Why Do I Keep Getting Denied for Disability?
If you've applied for Social Security Disability benefits and faced repeated denials, you're not alone.
At Cannon Law Offices, PLLC in Greenville, North Carolina, we understand the frustration and confusion that can arise when you’ve been rejected multiple times for benefits you believe you deserve.
Social Security Disability (SSD) is an essential lifeline for many people, and it’s important to understand why your claim has been denied and what steps you can take to improve your chances of approval.
If you’re struggling with a denial, it’s important to know that all hope isn’t lost. Read on for more information on the factors that may be affecting your claim and how you can improve your chances of success.
Insufficient Medical Evidence
One of the most common reasons for a Social Security Disability denial is insufficient medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires thorough and up-to-date documentation of your medical condition, treatment history, and how your disability affects your ability to work.
If the medical evidence provided isn’t comprehensive enough, the SSA may determine that you don't meet the criteria for disability benefits. To avoid this, it’s critical to work closely with your healthcare providers to make sure that your medical history is well documented.
This also ties into the importance of meeting the SSA’s specific definition of disability, which we’ll discuss next.
Failure to Meet the SSA’s Definition of Disability
The SSA has a specific definition of what qualifies as a disability, and it’s essential to meet these criteria in order to be approved for benefits. In general, the SSA defines a disability as a condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
This definition may exclude many conditions that you might think should qualify, which can lead to confusion and frustration. It’s important to assess your condition against these specific requirements. With this in mind, we can now explore how to avoid denial due to an incomplete or incorrect application.
Some key factors to keep in mind include:
Duration of the condition: The SSA looks for evidence that your disability has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year. Short-term conditions, no matter how severe, generally won’t qualify.
Work capability: You must prove that your condition prevents you from performing any type of substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you can still perform some level of work, even if it’s not your previous job, you may not meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
Severity of the condition: The SSA also requires that your disability significantly limits your ability to function. If your condition isn’t deemed severe enough to affect your daily life and work abilities, your claim may be denied.
Understanding these specific requirements can help you make sure that your application is complete and meets the SSA’s criteria. However, even the best application can be denied due to errors or omissions, so let's take a closer look at how an incomplete or incorrect application can lead to a denial.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application
Another reason why many Social Security Disability claims are denied is that applicants submit incomplete or inaccurate information. The application process for Social Security Disability can be complicated, and a simple mistake in your paperwork can result in an immediate denial.
Whether it’s missing information about your work history or failing to provide supporting documents, even small errors can lead to a rejection. Double-checking your application for completeness and accuracy is essential to avoid these issues.
To prevent these mistakes, be sure to carefully review your application before submitting it to the SSA. Take the time to fill out each section accurately and provide all required documents. Additionally, make sure that your medical records are accurate and up-to-date, as this can play a critical role in the approval process.
This level of diligence can help avoid unnecessary denials. If you continue to face denials, inconsistent treatment might be a factor to consider, and we’ll explore that next.
Not Following the SSA’s Guidelines for Treatment
The SSA requires that applicants for Social Security Disability benefits demonstrate that they have received ongoing medical treatment for their condition. If you aren’t following your doctor’s treatment recommendations or have missed appointments, it may lead the SSA to believe that your condition isn’t as severe as you claim.
Inconsistent treatment or failing to take prescribed medications can hurt your case, as it may appear that you’re not making a serious effort to manage your disability. This is why it's essential to stick to your treatment plan and document all your medical visits.
Some key factors to keep in mind include:
Regular appointments: Make sure you attend all scheduled appointments and keep records of your visits.
Adherence to treatment: Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and take medications as prescribed.
Documenting progress: Keep track of your treatment outcomes, and be sure to document any changes in your condition as a result of the treatment.
By adhering to your doctor’s guidance and keeping comprehensive records of your treatment, you can strengthen your case for Social Security Disability benefits. However, even with the right treatment, the SSA may still not fully recognize the severity of your condition. This is why proving the impact on your work and daily life is equally important, which we’ll address next.
Inability to Prove the Impact on Work and Daily Life
Another common reason Social Security Disability claims are denied is the inability to prove how your condition affects your ability to work and live your daily life. The SSA is looking for clear evidence that your disability prevents you from performing basic tasks, including work-related activities.
If your application lacks sufficient information on how your condition impacts your daily functioning, it may be rejected. Detailed documentation from family members, coworkers, or others who can attest to your limitations can be a helpful addition.
To avoid this issue, it’s important to provide specific examples of how your disability affects your ability to work, care for yourself, or engage in other everyday activities. Testimonials from friends, family members, or coworkers can be valuable in illustrating the impact your condition has on your life.
With this in mind, let’s consider how the lack of legal representation can contribute to denials.
Lack of Legal Representation
One of the most significant factors that can influence the outcome of a Social Security Disability claim is whether or not you have legal representation. Managing the Social Security Disability system can be challenging, and without an experienced attorney, it can be easy to overlook important details or make mistakes that result in a denial.
A disability lawyer can help you understand the process, make sure that your application is complete, and represent you during any hearings or appeals. Having an attorney by your side can make a big difference in your claim's success.
With skilled legal representation, you can improve your chances of success and make sure that your application is thorough and accurate. However, if your claim has already been denied, don't worry—there’s still hope.
You have the right to appeal the decision, and many claims that are initially denied are later approved after an appeal. Let’s take a closer look at how the appeals process works and how you can use it to your advantage.
Appeal Your Denial
If your claim has been denied, don’t give up. The appeals process can be long and complicated, but with the help of a lawyer, you can present new evidence and make a compelling case for your eligibility.
An experienced attorney can help you manage the appeals process and improve your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. This is an important step in your journey toward obtaining Social Security Disability benefits.
Contact Us Today
Our experienced Social Security Disability benefits attorneys serve clients throughout the Pitt County area including Beaufort County, Craven County, Lenoir County, Martin County, and Greene County. Contact us at Cannon Law Offices, PLLC today to discuss your case.