Social Security Disability or SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to those dealing with life-limiting and disabling medical conditions. But getting approved for SSDI is easier said than done, and there are many reasons why the Social Security Administration (SSA) might deny a disability claim. To shed more light on this issue, Social Security attorney Rita Tucker Williams at Williams and Associates in Decatur, GA, discusses five common reasons disability claims are denied.

5 Common Causes of Denied SSDI Claims

1. You Don't Meet Eligibility Requirements

There are two main requirements for SSDI eligibility. First, you must have a documented, disabling, chronic health condition that prevents you from doing any type of wage-earning work. Second, you must have a certain amount of work credit hours, which one accumulates throughout their entire working life and which ultimately determine how much one receives in benefits. Not meeting either of these benchmarks will usually result in a denial.

2. You Didn't Complete the Necessary Paperwork

The SSA wants to make absolutely certain that your condition is both disabling and expected to last into the foreseeable future. One way this is accomplished is through a comprehensive application and other screening paperwork that details the medical issues the applicant is managing and the impact those issues have had on their lives. Completing this paperwork is laborious and time-consuming but necessary, and failing to do it will likely end in a denied claim.

3. You Didn't Authorize the Release of Medical Information

Another way the SSA verifies the severity of your health issues is through medical records and communication with your doctors. But an applicant must give their authorization for the SSA to obtain this crucial information. If, for whatever reason, the applicant refuses to comply and no corroborating medical evidence can be attained, they will almost always be denied SSDI. If you have concerns about privacy or other matters relating to the sharing of your medical information, consult a Social Security attorney.

4. You Didn't Attend an SSA-Mandated Exam

In some cases, applicants will be asked to go to an appointment with an SSA-approved doctor. This doctor will perform a rudimentary consultation in which they learn more about the applicant and their existing health problems. When SSA orders this exam, it is not optional and should be considered a priority. If you do not agree to be examined by an SSA doctor, you can expect the initial claim to be denied.

5. You Aren't Following Your Doctor's Treatment Plan

The SSA understands that disabling health problems can be chronic and severe. With that said, they also want to see that you as an applicant are doing everything possible to effectively manage your health. This involves following the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. If it is noted in your medical records that an applicant is not being proactive in their own health and healing, they could be denied SSDI benefits.

Let Williams and Associates guide you through the process of appealing a denied SSDI claim. Since 1990, Attorney Williams has been representing clients in all aspects of disability, personal injury, and wrongful death matters. Call (678) 695-3133, visit her online, or contact her through Facebook or Twitter to schedule a consultation with a Social Security attorney today.