The inability to earn a steady income due to a medical condition leads to financial hardship for many people, leading them to file a Social Security disability claim. However, the majority of claims are denied at the initial application level. If you fall into this category, an attorney will help you with the appeal process. Here’s a closer look at the most common denial reasons to better prepare you moving forward.

Why Are Most Social Security Disability Claims Denied?

1. Medical Proof Is Unconvincing 

When filing for benefits, an applicant must include medical evidence that supports their claim that the injury is disabling. Unfortunately, many people neglect to include sufficient medical records, X-rays, treatment plans, and doctor’s notes explaining how the injury interferes with work. In this case, the Disability Determination Services agency may automatically deny your application.

2. Doctor’s Orders Weren’t Followed

Providing medical evidence is not enough to guarantee a claim’s approval. You’ll also be expected to follow through with the doctor’s orders. If you don’t adhere to the treatment plan, there’s no way for the review board to know whether the condition would improve to the point where it no longer impedes the ability to work.

Not only will following the treatment plan help improve or manage your injury, but it will also increase your chances of getting benefits to help with medical bills. If you can’t abide by the treatment plan, let your lawyer know so they can include it in the appeal paperwork. 

3. There’s a History of Denials 

If your first Social Security disability claim was denied, sending in a new application won’t help your chances for approval. There’s the possibility the same person on the review board will be assigned to your case again and deny the new claim for the same reasons.

To bypass this possibility, it’s best to appeal the first decision. This guarantees a different person will review your claim. An attorney will help gather additional medical evidence and advocate for you during the appeal hearing.

If you were denied Social Security disability benefits, Ray T. Kennington, Attorney At Law, will do everything possible to help. Knowledgeable in disability and Social Security law, the Ozark, AL-based legal advocate has been helping clients in Dale and Coffee counties get their claims approved during the appeal process since 1982. Learn more about the attorney online and call (334) 445-1200 for a consultation today.