Rejection is quite common when it comes to applying for a Social Security Disability (SSD) benefit. More than 70 percent who file their claim documents with the Social Security Administration (SSA), including in Michigan, will usually fail to get an approval on the first try and 50 percent are also rejected after going through an appeal or reconsideration.
No doubt, the criteria is quite uncompromising when it comes to claiming disability benefits from the government. This is because the SSA assumes that workers have other means to support themselves during a setback or temporary disability, such as their savings and other investments, their compensation and benefits from work, and their insurance.
The SSD is supposed to be the last resort after a worker has exhausted all the other options to support himself. The government also doesn’t want to promote a lack of resourcefulness or motivation to return to work if it pays everyone who seeks a disability claim.
But apart from some misstep, omission and incorrect details in the application process, these are the top 5 primary reasons why a Social Security Disability benefit may be denied.
1.) The medical condition is not as severe as claimed.
Most Social Security Disability claims are rejected because the medical condition is not as severe as claimed. A claimant may be only qualified for SSD if his disability prevents him from returning to work for more than a year. A claimant may also have higher chances of getting approved if his condition could result in death, should he return to work.
The SSA won’t consider the condition as severe if:
The claimant is showing signs of progress from his disability in less than a year.
The claimant actually heals from his condition in less than a year.
Once a claimant’s health has improved, then it is also assumed that his condition will no longer prevent him from going back to work so he can actually start earning again.
2.) There’s not enough medical evidence to prove the claimant needs the disability benefit.
Applicants of social security disability benefit need to submit medical records or documents that show just how much their health problem has curtailed their ability to work. However, it’s not enough that the claimant has submitted a medical evaluation or test results done.
As much as possible, a family physician who has seen through the person’s worst condition should document all possible ways that a back problem, for example, may be interfering with the person’s activities. The claimant must also have a file of the doctor’s notes where he requested his patient’s absence from work in the past. Keeping proper documentation of the medical records, as well the doctor’s prescriptions could sway the approval of the SSD benefits application in the claimant’s favor.
3.) There is no follow through on the treatments.
While the grounds for SSD claims are strict when it comes to defining “severe” disability, the rules are also more stringent when it comes to claimants following through on their treatment or therapy. Not only does a person seeking a disability claim has to prove his condition, but he also has to show that he is finding ways to get better.
Thus, the SSA will need to review if the claimant is responsible about taking his medications, going to therapy, or following his doctor’s orders. The person also has to show that he is cooperative with his doctors, therapists, and other medical providers.
In some cases, the SSA might even require the claimant to undergo further medical tests and evaluations, and if he’s not willing to do this, then his application could be rejected.
4.) The claimant has training or experience to work at a different job.
The SSA will also evaluate a person’s work history, other skills, and training. It may find an important reason for the claimant to be able to carry out another job that will not affect his disability. If so, then he won’t need the benefit.
For instance, a claimant may be paralyzed down to the waist and in a wheelchair for life. However, if he has previous experience working in a call center, which isn’t physically intensive and will mostly require his speaking voice and hearing, then he can still work and earn money. Thus, the SSA might deny the disability claim.
5.) The non-medical requirements are not met.
Most SSD applications are rejected based on technicalities alone. For instance, a person who has assets like a house, a car or a boat, and has a substantial bank account may not be qualified to receive disability benefits. Understand that the SSD is a welfare program. As such, there are limitations to its benefits even if you have been a regular contributor.
Seek a Lawyer to Improve Your Chances
Arguably, however, every SSD claim is different, and while the statistics show the process can be stringent, it is not an impossible undertaking. Get in touch with us here at The Clark Law Office so we can get started with your Social Service Disability appeal. We can give you the best chance for getting your social security disability benefits. We charge nothing unless you win your case! Call 517-347-6900 for a free consultation.
