If you suffer from an injury or illness that has left you unable to work, then you’re probably worried about how you’re going to financially survive. It can be tough, for sure, given that your income is practically non-existent during a time when you need extensive medical care. But you may be able to offset your losses and secure financial stability by pursuing a Social Security Disability claim.
That said, far too many disabled individuals think that the claims process is so straightforward that they’re almost guaranteed to recover benefits. This simply isn’t the case. In fact, the majority of initial disability claims are denied. A denial threatens disabled individuals’ ability to secure the care and treatment that they need. With that in mind, it’s a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with some of the most common reasons for claim denial so that you can avoid them as you navigate your case.
The main reasons why disability claims are denied
There are many reasons why these claims are denied. Here are some of the most common justifications:
- Insufficient medical evidence: Every injury and illness that qualifies for Social Security disability benefits has its own eligibility requirements. This means that when you present your disability claim, it needs to be supported by medical evidence that speaks directly to the requirements of your specific condition. So, make sure you know how the government is going to assess your condition so that you can better target your evidence while being as thorough as possible.
- Improperly navigating the process: Even if your initial disability claim is denied, you have the ability to appeal that decision and hopefully convince the government that you qualify for benefits. If your initial claim is denied, then you must appeal that decision if you hope to obtain disability benefits. You can’t simply refile a new claim, as that will most certainly lead to another denial.
- Not following doctor recommendations: If you’re receiving treatment for your disability, then you need to follow your doctor’s recommendations. If you don’t, then it’s all too easy for a claim examiner to indicate that they can’t confirm that you have a disability because you’re not seeking needed medical treatment.
- You make too much money: There are strict income limitations when it comes to eligibility for disability benefits. If your income is over a certain amount, which is pretty miniscule, then the government will simply argue that you’re able to work and earn a wage, thereby preventing your from obtaining disability benefits.
- You have an inadequate work history: In addition to assessing your medical condition, the government is also going to look at your work history to see if you’ve worked long enough to qualify for disability benefits. The system doesn’t require you to have worked a long time, but you do need a certain number of “credits” in order to meet eligibility requirements.
Consider seeking assistance in building your disability claim
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into a disability claim determination. That’s why you need to diligently build your case, making sure that you’re presenting the strongest evidence possible to support your claim. That can be difficult to do, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the law and you simply want to focus on taking care of your medical condition.
That’s why law firms like ours are here to help. An attorney who is experienced in this area of the law can help you better position yourself for the successful outcome that you deserve. If you’d like to learn more about what that process looks like, then please consider reaching out to an attorney for more information.