If you’ve applied for and have been denied Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, then you’ve just joined the ranks of 70 percent of all applicants that are denied the first time they apply for them. Only 15 percent of those who ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reconsider their case actually win on appeal.
In the likely event you’re wondering why your claim was denied, then it may simply boil down to you not having provided enough medical reports to substantiate the severity of your disability. Another reason you may not have qualified to receive disability payments is because you didn’t move forward in appealing your case.
As for the first reason, a lack of documentation, denials often occur in situations like this when a claimant sees a doctor for a diagnosis and he or she fails fail to seek out regular treatment for the condition. This often limits the amount of records that exist that may be able to show a progression of the illness or just how debilitating it is.
The sheer scarcity of information about your case may make it difficult for the examiner assigned to review your file to render a decision.
Also, while in the case of certain things, some might say less is more, it would seem that the opposite rings true when it comes to filing for SSDI. Many who have successfully been awarded disability payments from the SSA have been largely because they sent in a wealth of records to be reviewed by the examiner.
Although it may take longer for them to review your file, having more details to consider when making an award decision often results in a positive result.
Another common reason that your SSDI claim may have been denied is because you failed to follow up in filing an appeal of your case. Even if you file for the initial reconsideration and provide additional information requested, you may still be denied.
It’s important to then file your second appeal. While it will require you to go in-person and stand in front of an administrative judge, taking that extra step, research shows, has a 60 percent success rate.
If you have a serious injury or illness that makes it impossible to work full time, then a Trenton, Michigan attorney can provide guidance in your case as to how file a benefit claim.
Source: Social Security Disability SSI Resource Center, “Social Security Disability denied: The reasons why,” accessed Feb. 08, 2018