Has your SSD application been denied? You probably feel lost and worried. Operating from a state of panic will ruin all your chances. About 65 per cent of all applications are initially denied, so there is no reason to be worried.
SSD Application Denied
If you suffered an injury and have been diagnosed with a disability, you are probably scared and confused already. The pressure of having your SSD application denied could make things even worse. You have to worry about supporting your family and sustaining your lifestyle, especially if the disability makes it impossible to work.
Many people rely on SSD benefits to take the load off, and you can be one of them even after denial. Here are a few essential steps to take once your application has been denied.
Find Out Why Your Application Was Denied
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Insufficient Medical Evidence
If you don’t provide enough medical proof, your claim is likely to be denied. You must prove that you are injured and that your condition is so severe that you can’t continue working for a minimum of 12 months.
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Ignoring Requests
If you are requested to provide additional or new information, do it as soon as possible. The requested details or documents are used to decide on your claim. If you don’t provide them promptly, it may be denied.
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Substantial Gainful Activity
You are ineligible for SSD benefits if you make more than the stipulated SGA. This amount changes every year.
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Failure to Follow a Treatment Plan
If you fail to demonstrate that you have followed your doctor’s directives, your benefits may be denied. An examiner will refer to the treatment when determining if your condition affects your ability to work. If you know why your application is denied, you will have an easy time with the appeal process.
Hire a Lawyer
Consider seeking the help of a lawyer when going through the appeal process. They will help you understand the process and turn in the appropriate paperwork. They will help you add information that could help your case. There are lots of lawyers to choose from in Sacramento. A good disability attorney in Sacramento will increase your chances of approval.
Appeal the Decision
Always appeal when your SSD application is denied. You can appeal the decision within 60 days. However, it is wise to do it as soon as possible. You can submit the appeal yourself or with the help of a lawyer.
No matter how frustrated you may feel. Do not give up or wait too late in submitting your appeal. Both mistakes have the same outcome. You may lose your right to appeal, forcing you to go right to the beginning and submit a new application.
Your chances of approval are higher during the appeals process. You are likely to have better luck than when submitting a new application. In most cases, filing a new application is a waste of your time. Your subsequent SSD applications will be denied for the same reasons as your first application.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
In addition to proof of your treatment and medical records, you should submit a Residual Function Capacity form filled out by your doctor. It is proof of your inability to work. Your doctor describes your symptoms, conditions, and how it impacts your daily life in the document.
Disability Hearing
Usually, your claim has to proceed to the disability hearing step. During that hearing, a judge will let you explain why you think you are eligible for SSD benefits. During the hearing, you may have to answer questions from medical experts. The experts also advise the administrative law judge on medical issues. There will be a vocational professional to inform the judge on the types of work you can still do.
Their testimonies regarding your injuries and inability to work may help your case. Your lawyer will ensure that you bring invaluable witnesses. After the hearing, your denial may be upheld or overturned.
If, for whatever reason, you suffered a permanent or long-term disability that makes it difficult to work, consider filing a disability claim. Even though it doesn’t reverse your situation, it can help with the financial burden. Don’t be discouraged if the judge denies your application. There are lots of ways to reverse the decision. Most applications are denied at first. After submitting your appeal, your chances of approval increase.