How Common Are Denied Social Security Disability Claims?

 Posted on January 15, 2025 in Social Security Disability

Almost four out of five applications for SSDI are denied the first time. Only one out of every five applicants will have their claim accepted without going through the appeals process or reapplying at least once. For those in the majority whose claim is initially denied, persistence is key. Most people who follow through with appealing their case will eventually succeed in getting the disability benefits they need. If your initial application for SSDI was rejected, do not be discouraged. Although having your claim denied can be frustrating, initial denials are extremely common and can frequently be overcome. You should work with an experienced Dallas, TX SSDI appeals attorney while you are appealing a denied claim.

Common Reasons for Denials and How to Appeal Them 

A few of the most common reasons why SSDI applications are denied include: 

• Not enough medical evidence - You will need strong and substantive medical evidence showing the nature and severity of your disability. Your claim might be denied if your disability is not yet medically well-established. This is a fairly common problem for people who are still seeking a medical diagnosis to explain their disability. 
• Failure to follow treatment advice - This requirement can be extremely frustrating for people with limited access to healthcare due to being unable to work. To qualify for SSDI, you must not be able to work even if you are receiving the recommended treatment. For example, if doing physical therapy for an injury could enable you to start working again, you would be expected to do physical therapy and only apply for SSDI if it failed and you still could not work. People are sometimes denied if they apply for SSDI too soon after becoming disabled, as there may not yet be enough evidence that the disability is permanent, even with appropriate treatment. 
• Not providing additional documents - Applications are commonly denied because the applicant is "not cooperating" with requests for additional documents or information. This sometimes happens if it takes the applicant too long to obtain supporting documentation or when an applicant’s severe illness prevents him from responding promptly. 
• Past denials - If you had a denied application, it is better to appeal the decision than to reapply later. If you reapply later, there is a higher chance that your application will be rejected again, even if circumstances have changed since the first time you applied. 

Contact a Dallas, TX Denied SSDI Claims Lawyer 

The Law Offices of Coats & Todd is dedicated to helping people with disabilities obtain the SSDI payments they are entitled to. Our caring Collin County, TX SSDI appeals attorneys will do all we can to help you overcome an initial denial of benefits. Contact us at 972-671-9922 for a complimentary consultation.