Social Security Disability (SSD) can be an invaluable lifeline if you have suffered an injury or received a harrowing diagnosis that renders you unable to work. SSD benefits are awarded based on several factors, such as the applicant’s degree of need, and this means that your claim can be denied.
However, an SSD denial is not the end of the road. Here are three things you need to do if your SSD claim has been denied.
Get your evidence together
If your SSD was denied on the grounds of insufficient or inconsistent evidence, it is important that you get back to the drawing board. Of course, putting together additional paperwork may be taxing, but this may be crucial when appealing your claim. Has your medical condition worsened since your initial application? Be sure to include this information in your appeal. You can submit this new piece of evidence on its own or alongside your appeal.
Get the doctor’s testimony
The SSA takes a doctor’s report seriously when reviewing your claim. If your initial application was declined, it could be helpful to provide additional evidence to prove that your disability qualifies for the SSD benefits. Towards this, you can ask your doctor to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form outlining your medical condition.
File an SSD reconsideration appeal
When your initial SSD claim is denied, the SSA will send you a document outlining the reasons for your application’s denial. You have the right to file an appeal if you disagree with the decision. And this appeal must be made within 60 days after receiving the official denial letter. It is important that you carefully read and understand the reasons for your application’s denial so you can make appropriate corrections during your appeal.
If your SSD claims have been denied, it is important to understand your options.
