Why Was My Social Security Disability Claim Denied and What Can I Do About It?

Getting denied for Social Security Disability Insurance feels like a punch to the gut when you're already struggling with health problems that make working impossible. Unfortunately, more than 6 out of 10 people who apply get turned down on their first try.

This doesn't mean your case isn't valid or that you don't deserve help. The system is just really picky about paperwork and has tons of rules that trip people up. Many folks who get denied initially end up winning their cases later when they know what to expect.

Why Many SSDI Applications Face Denial

The biggest reason people get turned down is missing or incomplete medical records. Social Security wants to see everything—doctor visits, test results, hospital stays, therapy notes. If there's a gap in your medical history or your doctor didn't write detailed notes about how your condition affects your daily life, they'll say no.

Money matters too. If you're earning more than $1,470 a month (as of 2024), Social Security automatically assumes you can work, no matter how sick you are. This catches some people off guard, especially those trying to work part-time despite their disabilities.

Your condition has to last at least a year or be terminal. Broken bones, surgery recovery, or other temporary problems won't qualify, even if they keep you out of work for months. Social Security only helps with long-term or permanent disabilities.

Paperwork mistakes sink tons of applications. Missing signatures, blank spaces on forms, or forgetting to send requested documents will get your case tossed out. The government doesn't give second chances on these details.

Younger applicants face tougher standards. If you're under 50, Social Security figures you can learn new skills or adapt to different types of work. They're much more likely to approve older workers who have fewer options.

At Injury Claims, we connect people with attorneys who know exactly how to handle these situations and can help you get the benefits you deserve. Click here for a free case review.

How Social Security Evaluates Disability Claims

Social Security has a big book of conditions they automatically approve, called the Blue Book. If your condition isn't listed there, you have to prove your problems are just as severe as the ones that are listed.

They'll look at what you can still do despite your condition. Can you lift 10 pounds? Sit for long periods? Remember instructions? Focus on tasks? If they think you can do any kind of work, even jobs that don't exist in your area, they'll deny your claim.

Sometimes they'll send you to their own doctor for an exam. These consultative exams are usually quick and don't tell the whole story about your condition. Many people feel rushed or like the doctor didn't really listen to their concerns.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

Don't panic if you get a denial letter. You have 60 days to ask them to look at your case again. This is called reconsideration, and a different person reviews all your paperwork. About 13% of people win at this stage.

If that doesn't work, you can request a hearing with a judge. This is where things get better because nearly half of all hearings result in approval. You get to sit down, tell your story, and explain how your condition really affects your life. You can bring witnesses and have a lawyer represent you.

There are two more levels after that—the Appeals Council and federal court. But most cases don't need to go that far.

The whole process takes time. Reconsideration usually takes 3-5 months, and hearings can take over a year. That's a long time to wait when you're not working and bills are piling up.

If you or a loved one have a SSDI application that may have been improperly reviewed and denied, fill out the form on this page and get access to an immediate and FREE case review!

Strengthening Your Disability Appeal

Updated medical records can help. Get new reports from all your doctors explaining exactly how your condition limits what you can do. Be specific. Instead of just saying you have back pain, your doctor should explain that you can only sit for 15 minutes at a time or can't lift more than 5 pounds.

Mental health conditions need extra attention because they're harder to see. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues can be just as disabling as physical problems, but you need detailed records showing how they affect your thinking, concentration, and ability to interact with people.

Ask family and friends to write letters about what they've observed. How has your condition changed your daily routine? What activities can't you do anymore? These firsthand accounts show exactly how your disability affects everyday life.

Keep going to your doctor appointments, even if money is tight. Gaps in treatment make it look like you're feeling better or that your condition isn't that serious.

Turning Your SSDI Denial Into an Approval

Getting denied for Social Security Disability benefits feels devastating, but it's not the end of the road. Most people who eventually win their cases got denied first. The key is understanding what went wrong and fixing those problems in your appeal. With the right preparation and help, you can turn that denial into an approval.

If you've been denied, Injury Claims can connect you with experienced disability attorneys who offer free case reviews to see if they can help. Fill out the form on this page today.