If a medical condition puts you out of commission for a year or longer, Social Security Disability benefits can help cover expenses until you’re back on your feet. As your livelihood could depend on receiving this support, go over the application process carefully. By knowing why many claims are rejected, as outlined here, you’ll be better equipped to cover your bases for a better chance at approval. 

Why Do Social Security Disability Claims Get Denied?

1. Presenting Poor Medical Evidence

When applying for Social Security Disability, you’ll need to provide medical evidence to support your claim. Reach out to your health care provider for your records, including examination notes, treatment reports, bloodwork panels, X-rays, mental health files, and any other documents that prove the severity of your disability and how it will prevent or severely limit your ability to work. Your doctor can also include a note stating you can’t work due to the condition. Failing to include this information is why many applications are rejected.

2. Reapplying After Initial Denial 

When your Social Security Disability application is reviewed, whether you are reapplying because an initial claim was denied will be considered. There is a chance the person who reviewed the first claim could also review the second, using the same reasons for another rejection. Unless you’ve missed the deadline to do so, it’s best to appeal the initial claim’s rejection. This guarantees a different person will review your application, which could lead to an alternative outcome. 

3. Making Too Much Money

Many claims are denied because the applicants don’t meet income requirements. To have a debilitating condition, an applicant shouldn’t perform work that exceeds the substantial gainful activity limit. This means they shouldn’t earn more than $1,260 a month from working. If the applicant is blind, the amount increases to $2,110.

For help understanding the Social Security Disability application process or assistance appealing a rejection, contact Goddard & Hammontree LLC in Dalton, GA. With decades of experience, the attorneys help Whitfield County area clients with Social Security law matters as well as medical malpractice and workers’ compensation claims. Meet the lawyers online and call (706) 278-0464 for legal advice.