There is a lot of paperwork involved in a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim. One of the most common mistakes people make is to rush through the application process because they want to get benefits as quickly as possible.
Cutting corners or rushing with such important paperwork might mean that you don’t receive the approval you need for those benefits. You, of course, have the right to appeal, but it is usually better to avoid making major mistakes in the first place.
What are some of the reasons people find their benefits applications rejected by the Social Security Administration (SSA)?
Their medical condition doesn’t meet the requirements
Not every serious medical condition will ultimately qualify you for SSDI. The SSA has specific requirements that a condition must meet for someone to potentially receive SSDI.
Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working or living without some kind of outside support. Just being unable to do your skilled trade is not necessarily enough to qualify for SSDI. If you can do other work, even if it is data entry or customer service, your condition may not be enough to qualify. Additionally, your medical issues will need to persist for at least a year.
They don’t submit adequate medical documentation
Even those who have obviously debilitating conditions could receive a rejection notice. A diagnosis alone won’t immediately result in getting benefits.
You need medical documentation about the severity of your symptoms and how your condition affects your life. Simply writing down your diagnosis and the list of your symptoms won’t be nearly as compelling as information provided by your doctor.
They don’t follow through with medical treatment
If you play a role in the severity of your condition, that might affect your right to claim benefits. For example, if your doctor has recommended surgery or physical therapy, and you have not pursued those treatment options, you may not qualify for benefits. After all, your refusal of the recommended treatment is part of why you can’t work or live independently.
Learning more about your rights when you apply for SSDI will make it easier for you to avoid the mistakes that would hurt your chances of approval.