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Man’s denied Social Security disability appeal still has life

On Behalf of | Jun 19, 2021 | SSD - Social Security Disability Process And Benefits |

Living with a mental illness or multiple mental health-related conditions can make certain aspects of life more difficult. In some cases, the severity of a condition may make it impossible for someone to hold down substantial gainful employment, and as a result, that person may apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Of course, even with a genuine need, the Social Security Administration may deny an application, and the applicant may need to go through the appeals process. 

Administrative judge denial 

One man has had to take major steps in appealing his SSDI denial, and his case has gone to federal court. In a recent ruling from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, it was determined that the administrative judge who ruled on the man’s case wrongly denied the man SSDI benefits. As part of the administrative judge’s decision for denial, information from the applicant’s psychiatrist was not considered substantiative to the man’s claim. 

Federal court outcome 

The administrative judge did not give a valid explanation as to why the opinion of the psychiatrist was not given greater consideration. The judge’s reasoning for not approving the man’s SSDI claim was that the man could have good days and handle basic needs, such as feeding and dressing himself and shopping. However, the federal court did not believe that any of the reasons the administrative judge gave for claiming that the man was able to work were valid. Still, the federal court did not rule the man unable to work. 

Continuing the process 

The man’s case will likely go through additional proceedings in order to reach a final outcome. This case shows just how difficult obtaining Social Security disability benefits can be, but seeing the appeals process through all of its possible options may be beneficial. Because these cases can be challenging and complex, having legal support from the outset may be wise. 

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