Houston Social Security
Disability Attorney

Photo of David Dopkin
Photo of David Dopkin

Reasons why your disability claim was denied

On Behalf of | Oct 2, 2017 | blog

After a life-changing illness or injury that has left you in a position where you can no longer work at your Houston job, you may have decided to file for social security disability benefits. After fighting through what can sometimes be a long and difficult process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) finally responded to your claim. Unfortunately, they responded with a denial. Now what do you do?

The first thing you should do is find out why the Social Security Administration denied your claim. In some cases, it may be something as simple as a clerical error, but there are other reasons that might require you to go through the entire appeals process. In general, the SSA denies approximately 66 percent of all disability claims. Even more receive denials during the first appeal that claimants submit. This means that the last thing you should do is throw in the towel after you get a denial. To understand more about why you might have received a Social Security Disability denial, read below.

Disability due to substance abuse

If your disability is a direct result of continued substance abuse, the SSA will more than likely deny your claim. While many claims receive approval where individuals have mental or physical limitations due to past abuse, the key difference is that continued use is not a contributing factor to the problems.

High earnings

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based the income you have earned since you began working. Therefore, the more earnings you have over a lifetime, the higher your benefits will be. If you are working when you apply for benefits, however, the SSA is more likely to deny your application, even if the amount you are earning is below the substantial gainful activity threshold (Currently, $1,170.00).

The disability will last for less than one year

In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you have to be able to prove that your disability is long-term and will last for more than one year. If your medical records indicate that you will be able to return to your regular work in less than a twelve-month period, the SSA will deny your claim.

Lack of treatment records

When you file for disability, you will have to submit medical records. If your records do not indicate that you have a disability that is severe enough to prevent you from working, the SSA will more than likely issue a denial. In order for your disability to be considered significant in the eyes of the SSA, you will need records from treating physicians, counselors and other professionals that adequately identify the extent of your disability and why it keeps you for working.

If you have received a denial for Social Security Disability benefits, there are a number of reasons that might have contributed to the SSA’s decision. Take the time to find out the exact reason and then start the appeals process.