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What to do if your SSD claim is denied

On Behalf of | Feb 16, 2018 | Social Security Disability

When you’re applying for SSD benefits of course you want the process to be as quick and painless as possible, and you hope that you’re application is approved at the initial stage. However, it is quite common that the vast majority of applications for SSD benefits are denied the first time. So, what do you do if your SSD application is denied?

There are various reasons that the Social Security Administration denies claims. Some of the most common reasons that claims are denied include, the disability isn’t considered to be severe enough or isn’t expected to last for 12 months, the SSA finds that the claimant can still perform his or her usual work, insufficient medical evidence was provided with the application, claimant did not cooperate with medical treatment, claimant returned to gainful employment, or the disability was the result of alcohol or drug dependence.

If your claim is denied for one of these, or any other reason, that is not the end of the process and you have a right to appeal that decision. The first step is to file a request for reconsideration. Filing a request for reconsideration is often more effective then starting over with a new claim. Your request for reconsideration should include evidence, most likely medical evidence, rebutting the SSA’s findings. This could include a very detailed medical report from your doctor, as well as a statement from your doctor regarding your ability to perform work.

Typically you must file your request for reconsideration within sixty days and unfortunately requests for reconsideration may still result in another denial, which will require you to take further steps in the appeals process. Consulting with an experienced disability attorney can help you increase your chances for success at the initial stage of the SSD claim and throughout the appeals process.

Source: Findlaw.com, Disability Reconsideration: Appealing a Denied Claim, accessed on February 13, 2018.

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