Unfortunately, the majority of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are initially rejected. Some of these rejections are due to minor paperwork errors, while others are caused by more significant mistakes. Awareness of the most common reasons for SSDI claim rejections can help you avoid these errors.
Why Social Security Disability Claims Are Rejected
Some of the most common reasons the Social Security Administration rejects SSDI claims include:
- Waiting too long. At a minimum, the approval process for receiving SSDI benefits takes several months. If the claim is initially rejected, and most of them are, receiving benefits can take as long as two or three years. Furthermore, no matter how long you’ve been disabled, you can only receive benefits for a maximum of one year before your application date. With all of this in mind, you don’t want to procrastinate when it comes to starting your claim.
- Applying too soon. While you don’t want to wait too long to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you should also avoid applying before you have all of the facts regarding your condition. You’ll first need a medical history that clearly establishes that your disability will last for at least a year. Otherwise, your SSDI claims representative might assume that you’re only suffering from a short-term disability and that your condition will improve before you can qualify for benefits.
- Failing to see a doctor. Before filing an SSDI claim, you need to know that you have your doctor’s support. If your physician doesn’t agree with your own assessment of your condition, his medical opinion could damage your claim. If your doctor won’t support you, you might wish to find another medical professional who will.
- Failing to follow your doctor’s orders. Generally speaking, the Social Security Administration views the failure to follow a physician's treatment plan as grounds for a denied claim. If an applicant doesn’t seem to be making any effort to heal in order to return to work, the claim may be seen as fraudulent.
- Failing to consult an attorney. SSDI claimants with professional legal representation are far more likely to be approved for benefits than those applying on their own. Experienced Social Security disability attorneys have been through the Social Security Administration claims process numerous times and can guide a claimant every step of the way.
Help Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits
The qualification process for disability benefits may be complicated and confusing, but an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can provide the help you need to receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact us today for your free, no-obligaion consultation.
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