Only a third of applicants are approved for disability on their first application; the other two-thirds have their disability claim denied. That isn’t, however, a reason to give up. Often, these applications were denied due to lack of evidence and not because they were bad claims. A Bakersfield disability benefits attorney can help you get the evidence you need in order to prove your claim.
Oren & Oren helps those who have been denied disability get the evidence they need to prove their case before the disability judge. We contact your doctors, vocational specialists, and anyone else who can weigh in and say that your condition makes it very difficult for you to work. Call us today for a free consultation.
Top 5 Reasons You May Have Had a Disability Claim Denied
#1. You Were Not Disabled for at Least 12 Months
Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has lasted or will last at least 12 months. Your claim may be denied if you haven’t been out of work for that long. However, with the right evidence your lawyer, with the help of your doctors, can prove that your condition will last into the foreseeable future.
#2. You Waited to Apply for Disability
When you’re injured, you probably don’t know exactly how severe your situation is. You may try to continue working only to find out that you can’t. In addition, you may wait for any insurance or settlements to stop paying out. This is a mistake. The longer you wait, the more cause the SSA will have to deny your disability claim. This is due to the fact that they rely on the most recent medical information when evaluating your claim. A lawyer can help you get new medical information and make your case before the SSA.
#3. You’re Still Working
Just so we’re all on the same page, when you go before the SSA and the judge, you are claiming that you can no longer work. Working provides ironclad proof to the contrary. On the other hand, if you’re making very little money (below $1170/month), you may still qualify. Nonetheless, the SSA will argue that the fact that you can work at all indicates you can work enough to support yourself.
#4. Insufficient Medical Evidence
This is one of the most common reasons that a disability claim is denied. Here, your lawyer will lobby your doctors to provide the evidence you need to make your claim before the judge and the SSA.
#5. You Did Not Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
If you are making a claim for disability then it’s assumed that you’re going to abide by the treatment plan that your doctors lay out for you. If you don’t, your claim may be denied. The reason for this is that the SSA has no way of knowing whether or not your treatment plan, as prescribed by the doctor, could impact your employability. Those that do not follow their doctor’s treatment plan will have a difficult time before the judge.
A Fresno & Bakersfield Disability Attorney Can Help
Disability attorneys are familiar with the requirements applicants need to prove their disability claim. In the event that your disability claim is denied, the disability attorneys at Oren & Oren can help you file an appeal and win. We will talk to your doctors, ensure that you are meeting your treatment goals, and speak with vocational experts who can advocate for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
