The statistic is intimidating: About 67% of all Social Security disability insurance claims (SSDI) are denied on the first application filed with the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, injured applicants should not get discouraged. And by all means, do not submit a new application. That merely perpetuates the problem.
The most common reasons why SSDI claims are denied are well-known among those who have been through the application process or who know someone who has applied. First-time applicants may not be as familiar with the reasons why claims are denied, so we’ll run through some here.
Insufficient medical information – Medical records must show that your disability interferes with your ability to perform your job. Most primary care physicians are familiar with the type of information that is necessary to send to the SSA, but they are not always good about completing it.
Failure to follow prescribed treatment – You must follow your doctor’s orders for treatment and show proof or the SSA will deny your claim.
Previous denial – As mentioned earlier, some applicants mistakenly start over with an application after a denial. The correct next step is to file an appeal.
Failure to follow SSA directions – Applicants must complete all forms properly, provide requested documentation and show up to scheduled medical exams. It’s wise to remain in contact with the person who is handling your case so that person becomes familiar with it.
High rate of successful appeals
The bad news is that only about 13% of initial appeals result in approved applications. The good news that at the next stage, a hearing before an administrative law judge, more than 60% of appeals are successful.
The appeals process is complex. It is wise to enlist the help of a knowledgeable SSDI lawyer who can help you prepare for a hearing before a judge and make sure you present the strongest possible claim. Statistics show that an applicant who is represented by a lawyer has a significantly better chance of getting their claim approved than one who does not have legal representation.