First-time applications for Social Security Disability (SSDI) have a high rejection rate. As many as 40% of initial applicants will have their disability claims denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s well-known what some of the most common reasons are for these rejected applications.
Understanding these reasons can help you avoid making the same mistakes that many other claimants do. Plus, having an experienced Texas disability benefits attorney will improve the likelihood that your SSDI claim is approved.
Not Enough Medical Evidence
Insufficient documentation of a disability is arguably one of the top reasons that SSDI claims are rejected. The SSA must have hard evidence that an individual is not only disabled but also meets the SSA’s definition of disabled.
Medical records must clearly demonstrate the nature of the disability and substantiate the applicant’s need for benefits. Your lawyer can help you obtain the relevant records you will need to present to the SSA.
Having a Short-Term Disability
Social Security Disability isn’t intended to provide benefits for a disability that will only last a short period of time. One of the requirements to receive SSDI is that the condition is expected to:
- Last at least one year; or
- Result in the applicant’s death.
The SSA might determine that your disability is likely to improve in under a year, and therefore deny your claim. Whether they do so will largely depend on the strength of your medical evidence. Your Texas Social Security Disability lawyer can help ensure your application is well-documented.
Being Able to Engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
SGA is a critical factor in determining whether a medical condition prevents a person from earning a living. It must be clear that an applicant is unable to perform productive income-earning work because of a disability. If you can still earn a living, and therefore engage in SGA, it is likely your claim will be rejected.
The SSA does maintain a list of medical conditions considered severe enough to prohibit SGA. If you have one of these conditions, it will greatly strengthen your application. Let a Texas SSDI attorney review your disability and advise you accordingly.
Not Following a Prescribed Course of Medical Treatment
The SSA expects that all applicants are receiving whatever medical treatment is called for by their disability. However, many individuals who seek disability benefits believe it’s not necessary to follow this regimen. This is a mistake.
A disability can become worse without treatment. With it, the disability might even disappear eventually. Therefore, unless you have a valid reason (e.g. severe side effects or religious beliefs), follow your prescribed treatment.
Refusing to Cooperate With the SSA
After submitting your application, you may be contacted by the SSA and asked to provide additional information. As an example, the SSA may ask for more records related to your condition or that you attend medical exams. If you fail to respond to these requests in a timely manner, you might jeopardize your disability claim.
Let Us Help With Your Disability Claim!
Hiring a knowledgeable Texas disability benefits lawyer will lessen the chances of you making a mistake during the application process. In the event your claim is denied, you also have the right to appeal the decision.
Find out why so many clients trust us to take care of their SSDI claims. Reach out to Ascend Disability Lawyers, LLC, today.
