Mistakes to Avoid After a Sandy Springs SSDI Claim Denial
Statistically, more Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are initially denied than approved. When you are struggling to make ends meet because you are unable to work, receiving a denial can be profoundly concerning. Fortunately, a denial is not the end of the road. SSDI applicants who receive a claim denial have ample opportunities to pursue a more favorable outcome through the appeals process.
The appeals process is an essential aspect of qualifying for SSDI benefits in many cases. That is why it is important to be aware of the mistakes to avoid after a Sandy Springs SSDI claim denial. If are unsure about how to proceed after receiving a denial, you may want to contact a persistent Social Security lawyer who could help you avoid any potential pitfalls that might hurt your chances of a successful appeal.
Failure to File a Timely Appeal
One of the biggest mistakes people make after receiving an SSDI denial is giving up and not filing an appeal at all. Many claims are eventually approved at some point during the appeals process. By failing to file an appeal, SSDI applicants miss out on the opportunity to secure benefits.
The SSDI appeals process is in place for a reason—it provides an opportunity for the case file and initial determination to be reviewed by another set of eyes. It also gives applicants a chance to provide additional information to support their claim.
Failing to meet the required deadlines for filing appeal is a common mistake that causes unnecessary delays in the process. The deadline for filing an appeal is typically 60 days following receipt of the initial denial.
Filing a Separate Claim
Filing an appeal is not the same as filing another claim. By filing a separate claim as opposed to an appeal, applicants are often putting themselves at a disadvantage. When a claim is filed instead of an appeal, it is essentially starting the whole process over from scratch.
When SSDI claims reach the hearing stage, they are reviewed by an administrative judge instead of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Accordingly, the chances of receiving an approval at a hearing are much greater than the chances of approval on an initial claim. Filing multiple claims as opposed to an appeal may also result in loss of the right to any back benefits the applicant may be entitled to receive.
Failure to Submit Sufficient Medical Evidence
When applying for SSDI, individuals are held to the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. If sufficient medical evidence to establish that this strict definition of disability has been met does not accompany a claim, the claim would likely be denied.
When the SSA denies a claim for insufficient medical evidence, one of the biggest mistakes an applicant can make is not gathering additional medical records. After receiving a denial, applicants should not hesitate to schedule an appointment with their physician to discuss their disability and the impact it has on their ability to work.
How an Attorney Could Help Avoid Mistakes After a Sandy Springs SSDI Denial
You may be understandably frustrated with the Social Security Administration (SSA) after receiving a denial for a Social Security Disability Insurance claim. Nonetheless, it is essential that you maintain honest and timely communication with the SSA and cooperate with all requests.
These and other common mistakes to avoid after a Sandy Springs SSDI claim denial could be avoided by seeking guidance from an attorney. Do not let a simple mistake limit your options. Call us now to set up a meeting with a member of our legal team.
