Why Was I Denied SSDI Benefits When My Doctor Says I Have a Disability?

Many adults dealing with serious injuries and chronic illnesses are surprised or even shocked when they apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and receive a notice of denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you find yourself in this situation, you might be particularly confused if your doctor identified your condition as disabling or described your illness or injury as a disability. In other words, you may be wondering: why was I denied SSDI benefits when my doctor says I have a disability?

This is a common question, and you are not alone in making this inquiry. Our national disability benefits attorneys can provide you with more information, and we can speak with you today about the details of your application and your options for appeal.

Your Application Might Not Have Had Sufficient Medical Evidence 

Far too often, a disabled adult who applies for SSDI benefits does not provide sufficient information for the SSA to determine that the applicant meets the medical requirements necessary to approve benefits. You might simply need to provide additional medical information or details, or you may need to provide medical documentation from a different type of provider. You should have a lawyer assess your denial of benefits and the materials you submitted to determine if filing a medical reconsideration could result in an approval for benefits.

You Do Not Have a Disability As the SSA Defines It

 It can be confusing to understand this, but the SSA uses a very specific definition of a disability in order to determine whether an SSDI applicant is eligible for benefits. While many health care providers as well as organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define a disability relatively broadly, as “any condition of the body or mind…that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities…and interact with the world around them,” the SSA uses a much narrower definition for disability benefits.

The SSA defines a disability as “the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

Your Denial Was Not a Medical Denial

 Sometimes people with disabilities — even those who clearly meet the SSA’s definition of a disability and have the appropriate medical evidence — can be denied for non-medical reasons. There are also options to appeal a non-medical denial, which start with a non-medical reconsideration.

Contact Our National SSDI Attorneys for Help With Your Case 

Was your initial application for SSDI benefits denied? Whether you were denied for medical or non-medical reasons, it is essential to know that you have a right to seek a reconsideration and to appeal the decision, but you must do it quickly. You should get in touch with an experienced national SSDI benefits lawyer at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz as quickly as you can to begin working on your appeal and to find out more about options that may be available to you.

Sources:

ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-1505.htm#:~:text=(a)%20The%20law%20defines%20disability,not%20less%20than%2012%20months

cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability.html#:~:text=A%20disability%20is%20any%20condition,around%20them%20(participation%20restrictions