Reasons for Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a long, daunting and confusing process, but your attorneys at Moore Law Firm are here to help walk you through the process and assume much of the work and responsibility. Unfortunately, statistics show that upwards of 65% of social security disability claims are rejected in their initial filing. There are multiple reasons why the Social Security Administration may deny your claim. Having an experienced attorney who can help with the initial application or the appeals process can be imperative to the success of your case.

Insufficient Medical Evidence

If the administrator reviewing your benefits application believes that your disability is not significant enough to warrant benefits, they will reject your application.  If they believe that despite your disability, you would be able to obtain gainful employment in another job or field, or you would be able to work on a modified schedule, they will not award you disability benefits.  For this reason, you must attend all physician and therapy appointments, and keep all medical documentation of your disability.

In addition, if your disability is not suspected to be a long-term problem, meaning less than one year in duration, your application can also be denied.  Social security disability benefits are designed for people who become disabled either permanently or continuously for a long period of time.

Paperwork Issues

When you file a claim with the Social Security Administration, whether it is an initial filing or an appeal, the most important thing you can do is to make sure that every ‘I’ is dotted and every ‘T’ is crossed.  The initial filing is normally done without an attorney as you could be approved without having to retain an attorney. However, most claims will ultimately require an attorney due to the Social Security Administration denying benefits.

It is difficult for anyone to ensure they have every document, signature, record and letter that is required to file an application, but dealing with a disability can make this even more of an arduous task.  Social security also imposes filing deadlines, and a missed deadline can put you on the fast track to a denial.

You’re Still Working

Physically, if you are still able to work once you become disabled, the Social Security Administration will see that as an indicator that you may not need benefits.  If you are making less than $1000 per month, that income may not impact the decision, but if you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity Allowance, which, for 2018 is $1,180 per month then it could impact our ability to get benefits.  An attorney who is well versed in the laws surrounding SSDI claims can help you determine your countable income. Often, you can deduct certain medical necessities from your earned income which could help you qualify for benefits.  Making too much money at the time when you submitted your application is the number one reason that a claim is automatically denied.

Moore Law Firm has experience helping people who have become disabled through no fault of their own obtain benefits they are entitled to receive. Contact us today and we can help you next.