There are many reasons why the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies applications for Social Security Disability benefits. Most often, people make a variety of critical mistakes when completing their applications.
Sigman Janssen has compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes people make on their applications. Our Appleton Social Security Disability Lawyers have been helping people secure federal disability benefits for decades. We know how to compile a detailed application that includes the information the SSA is looking for.
Even if you avoid the mistakes discussed below, the SSA may be more likely to reject your application if you do not seek help from an experienced attorney. Our attorneys have extensive experience and are ready to help. There are also no upfront costs with our services.
Need assistance with your application? Call Sigman Janssen: (877) 888-5201.
Applying Too Quickly
You should never rush through something as important as an application for disability benefits. You need detailed medical evidence to increase your chances of succeeding. One reason the SSA needs such detailed evidence is because they need to confirm you have a condition that will affect you for at least one year.
This is yet another reason why it is so important to contact an experienced lawyer for assistance with your application. If you go it alone, there is a higher risk of leaving out some crucial information that could doom your application.
Failing To Inform Your Lawyer About the Location of all Your Medical Records
This is arguably the most important aspect of your application. Your lawyer can help ensure your application includes detailed proof of:
- The existence of your disability
- How your condition fits the eligibility criteria set by the SSA
- How long the disability will affect you
- How your condition prevents you from working
Claims examiners also need a detailed account of where and when you received treatment for your medical issues, such as:
- Test results (be specific about where you went for the test)
- Dates of visits with doctors, including physical therapists and chiropractors, and description of what happened at the appointment
- Prescription medications you are taking
- When you were diagnosed
- Prescriptions for assistive walking devices, i.e. Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, braces
- Contact information for all the doctors involved in treating your medical condition
- Although normally your records are not needed, if your doctor has given you written restrictions, or filled out a form for your Long or Short Term Disability carrier those reports are needed.
Failing To Include All Relevant Employment Records
You also need to detail the physical and mental requirements of your job, as this can help to show how your disability prevents you from fulfilling those requirements. In fact, it is important to note that for many people, the more strenuous your job is physically the higher the chances are you will be approved for disability.
Failing To Disclose All Relevant Symptoms and Medical Conditions
It is critical that you list all relevant symptoms and medical conditions. Claims examiners need to determine if your medical issues prevent you from working. If you leave out symptoms, they may think you should still be able to do some amount of work.
For example, say you have a medical condition that affects your memory or causes depression. Make sure to disclose these symptoms in the application.
Stopping Your Medical Treatment After Applying For Benefits
You need to show the SSA that you have been receiving treatment for your medical issues, but that treatment has not improved your ability to work. That said, you should continue your treatment even after you apply for benefits.
If you stop seeking treatment, the SSA will think you are not doing all you can to improve your health and physical capabilities. They will also question whether your condition is going to affect you for at least 12 months.
If you cannot make it to an appointment, be sure to reschedule it as soon as possible.
Failing to Give an Accurate Description of Your Medical Issues
Applicants should not describe their symptoms and limitations in extreme terms. For example, most applicants can stand up or sit at a desk for at least some period (although there are some applicants who may not be able to stand up at all.)
Make sure you do not exaggerate the amount of pain you feel. Most applicants do not feel extreme pain all day long. Instead, explain when you feel extreme pain during the day.
You should describe your symptoms and limitations with specific examples. For example, if pain flares up when you engage in certain activities, you should include that explanation in your application.
The SSA reviews a lot of claims, so they have a good sense of when applicants are exaggerating.
Not Reviewing Your Application For Minor Errors
Minor errors could result in your application being denied. For example, you need to make sure all the phone numbers are accurate. Misspellings, typos and other mistakes could hurt your chances of being approved. That is why you should review your application carefully and correct any errors before you submit it.
Applying Without Help From an Appleton Social Security Disability Lawyer
Hiring an attorney is one of the most important steps you can take after deciding to apply for disability benefits. Applicants who hire a lawyer may be much more likely to obtain the benefits they are seeking.
A lawyer will take steps to ensure you include the evidence you need to help improve your chances of being approved. More importantly, if you are thinking about applying, you should talk to an experienced lawyer before you get started. An experienced lawyer can let you know if you may have a good chance of being approved for benefits.
There are so many details involved in an application for Social Security Disability benefits. Hiring a lawyer is a great way to help ensure you submit a detailed application that provides all the relevant information.
Applying For Disability Benefits? Call Sigman Janssen
Many initial applications are denied, which means people will then need to appeal to have a chance of obtaining benefits. Sigman Janssen’s experienced lawyers have helped many people with disabilities obtain benefits, and we are prepared for every stage of the application and appeal process.
Call today to find out how we may be able to help you: (877) 888-5201.