days from the Request for Hearing for average processing at the Indianapolis ODAR was 534 days. As of February 1, 2011, average processing time had fallen to 505 days. Progress continues to be made!
In Fort Wayne, as of February 1, 2011, average processing time had fallen to 411 days. Evansville is at 318 days, and the recently opened Valparaiso office is at 285 days.
