An Overview of the SSDI Benefits Decision Process

Nowadays, more than fifty percent of SSDI benefits claims are denied upon first submission to the Social Security Administration, or SSA.  This amounts to more than one million rejected claims each year.  The good news is that a substantial amount of these claims ultimately get reversed on appeal, allowing for the claimant to receive the benefits that they truly deserve.

In light of the above, it is crucial to keep fighting for your rights, no matter what.  Specifically, a lot of SSDI claims are rejected simply because of a technicality, such as missing or incorrect information, or quite possibly, because little to no medical documentation was provided along with the claimant’s initial application.   Whatever the reason for your denial, an attorney experienced in handling SSDI claim denials can help simply the process for you by filing an appeal of your case, negotiating with the SSA on your behalf and also, taking on the burden of completing all of the documentation necessary to ensure an accurate decision by the agency.

In reviewing whether you are entitled to SSDI, the SSA undergoes a five step inquiry, as follows:

  • First, the SSA looks into whether you can work.  If you are currently working and earning more than what the SSA allows, you may not qualify for benefits.
  • Second, the SSA also examines whether your medical condition or injury related disability prevents you from working.  Specifically, in order to receive SSDI benefits, your injury, illness and/or medical condition must significantly impair your ability to perform certain work related activities, such as sitting, walking or remembering basic tasks.  Such limitations must last for at least one year.  If your condition or injury does not meet these qualifications, then the SSA will not consider you disabled.
  • Third, the SSA evaluates whether your medical condition qualifies under its list of covered impairments.  In the event that your medical condition doesn’t fall within the SSA’s impairment list, it will then examine whether it equals that of an enumerated impairment before denying your claim.
  • Fourth, the SSA will also examine whether you are capable of performing the work that you did before.  If they determine that you can work, then you will not qualify as disabled.
  • Lastly, the SSA reviews whether you are able to perform other types of work, which depends upon your age, level of education, skill set and work experience.  If you are determined to be able to perform another form of work, your claim will be denied.

For more information on the above, give the Sanger Law Office a call now to learn more about your legal options, your rights and responsibilities, as well as how we can help you get the compensation that you deserve.  We at the Sanger Law Office can review your application for SSDI benefits prior to submission, assist you in submitting a request for reconsideration of a denial, or represent you in a formal appeal of your denial of SSDI benefits.  Ms. Sanger provides thorough analysis of her clients’ medical records and zealous advocacy to assist her clients in obtaining the benefits they need to care for themselves and their families.  The Sanger Law Office is centrally located in Lawrence, KS and represents those denied social security disability benefits in Kansas and Missouri. If you have been denied SSDI disability benefits or just have questions about your rights to SSDI, you should contact Danielle Sanger today for a free consultation at 785-979-4353.  We look forward to helping you get the benefits that you deserve.

 

 

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