These days — particularly in the past decade — the majority of claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) fail. Granted, the pool of applicants is large and competitive. More than 12% of the US population are classified with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
What are some of the reasons why seemingly valid disability claims would not reach the approval status? Here are a few:
The Claimant’s Condition Was Not Sufficiently Severe
The impairment has to have lasted at least a year, or it is has to be so severe that you are expected to die from it. Additionally, the impairment must be on the official Listing of Impairments that the Social Security Administration publishes every year. If you have not yet sought treatment for your condition, the SSA might ask you to get an exam — which the SSA will pay for.
The Claimant Did Not Sufficiently Explain the Situation
Having full medical records to share is not easy, but it may help your claim be accepted. This may involve going to a variety of medical centers, doctors, insurers, and clinics to retrieve enough records. But having an organized, thorough set of paperwork that proves your disability will greatly increase the chances of your claim’s success.
The Claimant Was Considered Able to Work a Different Job
An examiner will determine if the applicant is able to work a job. Perhaps it is not the job the applicant was originally working at the time of the injury or diagnosis, but it is a related job. For a claim to be accepted, you must demonstrate that the condition leaves you unable to do ANY kind of work-related activity. Showing full work history and records of previous employment is crucial to proving that you are unable to work.