Ah, applying for social security disability benefits is an odyssey.
Trying to get a disability benefit is not an easy process, with many obstacles to sort out, complicated legal jargon, and with the addition of a physical or mental impediment, you have the recipe for guaranteed stress.
People usually believe that having a disability automatically makes you eligible for social security benefits, but that’s far from being the reality.
There are a number of requirements and criteria you have to meet for your claim to get the benefit, and many claimants commit frequent mistakes that lead them to case denials and frustration.
In this post, Indianapolis disability attorneys tell us the main causes why SSDI claims are denied and the importance of working with a disability attorney.
Main Reasons Why SSDI Claims Are Denied
1) Lack of Supporting Evidence
Perhaps the most common reason why SSDI claims are not approved is due to a lack of accurate or relevant evidence of your disability.
When applying for an SSDI benefit, it is necessary to show that your condition doesn’t allow you to work and won’t let you work for a long period of time, at least 12 months, and this has to be backed up with medical evidence.
But it is not a matter of two or three studies. Claimants have to effectively demonstrate that their conditions and symptoms impede them from performing their jobs.
Documentation to present in the case can range from prescriptions and medical studies to laboratory results, complete medical records, and even personal diaries showing the advancement of the condition and how it affects you daily.
2) Not Following Medical Treatments
Yes, when you have a medical condition, you have to strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations and treatments, especially if you are going to apply for SSDI.
When claimants fail to demonstrate they follow medical treatments, the SSA (Social Security Administration) may understand that your condition is not really serious, and therefore, they may deny you the benefit.
Showing compliance with treatments and including evidence of it will increase the chances of getting your case approved.
3) Failure to Meet the SSA Criteria
Some cases do not fall under the criteria of what the SSA considers a disability, or the time it will last.
When you have a work impediment, it might be the case that your condition is not long-lasting and you’ll soon be able to go back to work. In that case, you might be able to get short-term or long-term disability insurance.
Individuals are eligible for SSDI as long as their disabilities impede them from working for more than 12 months.
4) SGA Earnings
Income is also a problem when applying for an SSDI benefit.
SSDI is meant for individuals who cannot work and earn money. This is called SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity), and there is a limit on what you can earn per month.
If you’re earning more than the stated amount, your case will be denied.
5) Communication Problems
During the case, the SSA might need you to include more documentation, conduct examinations, and you have to respond within a stipulated time.
Claimants frequently get their benefits denied because they don’t attend the medical appointments or they don’t respond to notifications in time.
Keeping all the information updated and responding to SSA on time is important to reduce the chances of a denial.
How Can a Disability Lawyer in Indianapolis Help You
There are many mistakes that SSDI claimants make when applying for disability benefits, and the most common errors relate to a lack of compelling evidence, failure to comply with treatments, and communication problems.
When applying for a disability benefit, it is important to receive legal advice from a disability lawyer. Professionals in disability law know the main problems with applying processes, they understand SSA guidelines and law, and they can explain everything in simple terms.
Lawyers can also help you in the case of an appeal. Most SSDI cases receive denials, but it is possible to appeal. Disability lawyers can guide you to gather the necessary evidence and represent you at hearings.
The process of applying for SSDI is often complicated, it takes time, and if you’re also dealing with a medical condition, it can be more exhausting and frustrating.
For that reason, working with a disability lawyer in Indianapolis is necessary.
