If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) – for the first time or an appeal – you may be beginning to understand how complex this process can be. And it is likely known that being denied is very common. 

Rate of SSD approvals

In fact, initial applications are denied at a rate of more than 60% nationally, though this does differ by state. In Arizona, for example, denial rates for initial application are even higher than this figure given. Seeing national and various state approval statistics can be daunting for many people, and it is normal to begin feeling despondent about your application. It is key to keep in mind the options you have for getting approved, the exploration of this article. A fantastic resource will be an experienced Arizona social security disability lawyer to see to your case. Your chances of first application approval will improve; and if you have to appeal your case, the timespan is likely to be much shorter than the state’s average of 19 months. Yes, this is a long process! 

Contact a lawyer

A legal specialist who has extensive experience with disability benefits applications will likely be able to tell you immediately why your case wasn’t approved, or what you can do to increase your chances. Let’s take a look at some of the most common suggestions that will be made to improve the possibility! 

Apply for a condition that meets the criteria

For a disability evaluation, you may want to consider a free assessment to see if you are eligible and where the gaps in your application lie. There are over 200 medical conditions – a combination of mental, psychiatric, and physical impairments – which could qualify you for social benefit. The first step is to see whether you qualify, after which you can understand exactly what more will be required of you.

Motivate if your condition isn’t listed

If you have a condition not listed, this doesn’t mean you cannot apply for SSD benefits. The impairment listing is a simplified manner through which most people apply, but if your condition isn’t on the list, you should still apply! A Social Security claims examiner could approve your application by carefully considering your physical and mental capabilities and your restrictions on your ability to work. This will be highly impacted by the evidence supporting your condition overall. 

Ensure you have the proper medical documentation

Unfortunately, some individuals apply without sufficient medical documentation. Not only is this wasting the time of the office administration, but more than anything, you will be wasting your own time and money. After you have understood clearly whether your medical condition is eligible, you can start motivating evidence to qualify for your impairment.

Documentation will take the form of photocopies of your medical records, reports from doctors, and test results. The results should be recent and medical feedback up-to-date, indicating that your treatment is frequent and a priority in your life. Test results which have come out as abnormal or at-risk are much more likely to be considered worthy of approval. 

Indicate functional impairment

Most importantly, you need to give information around how your illness, injury, or condition impairs your ability to conduct work-related activities, such as remembering instructions, carrying things, or walking. To prove functional impairment is what Social Security will be looking out for, not necessarily whether your condition is listed.

It is essential that you show why you cannot work a full-time job. Your physical or mental challenges should therefore disrupt your ability to work for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. By ensuring you are compliant with all medical requirements and that you can justify your functional impairment, you can prove that your disability is severe enough to warrant the disability support benefit. 

Justify your work history

To receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, as compared to a Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will need to prove your work history. Showing that you have accumulated enough work credits through a family business or your own employment is key, as this SSD requires evidence of employment history. 

Appeal your case

As soon as your case is denied, you should start the appeal process. Do not be discouraged from appealing, as the success rate for reapplications is great. Though it may take you some time, and even a few attempts, do not lose motivation. With updated information about your condition or newly presented information that was not available on the first application, you can appeal your case with a stronger belief that you qualify and deserve the benefit.

Your case may even be escalated to an appeal hearing, upon which you may bring a witness to support your claim. This is one of the reasons it is worth getting legal support – helping you improve your application documents, strengthen your case, and appeal.