By Chris Sharry on July 29th, 2024 in Disability, Social Security Disability
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a complex and daunting process. Many applicants make critical mistakes that can jeopardize their chances of receiving the benefits they need. As a Social Security Disability lawyer based in Massachusetts, Attorney Chris Sharry provides valuable insights into common mistakes made during the SSDI application process and how to avoid them. This article outlines several of these common mistakes and provides a typical scenario to illustrate how these errors can impact your application.
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Failing to Provide Complete Medical Documentation
One of the most significant mistakes applicants make is failing to provide complete and accurate medical documentation. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires detailed medical records to support your claim, including diagnosis, treatment history, and the extent of your disability.
Importance of Comprehensive Documentation
Under federal law, the SSA needs sufficient medical evidence to determine if your condition meets the criteria for disability benefits. In Massachusetts, the state follows these federal guidelines strictly. Incomplete or insufficient medical records can lead to delays or denials of your claim.
Typical Incomplete Medical Documentation Mistake
Scenario: Emily, a Massachusetts resident, applied for SSDI after being diagnosed with chronic arthritis. She submitted some medical records but did not include detailed notes from her specialist or recent diagnostic tests. As a result, the SSA requested additional information, causing delays in her application and risking denial.
Solution: Ensure you provide a complete set of medical records, including all relevant documentation from healthcare providers. Work with your doctors to obtain comprehensive reports that clearly outline the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
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Misunderstanding the Definition of Disability
Many applicants misunderstand the SSA’s definition of disability, which can lead to errors in their application. The SSA defines disability as the inability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA assesses your ability to perform any work, not just your previous job. This means your disability must prevent you from engaging in any substantial work activity, not just your former role.
Typical Definition of Disability Mistake
Scenario: John, who worked as a warehouse manager, applied for SSDI after developing severe back pain. He claimed that his condition prevented him from doing his previous job but did not fully address his ability to perform other types of work. The SSA denied his claim because he did not adequately demonstrate that his condition prevented him from all forms of substantial gainful activity.
Solution: Clearly articulate how your disability affects your ability to perform any type of work. Provide detailed descriptions of how your condition impacts your daily life and work-related functions.
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Ignoring the SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process
The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine disability eligibility. Many applicants are unaware of this process and fail to address each step adequately, which can lead to misunderstandings and errors in their application.
Understanding the Five-Step Process
The five-step process includes:
- Determining if you are currently working.
- Evaluating if your condition is severe enough to meet SSA standards.
- Assessing if your condition matches one of the SSA’s listed impairments.
- Determining if you can perform your previous work.
- Assessing if you can perform any other type of work.
Typical SSA Process Mistake
Scenario: Susan, a Massachusetts resident, applied for SSDI after being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. She did not fully address the SSA’s requirement to demonstrate that her condition prevented her from performing any work, not just her previous role. Consequently, her application was denied.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with the SSA’s five-step evaluation process and ensure that your application addresses each step comprehensively. Provide evidence and documentation that align with the SSA’s criteria.
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Failing to Meet Deadlines and File Appeals Properly
Missing deadlines or improperly filing appeals can severely impact your SSDI claim. The SSA has strict deadlines for filing applications and appeals, and missing these can result in the dismissal of your claim.
In Massachusetts, as elsewhere, adhering to deadlines is crucial. If your initial application is denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. Failure to meet this deadline can forfeit your right to appeal and result in the loss of potential benefits.
Typical Missed Deadline Mistake
Scenario: Michael’s initial SSDI application was denied, but he missed the 60-day deadline to file an appeal. As a result, he had to start the application process over, delaying his benefits and increasing his financial hardship.
Solution: Keep track of all deadlines and ensure you file any necessary appeals or supplementary documentation promptly. Consult with a Social Security Disability lawyer to help manage deadlines and ensure your appeal is filed correctly.
Secure the SSD Benefits You Need
Navigating the SSDI application process can be challenging, but avoiding common mistakes is essential to securing the benefits you need. If you need assistance with your SSDI application or have faced challenges with your claim, contact Attorney Chris Sharry today for a case evaluation over the phone.
