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Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a time-consuming and challenging process, particularly if your initial claim is denied. In Connecticut, many applicants find their claims denied due to providing insufficient medical evidence to prove their disability meets the eligibility requirements.
When applying for SSDI benefits, your medical evidence must show that your disability is severe enough to prevent you from working at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level, your disability prevents you from returning to your previous role, and your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year.
Why SSDI Claims Get Denied
One of the primary reasons for SSDI claim denials is a lack of compelling medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires proof of the severity and longevity of your disability and its impact on your ability to work. As a result, the agency may not believe your disability is serious enough if you lack thorough medical documentation, including test results, treatment history, and doctor statements.
Some of the other common reasons for claim denials include:
- Failure to follow the treatments prescribed by your doctors
- Inconsistent or outdated medical records
- Mistakes or omissions in your initial application
- Insufficient evidence connecting your disability to your inability to work
The Importance of Comprehensive Medical Records
Your medical records are the most important part of your SSDI application and appeal. These records should include your diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plans, and how your disability impacts your ability to perform any job. The more consistent and up-to-date your medical records are, the better.
Some of the most effective items to include in your application and appeal are:
- Diagnostic tests, such as MRI scans, X-rays, and blood tests that validate the existence and severity of your disability
- Treatment history, such as records of hospital visits, prescriptions, therapies, and surgical procedures you received related to your disability
- Statements from your treating physicians outlining the severity and extent of your condition and how your physical or cognitive disability impacts your ability to work
- Opinions from specialists, including medical specialists familiar with your particular disability and vocational specialists familiar with your work restrictions
How Medical Evidence Strengthens Your SSDI Appeal
The most important things to demonstrate in your SSDI appeal are that your disability exists, that it is severe, and that it prevents you from working. Providing additional medical evidence as part of your appeal can help prove these three things.
For example, providing multiple diagnostic test results will make it hard for the SSA to say that your disability doesn’t exist. Similarly, providing your treatment history and statements from your treating doctors will show the extent and severity of your condition. Finally, by including the opinions of vocational specialists, you can demonstrate that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful employment.
The SSDI Appeals Process
After working with a skilled SSDI lawyer to collect the necessary medical evidence to prove that you deserve SSDI benefits, you must take the following steps to appeal your claim denial:
- Request an appeal either in writing or online
- Submit additional medical evidence that addresses the reason for your claim denial
- Present updated medical records and testimony during your appeal hearing
- Wait for the appeals council to review your new evidence
Contact Our Connecticut SSDI Lawyers
If your claim for SSDI benefits was denied, contact Stanfield Bechtel Law to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our experienced Middletown, Connecticut, SSDI lawyers. During your consultation, we’ll review your case and help you identify the reason for the denial. We’ll then go over how our firm can help submit your appeal, collect the necessary evidence, and represent you at your appeal hearing.