Disability Case: Common Mistakes and How to Prevent It

The Social Security Disability Insurance is a benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration. The program is funded through payroll taxes and awarded to people who were employed before. Employees who are eligible for the SSDI are those who have worked for five of the last ten years before the SSDI application and are more than 65 years old. The physical or mental condition that they have must inhibit them from working for 12 months or longer.

The process of SSDI claims is complex, and the people who examine each application are very meticulous. Any mistake done by the applicant could mean rejection.

• The simplest mistake committed by applicants that entail grave consequences is leaving blank spaces or fields on the application form. This may be a simple mistake, but it can be grounds for denial.

• Diagnosis is not sufficient evidence to have the claim approved. Limitations, conditions, and symptoms should also be present.

• Downplaying the severity of the sickness or disability will put the claim in jeopardy. Answering the questions regarding disability should be done “as if it were one of the worst days,” but it should not be an exaggeration or a lie.

SSDI claims applied for the first time are often rejected, but what is important is to have the claim approved at the earliest possible time. If an applicant wants to have his claim approved earlier than usual, here are some simple tips that he may want to consider.

• Research is the key: Read about the disability based on symptoms and diagnosis. Include every bit of information on the claim to help examiners understand the applicant’s case.

• The physician’s support is also important: Word from the physician supporting the claim is significant. He’s the one who knows about the diagnosis and the current condition of the applicant.

• Disability should be backed by records: Keep medical information and records because they also provide support to the disability. Make copies of it if needed.

• Do not be discouraged: Rejection upon initial claim is normal. Don’t be discouraged and just file for reconsideration.

• Find good representation: A lawyer who specializes in disability claims can help the applicant not only during a hearing but throughout the application process. Law firms offering free disability case evaluation may help the applicant find the ideal lawyer for him.