When an injury or illness prevents you from working for the foreseeable future, you need Social Security Disability benefits to secure financial stability. Although the potential of recovering these benefits can be promising, the sad truth of the matter is that a lot of initial Social Security Disability claims are denied. There are several reasons for this, including lack of medical evidence and inadequate working history. While an initial claim denial can be disheartening, you should take comfort knowing that you can appeal your denial.
Yet, appealing your denied disability claim isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. In fact, there are a lot of mistakes that can be made along the way, any one of which could completely devastate your chances of recovering the benefits that you want and need. So, let’s look at some of those errors, that way you’re more prepared heading into your disability appellate case.
Even though the disability appellate process may seem straightforward, it’s complicated by several legal nuances. Therefore, as you prepare your case, be on the lookout for the following mistakes that oftentimes torpedo disability appellate claims:
- Misunderstanding the reason for your claim denial: To increase your chances of being successful on appeal, you need to understand why your initial claim was denied. Your denial letter should specify this justification but take time to completely comprehend where the Social Security Administration is coming from. Only then can you target your arguments on appeal.
- Failing to gather adequate medical evidence: Remember, each condition has its own requirements to meet disability requirements. So, look to see what has to be shown for your specific condition, then seek out the medical evidence needed to prove your disability. Be as thorough as possible here so that you don’t lose on an issue that would’ve otherwise have been easy to prove.
- Neglecting to stick to recommended treatment: As you progress through your treatment, your medical professionals will recommend a course of treatment. If you don’t stick to those recommendations, then it’ll be all too easy for the Social Security Administration to say that you’ve failed to demonstrate that your condition is truly disabling. So, if you’re going to appeal your denied claim, make sure you’ve followed your doctor’s recommendations so that you can show that even following those recommendations has failed to remedy your condition.
- Earning too much income: Keep in mind that there are income restrictions that must be met to secure Social Security Disability benefits. If you make too much income, then you’ll be barred from securing the benefits you deserve. So, make sure you understand these restrictions so that you don’t inadvertently ruin your chances of receiving disability benefits.
- Failing to pursue an appeal: Some disabled individuals simply neglect to pursue an appeal, which completely cuts off their ability to secure benefits. If you don’t act, then you put yourself at a short and long-term disadvantage. Act now to preserve your right to the benefits you deserve.
With so much on the line, you owe it to yourself to build an aggressive disability appeal. But we know that the process can seem daunting given the legal nuances involved in the process. Don’t let that scare you into inaction, though. Instead, wrap yourself in the support needed to competently navigate your claim so that you maximize your chances of winning your case.
