Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) is a federal scheme that is designed to provide benefits to workers who are no longer able to engage in productive activity due to a medically-determined disability. While thousands of Americans apply for SSD each year, most of these applications end in denial due to a range of reasons.
If your SSD application has been denied, you might be wondering what you did wrong. While there are several reasons why the Social Security may deny your claim, there are certain common reasons why this happens. Here are some of them:
You failed to meet the medical threshold
Your SSD benefits can be denied if you do not meet Social Security’s strict medical requirements. Social Security defines disability as follows:
- The disabling condition must be projected to last more than a year or result in death
- The disability must prevent the individual from performing the tasks they were previously capable of
- The disability must hinder the person from taking up a new job
- The disability must not have been caused by drug or alcohol addiction
These provisions rule out short-term disabilities as well as conditions that result in partial rather than total disability.
Your evidence was insufficient
Even if you qualify for SSD benefits and suffer from a disabling condition that meets the basic Social Security requirements, your claim may still be denied if you do not back up your application with sufficient evidence. It is important that you provide evidence of your disabling condition – such as diagnostic tests, doctors’ reports, medical imaging and evidence of how the condition is impacting your ability to work. You can also provide statements from former employers and family members to support your claim.
The process of applying for disability benefits can be complex and tiresome. Knowing some of the reasons why your application can be denied can help you boost your chances of avoiding a denial.
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