If you have applied for Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) benefits,
you’re probably in immediate need of financial assistance to offset
the cost of your debilitating injury or illness. Being denied can be exasperating
and confusing, especially after you’ve undergone the tedious application
process a time or two.
Be advised that
resubmitting multiple identical applications will not change the result. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not use a lottery system
to elect recipients of disability benefits. Rather, you are approved or
denied based on whether or not the information provided in your application
sufficiently meets (or doesn’t meet) specific criteria.
Before rushing to re-apply and attempting to persuade the SSA of the reasons
you ought to be awarded benefits, take time to consider the possible reasons
for your denial and tweak your application accordingly. If your condition
truly does merit SSDI benefits, understanding common reasons for denial
could increase your chances of receiving the assistance you require. Some
of the most common reasons for denial include:
-
Moderate Injury: The SSA is unlikely to award disability benefits to persons whose reported
medical conditions and debilitating effects are not expected to last at
least 1 year. Injuries or illnesses whose effects last less than 12 months
are not typically considered by the SSA to be debilitating or severe enough
to warrant disability benefits, though every case is assessed on its own
merit. It is important to emphasize the extent to which your illness or
injury limits your capabilities, especially if your injury has the potential
to be viewed as minor.
-
Income Level: When looking over your application, the SSA evaluates whether or not your
injury or illness has prevented you from maintaining what it calls “substantial
gainful activity” (SGA). This means if you are still able to work
and rake in at least $1,170 each month (this number changes each year),
you may not be considered disabled, consequently barring you from receiving
disability benefits.
-
Failure to Undergo Treatment: If your application gives the impression that you willfully induced your
current level of debilitation, you are unlikely to receive benefits. Demonstrating
that you have undergone therapy, tried medication, etc. in order to combat
the effects of your illness or injury is important when completing your
application. However, there are some excuses for refusing treatments that
the SSA may find acceptable, depending on your case. (If you have refused,
ceased, or stopped trying new treatments for your condition and worry
that it will negatively affect your eligibility to receive benefits, contact a
Social Security Disability attorney right away.)
Speak to One of Our Las Vegas Social Security Disability Lawyers
There are a variety of other reasons your SSDI claim may be denied. Our
legal team at
Shook & Stone is happy to speak with you regarding your application and help you ensure
you are treated fairly by the Social Security Administration. We are prepared
to do everything in our power to make the process as streamlined and stress-free
as possible.
Call us at (702) 385-2220 or contact us
to schedule a complimentary case evaluation today.