Tag: social security disability benefits

There are many reasons why your Social Security Disability Insurance claim may be denied. In 2015, less than 1/3 of all applications were awarded benefits in 2015. The reasons for denial may be technical or medical. In recent years, technical denials have been increasing, but 20% of all claims still end with a medical denial. Below are 5 common medical conditions that are typically denied SSDI benefits.

Depression

Although depression is the most common, non-fatal medical cause of disability, it is still a rarely accepted condition for benefits and requires evidence of severe impairment. For some, their depression may be so severe that it can inhibit their ability to function in everyday life. This can include family and work activities. The SSA provides a list of symptoms. If an individual with severe depression also experiences at least four of the listed symptoms on a recurring basis, they may be approved for SSDI benefits. However, most cases are not severe enough to qualify someone for disability benefits.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not usually a qualifying disability for SSDI benefits. Even for individuals who perform manual labor and may be more at risk. The primary reason for this is because many cases of hypertension can be controlled with drugs. The drugs lower blood pressure to normal risk levels. Therefore, the impairment is not typically considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI. There may be certain cases that do qualify. For example, if a patient does not respond to treatments or they are unable to take the normally prescribed medication due to other complications.

Impaired Vision

Nearsightedness and farsightedness, while potentially disabling, are both usually correctable with glasses or contact lenses. Therefore, they would not usually qualify for SSDI. However, the causes of vision impairment can vary widely. Certain complications, like severe macular degeneration or other retinal diseases that can’t be improved with corrective lenses, may be awarded SSDI benefits.

Adult Eating Disorders

Adult eating disorders can be a serious affliction, and they affect millions of Americans each year. However, in most cases, adult eating disorders do not qualify for SSDI even though both anorexia and bulimia are listed as disability conditions for those under 18. In some cases, an adult may qualify if their eating disorder causes severe symptoms similar to other qualifying disabilities. For instance, adult eating disorders can cause other problems such as heart failure and arrhythmia, or lead to increased fractures or broken bones. These conditions may allow someone to be awarded benefits. Additionally, someone may qualify for an equal disability listing such as weight loss due to a digestive disorder. However, usually because it is not technically a digestive disorder, it is usually not accepted on its own. It typically requires that the applicant is currently seeking treatment.

Short-term Injuries

One of the main qualifying factors for SSDI is the length of time your disability will last. For example, someone with severe anxiety or depression may qualify for disability because it can be an ongoing disability. On the other hand, an individual with a severe injury, such as a broken neck or spine, may not qualify for disability if they are expected to recover in 12 months or less. Even if the individual was in a hospital for a few months and was unable to attend work, they may not be considered sufficiently disabled to receive benefits.

Navigating the world of Social Security can be confusing and frustrating for anyone. If you are disabled and in need of assistance, it may seem like they have purposely made it difficult for you to get the help you need. Understanding the different programs and knowing if you qualify is an important first step to getting your claim approved.

Q: Do I need SSDI or SSI and what is the difference?

A: Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are services managed by the Social Security Administration. Both are aimed at helping disabled individuals with financial assistance. However, beyond those similarities, the programs are quite different. SSI was created to help individuals over the age of 65 who have very limited financial assets and may have a difficult time paying for basic necessities due to disability or blindness.

SSDI, on the other hand, is an earned benefit, or entitlement program. It is available to individuals under the age of 65 who are deemed too disabled to work. Because it is an earned benefit, the amount each individual may receive from SSDI is dependent upon their earnings record. In other words, the more income an individual previously earned, the higher their benefit will be. By contrast, SSI is a relatively fixed benefit and may actually be reduced if the recipient receives other income.

Q: Who qualifies for Social Security Disability?

A: Anyone under the 65 who has paid into Social Security for at least 10 years may qualify for SSDI. However, most award recipients are between the ages of 50 and 63. All applicants for SSDI must be sufficiently disabled to prevent them from working. Even in a reduced capacity and the impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months or longer.

As part of the application process, you may be required to submit medical records. These will verify your condition and diagnosis. Certain conditions may automatically qualify you for SSDI, while others may require a more significant review process.

Additionally, anyone who is still able to work in a limited capacity and currently earning over $1,130 per month will not be eligible for SSDI.

Q: How can I make sure my claim is accepted?

A: The acceptance rates for SSDI can vary widely depending on where you live. Nationally, the acceptance rate has decreased almost every year since 2001. The total number of individuals receiving benefits has also been reduced in recent years. Meanwhile, the termination rate for SSDI benefits has increased steadily since 2011.

SSDI applications can be denied for a number of reasons. The most common reason is if the information is entered incorrectly. This can be the result of misunderstanding the question or form. It can also be simply due to the length and time it takes to complete the application. In either case, a small mistake or omission can be the difference between an acceptance or a denial. There are numerous services designed to help you with the application process. They also can hopefully answer any questions you may have along the way. Taking advantage of these services can go a long way to ensuring your claim is accepted.