Ten Most Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Denial (Part 1)

Long Beach Lawyers Share Ten Common
Reasons for  Social Security Disability Denial (Part 1)

Our experienced lawyers frequently consult with disabled individuals who have been denied Social Security benefits. In this two part article, we discuss the 10 most common reasons for being denied Social Security Disability benefits. (This article pertains to SSDI and does not address SSI.)

1. Earning Too Much Income for Social Security Disability

One of the primary reasons an applicant for SSDI will be denied benefits is that earn too much money to be considered disabled. If you earn above the limit – which is $1,070 per month in 2014 – you are considered to have “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and will not be considered disabled.

Note: this applies only to non-blind people, and this dollar figure is adjusted annually. Also, this figure does NOT include income from investments.

2. Disability Doesn’t Last  Long Enough for Social Security

To qualify for SSDI your impairment must be severe enough to last at least 12 months (and/or result in your death).

For example, applicants with broken bones resulting from an accident, are usually denied SSDI because bone fractures heal in less than a year – so they are not likely to be disabled for 12 months.

However, each case is evaluated on an individual basis. So it is up to you and your attorney to prove – through medical documentation – that your disability will last at least a year.

3. Disability Isn’t Severe Enough for SSD

Additionally, your medical condition must cause you “severe limitation” in order for you to qualify for SSDI. The most common reason claims are denied are simply because the applicant has not proven to the Social Security Administration that his/her impairment was sufficiently severe.

It is up to the claimant and his/her attorney to prove – through medical documentation – that the applicant’s disability is so severe that he/she is “unable to work at any job in the national economy on a full-time basis”.

4. Social Security Disability Denied if SSA Can’t Locate Find You

Sadly, many deserving applicants are annually denied Social Security Benefits because the Social Security Administration simply can’t locate them. In order to award you benefits, the SSA must be able to communicate with you regarding your case. If you move or change your address it is up to you to notify the SSA of your new address. Often, disabled individuals must change their residence to live with family members or to seek medical treatment. Always make sure that the SSA is notified of any changes whatsoever – even short term – to your contact information.

5. Social Security Denied for Failure to Submit Medical Records

As we have emphasized in many of our previous articles, thorough and detailed medical records are essential to being granted Social Security Disability. If your medical records are out-of-date, incomplete or not detailed, your SSDI claim will likely be denied.

An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you compile the medical documentation you need, and ensure that everything is submitted in a timely manner, so that your SSDI claim is not denied for inadequate medical documentation.

Long Beach Social Security Disability Lawyers

If you have been denied your Social Security Disability Benefits for these or any reason, it is important to talk to an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer as soon as possible.

Our skilled and caring Long Beach Social Secuirty Disability lawyers have helped thousands of disabled men and women appeal their denial and get the benefits for which they qualify.

Free Consultation with a Long Beach Social Security Disability Lawyer:
562-622-4800

Click Here for Part 2 of this Article