All Disability. All The Time.

2 steps you need to take if your disability claim is denied

On Behalf of | Feb 5, 2023 | Disability Appeals |

The Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be an invaluable relief if you can no longer work due to a disabling condition. Unfortunately, the Social Security Authority (SSA) awards disability benefits based on the degree of need, which means that a huge number of claims end in denial. 

However, a disability denial is never the end of the road. You can appeal a denied disability claim.

Here are two crucial steps you need to take when preparing to appeal a denied disability claim:

Ramp up your evidence

The SSA considers medical evidence “the cornerstone of a disability claim”. In fact, most disability claims are denied for lack of adequate medical evidence. Here are two ways medical can denials happen:

  • When you submit insufficient medical evidence to support your claim
  • When the documentation you submit does not prove that your disability is preventing you from work or is terminal.

If the SSA cites a lack of medical evidence as one of the reasons for your claim’s denial, do not fret! You can take steps to boost your odds of winning an appeal. Here are some of the medical evidence you can submit during your appeal: 

  • Notes from the hospital, doctor and the therapist that is treating your
  • Laboratory test results, MRIs, CT scans, X-rays and other diagnostic imaging
  • Treatment plans as well as the medications you took or are currently taking

File your appeal 

The SSA will typically send you a document explaining the reasons why your claim was denied. If you disagree with the reasons cited, you need to file an appeal (also known as reconsideration). Basically, you have 60 days from the date of receiving the denial decision to file an appeal. Do not let this timeframe run out. Once you have filed your appeal, an administrative law judge will schedule a hearing on your matter.

If your disability claim is denied, you are not alone. The SSA rejects disability claims for a variety of reasons. Find out how you can boost your odds of successfully appealing a denied disability claim.