If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, you may be wondering what are common reasons for denial of an SSDI claim. We, at Casa de la Justicia, strive to guide the community towards the benefits that they need and deserve. Let’s go over what the common reasons for denial in a disability application are.

SSDI is a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which pays disability benefits to those who cannot work due to a medical condition. This medical condition should be expected to last at least one year or result in death.

In order to apply successfully for SSDI, a person must meet the SSA’s disability criteria. In addition, the applicant (or their spouse or parent) must have worked a certain amount of time within a recent time frame and in a job where they paid into the Social Security system.

If approved, an applicant’s monthly SSDI payment amount will be based on their lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. Under some circumstances, your children may also receive a monthly benefit.

Although millions of people apply for SSDI yearly, only a small percentage get approved. For example, in 2022, approximately 3 million people applied, but SSA only made 543,445 SSDI awards.

Casa de la Justicia has experience in cases where people want to apply for disability benefits or that have been denied and are trying to get an appeal. But, why does this happen? Here are some common reasons why many people’s disability applications are denied by the SSA.

Insufficient Medical Evidence for the Disability Application

A common reason SSDI claims are denied is that the SSA disagrees that an applicant meets its disability criteria. This is usually because the application lacks adequate medical evidence supporting the person’s claim they are disabled and unable to work.

For this reason, the medical records need to document not only the existence of a disability, but also that this condition has interfered with a person’s ability to work.

Multiple Applications and Failure to Pursue the Appeal Process Disability Applications

Another common issue is when a person submits another application instead of appealing a denial. If the SSA reviewer sees you were previously denied benefits based on a similar application, you may find yourself being denied once again.

SSDI applications are frequently denied because they don’t have enough information to enable the SSA to award you SSDI benefits. It is better to appeal a denial first before submitting a new application. An appeal comprises multiple levels, so you can correct or supplement your application through this process.

Your Condition Is Not a Qualifying Medical Condition for a Disability Application

Even if your condition is severe and limits your ability to work, the SSA may still find that you can do other work and engage in SGA.

Often, the person evaluating your request will determine your condition is not comparable and that you can engage in other types of work that can lead to SGA. If they come to this conclusion, your claim will likely be denied.

If you disagree with the SSA’s determination that your medical condition is not a qualifying one, you may need to take up an appeal. You should speak with your attorney as early in the process as possible, or you may be unnecessarily prejudiced. That’s where we, Casa de la Justicia, come in.

Visiting Casa de la Justicia’s website is the first step towards accessing Casa de la Justicia’s services and finding all the information that you need to apply for disability benefits in the US. On our website, you will find detailed information about disability benefits, the application process, and the specific ways in which we can assist you.

Contact us today by clicking on the button below and receive the assistance that you are looking for. Or call 1-800-840-4040 to make your virtual appointment for free.