Many disabled people delay applying for Social Security Disability due to a fear that their claim will be denied. Statistics bear this out. Only 22% of disability applicants are approved on their initial application; 63% of SSDI applicants are denied. While a significant number of initial SSD claims are denied, there are steps that you can take to strengthen your claim and help minimize the likelihood of claim denial.
Top Reasons Why Disability Claims Are Denied
It’s worthwhile to educate yourself on why disability claims are denied, so that you can take steps to minimize the risk of having your own claim denied. Here are some of the most common reasons why SSD claims are denied:
1. Lack of medical evidence showing that the applicant’s medical condition is severe enough or long lasting enough to prevent him from working. Many applications are denied for lack of sufficient medical documentation of the disability. Evidence of severity is far more helpful when its stated in terms of specific functional limitations, as opposed to a physician simply stating that he believes the patient to be disabled.
2. Lack of earnings credits. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability, applicants must be medically disabled AND must have earned enough work credits in order to qualify. Individuals who haven’t worked enough, or have worked recently enough, won’t be eligible for Social Security Disability. (That same person may still qualify for SSI benefits).
3. An unwillingness to cooperate with the Social Security Administration, such as by failing to submit to a requested consultative examination or submit requested information.
4. Failure to obtain regular medical treatment or otherwise follow through with a doctor’s treatment recommendations.
5. The applicant’s disability was fueled by drug addiction or alcoholism.
Fight To Protect Your Future And Your Well-Being
There is a lot on the line when it comes to seeking disability benefits. That is why you need to make sure that you are presenting the strongest arguments possible in light of the facts at hand. Would you like to learn more about how to do that? If so, consider discussing your situation with a proven Social Security disability law firm.