Avoiding a Social Security claim denial is possible by thinking about and following some simple guidelines. The following post highlights three of the most common ways applicants face denial and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
1. Providing Detailed Medical Evidence
Many Social Security disability claims receive a denial due to a lack of medical documentation. Proving disability requires a complete evaluation from multiple medical and mental health professionals and further notation from family and friends experiencing the applicant’s disability.
Additionally, all of this documentation must show a significant inability to work based on the condition. Even if Social Security sends an applicant for a separate medical exam, that may not be enough to warrant approval.
In short, the applicant (or the person preparing the application) should include as much detail as possible from doctors, nurses, educators, and other professionals who can share real notes and thoughts about the applicant’s current situation.
2. Determining Compassionate Allowance Eligibility
Those suffering from a serious illness may be able to receive benefits much faster. The SSA maintains a list of over 200 conditions in its “Compassionate Allowances List” (CAL) (https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm). Suppose an applicant has sufficient medical evidence that meets the description of one of these severe or terminal disabilities. In that case, Social Security could award benefits in a matter of days or weeks, instead of years. Examples of the types of conditions on the list are Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and Tay-Sachs Disease, plus several types of cancers.
It’s essential to make it clear on the applicant’s application that they are applying for a CAL exception as the SSA may not see it upon initial review.
3. Not Enlisting the Help of an Oregon Social Security Claims Attorney
Even with an initial denial, all hope is not lost. The SSI and SSDI appeals process is cumbersome, overwhelming, and complicated and should not be taken on alone. Seeking the guidance of a qualified Eugene or Albany disability claims attorney is a great way to have experience and advocacy on your side. Working with the right attorney can highly increase the chances of a successful appeal.
This is not an exhaustive list of ways to avoid denial but rather a starting point. If you’re concerned about the Social Security disability application process, call the team at Drew L. Johnson, P.C. today at (541) 434-6466 to schedule a free consultation.
