Principal Attorney
If you’ve developed a long-term disability, you may file a claim for financial benefits from the Social Security Administration’s disability programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unfortunately, the majority of people who apply for SSD benefits will have their initial claims denied. Denials frequently occur for several common reasons. Knowing the common reasons for denials can help you pursue an effective appeal strategy.
Incomplete and Inaccurate Paperwork
The Social Security Administration frequently denies long-term disability claims when applications include incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. Not filling in all the fields on an application as instructed can delay the processing of claims when the SSA asks for additional information. Inconsistent information on an application can also delay a claim since the SSA will need clarification to resolve the discrepancy, or it may result in the SSA denying the claim.
You can avoid mistakes with application paperwork that can lead to a denial of your claim by carefully reviewing forms to make sure you’ve completed them as instructed. You can also work with your medical providers and legal counsel to ensure your forms include accurate, consistent information.
Lack of Medical Evidence
The Social Security Administration requires substantial evidence of a disability, including a formal diagnosis by a healthcare professional and proof that the condition meets the durational requirement and prevents an applicant from performing substantial gainful activity. Gaps in the medical record, inconsistent treatment or rehabilitation, or lack of objective findings in the doctor’s notes can lead the SSA to conclude that an applicant does not have a qualifying disability.
Applicants can strengthen their claims by gathering detailed medical records (ensuring no significant gaps in treatment), lab results, and reports from medical specialists. An application can also include narrative letters from treating providers to explain the applicant’s condition and how it limits their daily activities.
Social Media Evidence
In some cases, an applicant’s social media activity may undermine their disability claim. For example, suppose an applicant claims that their condition prevents them from performing various physical activities, but then they post photos of themselves playing sports or engaging in recreational activities on social media, even though that photo may have come from a “good” day. Such posts can undermine the credibility of a disability benefits application and lead to the denial of a claim.
Applicants can avoid letting their social media profiles undermine their disability benefits claims by refraining from posting and asking family and friends to avoid tagging them.
Missed Deadlines or Failure to Follow Procedures
During an application review, the Social Security Administration may ask an applicant to provide additional information or documents or submit to a consultative exam to provide the Social Security Administration with updated medical information. Failing to attend the exam or provide requested information promptly may lead the Administration to deny an SSD claim due to insufficient medical evidence.
Applicants should keep a schedule of deadlines for submitting additional information or attending consultative exams. Should an applicant have to miss an exam, they should contact the examiner to reschedule as soon as possible.
Proof of Residual Functional Capacity
Finally, the Social Security Administration frequently denies disability claims after finding that a claimant has residual functional capacity, which means they can work in past jobs they’ve held or in another job that exists in substantial numbers in the national economy, given the claimant’s disability, education, training, and work experience. When the SSA denies a claim due to an RFC finding, an application should secure an independent vocational evaluation and obtain a narrative letter from their treating providers to explain their functional limitations in greater detail.
Contact a Disability Lawyer Today
If the Social Security Administration has denied your disability benefits claim, understanding the reasons for the denial can help you develop a legal strategy to appeal the decision and pursue the financial assistance you need and deserve. Contact Disability Advocates Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a disability benefits attorney to learn more about the common reasons for SSD claim denials and what you can do to respond to a denial notice.
