Denial of Social Security Disability Claims
When you are struggling with a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from earning a steady income, taking care of yourself and your family, and limits your daily activities, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Federal Government provides Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to individuals who are disabled.
However, while some individuals who apply for disability are approved without issue, many initial claims are denied. This means that the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviewed the claim and determined that, based on the provided information, the claimant did not qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Why Would A Disability Claim Be Denied?
Many disability claims are denied simply because sufficient medical evidence wasn’t provided in the application. This issue can stem from not gathering adequate medical records, not seeing a proper specialist, or because the evidence provided was misinterpreted by the SSA.
Additionally, sometimes a claimant’s impairment(s) may not meet the criteria to be considered a qualifying disability. Qualifying disabilities are listed in the Blue Book and divided into specific categories. However, if your disability is not listed, you may still be eligible for benefits if your condition prevents you from taking part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and therefore, earning a living wage. In this case, you will need to prove your disability meets or equals a listing in the Blue Book.
A claimant may also be eligible for benefits if they have several conditions which, cumulatively, cause the same level of impairment as a qualifying disability.
Reasons Disability Claims are Denied
There are several reasons a claim might be denied by the SSA even if the claim is legitimate. Some of these include the following:
- Inadequate Medical Information
- Claimant is Below Age 50
- Rigorous Screening Processes by the SSA can Lead to Skepticism
- History of Disability Denial
What to Do When Your Claim is Denied
If you are suffering from a disability that limits your daily function and prevents you from working, it is time to file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance. However, if you have filed and were denied benefits, it’s important to reach out to a qualified SSDI attorney in Illinois as soon as possible.
Appealing A Denied SSDI Claim
When your disability claim is denied, working with an SSDI/SSI appeals attorney is essential to obtaining the benefits you need.
The Appeals Process
You will have 60 days from the date of your claim denial letter to file an appeal. Your lawyer will go over your original claim to find exactly what was not done appropriately. Additionally, your attorney will examine the SSA’s reason for denial and ascertain whether their decision was based on lack of evidence, improper filing, or some other reason.
Filing an appeal with the SSA for disability benefits involves filing new documentation. Your attorney will help you file a Reconsideration Request. Many of these types of requests are denied, in which case the next step is requesting an Administrative Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.
If your appeal is denied at the hearing, the next step is to file a Request for Review with the Appeals Council. If this review is not successful, you can then file a suit in the Federal district court.
Having a qualified attorney on your side to assist in your appeal is essential to increase your chances of receiving the benefits you need. At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, we know the ins and outs of complex disability appeals. From early stages of filing a Reconsideration Request, to Federal court, our legal team is available to help you through any part of this difficult process.
Work With Our Illinois Disability Claim Denial Attorneys
Are you searching for a trusted law firm to help you file an appeal for disability benefits after being denied by the SSA? At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, you can count on our team to help you through the process. With decades of experience in SSDI and SSI law, our disability attorneys know how to help clients fight for their rights.
Call us today to request a free case evaluation.
