Why did your disability claim come back denied?

If you are seeking financial support from the Social Security Administration because you are unable to work, you may find the process of securing these benefits to be complicated and confusing. The intent of the disability benefits program is to assist those in North Carolina who cannot support themselves due to a physical or mental condition. Unfortunately, these benefits are not easy to get, and many initial claims come back denied.

If you applied for Social Security disability benefits, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next if your initial claim came back denied. While this is a frustrating setback, it is not the end of the road for you. Once you understand why the claim was not successful, you may be able to move forward with appealing the denial and taking steps to continue your fight for necessary financial support.

Common reasons for claim denial

The Social Security Administration holds a strict definition of disability. They carefully scrutinize each application and all of the documentation included, and even one minor mistake can result in a denied claim. Understanding the reason for the denial can put you in a stronger position for an appeal. Common reasons the SSA denies initial claims include:

• There is reason to believe your disability is the result of drug or alcohol abuse.
• You did not follow doctor’s orders regarding your medical care.
• You did not include sufficient medical records in your claim.
• You suffered a disabling injury during the commission of a crime.
• The disabling medical condition is expected to last less than one year.
• The SSA has been unable to contact you regarding your claim.

You have the right to appeal, correcting mistakes in the application, including additional documentation, gathering medical records and more. Even credible claims often come back denied, but the appeals process offers you the opportunity to continue your fight for the benefits you need and deserve.

Starting the appeals process

From asking for a reconsideration of your claim to addressing concerns with your paperwork, you do not have to navigate the appeals process alone. After receiving notice of a denied claim, it may be beneficial for you to seek an assessment of your case and understanding of the legal options available to you. With support and guidance of a Social Security Disability Lawyer, you may be able to navigate the appeals process and secure the benefits you need and deserve.