When a person suffers an injury that puts them out of work, it can cause feelings of uneasiness and worry about the future. Those injured may be wondering how they will pay medical bills and basic living expenses without an income. This is exactly why the Social Security Disability Insurance program was created. SSDI pays benefits to qualified disabled workers and their dependents, providing financial security for those who are limited or can no longer work due to their illness or injury. Here are two reasons why many claims are initially denied.
Lack of medical evidence
A lack of medical evidence is one of the most common reasons why claims are denied. Before approving a claim, the Social Security Administration needs to ensure that applicants are seeking and getting medical treatment. If the applicant is not seeing a doctor or attempting to get treated for the disability, it makes sense for the SSA to assume the individual is healthy. When applying for disability benefits, be sure to list the names, addresses, exams and all pertinent information about doctors that were visited, as well as the dates and times of the visits.
Lack of duration
The SSA has a minimum disability period known as the durational requirement, which is 12 months. Applicants will need to supply evidence that shows that they have been or expect to be disabled for at least one year. Applicants should document as much information as they can about ongoing treatments. It is also recommended to obtain notes from doctors stating that the applicant will be receiving treatment for a year or more.
Help for denied claims
It is estimated that just under 70% of all initial SSDI claims are rejected at first, so receiving a denial from the SSA is not uncommon. Understanding the reasons for the initial denial is crucial when attempting an appeal. Before filing an appeal, it can be beneficial to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who can provide guidance and increase the chances of a successful appeal.
