WHY THE GOVERNMENT DENIES DISABILITY CLAIMS

In 2017 the government denied 513,000 disability claims. In any year, more than two-thirds of all new claims will be denied. There are many reasons why claims get denied. Here are the top reasons for denials:

• 40.6 percent were denied because Social Security says they can perform other work.

• 23.8 percent were denied because their impairment was not severe enough to qualify.

• 9.9 percent were found still able to perform one of their past jobs.

• 5 percent were denied because their ailment did not last a full year or was not expected to last for 12 straight months. (Failed the "duration requirement").

The other workers who were denied failed due to many other reasons, including:

• Alcoholism or drug addiction

• Lack of medical evidence

• Applicant's failure to cooperate

• Not adhering to medical treatment

• Applicant dropped the claim or failed to meet appeal deadlines.

Of those claimants who filed appeals (on time), most were approved with back pay. The government in essence recognized their mistake and corrected their decision during the appeal process--and paid the claim.

Discouragement and frustration are the mortal enemies of the Social Security disability claimant. No one likes to be rejected or denied. It is vital that you recognize how the Social Security system works. The first 2 stages of the process are designed to weed out and deny claimants. The third stage, an appeal before a federal Administrative Law Judge, will give the claimant a completely new review and apply evidence more fairly. Most of our clients come out of their hearings with tens of thousands of dollars in back-pay, a monthly benefit check, and Medicare health insurance. An advocate increase the odds of winning by 300 percent! Don't be timid in asking for help with this most confusing and complicated process.

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No one can guarantee the outcome of a claim or appeal. Every advocate or attorney loses some cases and we are no exception. Look for an advocate who has extensive experience and a good track record of winning claims.