By Chris Sharry on March 27th, 2025 in Disability Applying, Disability Qualifying, Social Security Disability
In recent years, concerns over fraud in the Social Security Disability (SSD) system have prompted heightened oversight and stricter evaluation of disability claims across the country. As a result, individuals applying for SSD benefits today face far more challenges than applicants in previous decades. With approval rates declining and scrutiny at an all-time high, hiring a knowledgeable and experienced Social Security Disability attorney is more important than ever to ensure that you receive the benefits you are legally entitled to.
The Changing Landscape of SSD Applications
For decades, the number of Americans applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) steadily increased. In the 1990s, approximately 2 million people applied annually. That number rose to over 2.9 million applications in 2010 following the economic recession. Although application numbers have slightly declined in recent years—falling closer to 2 million per year—the approval rate has not recovered. In fact, it has become more difficult than ever to qualify for benefits, even for those with legitimate and severe disabilities.
This shift is largely due to growing concern over fraudulent claims, which has led the Social Security Administration (SSA) to adopt stricter standards and more rigorous review processes. While the goal is to prevent abuse of the system, the unintended consequence is that many honest and deserving applicants are being denied due to missing documentation, procedural errors, or insufficient medical evidence.
Increasing Scrutiny on Applicants and Claims
Today’s SSD applicants face multiple layers of review and must provide comprehensive and consistent medical records, employment history, and detailed documentation of how their condition limits their ability to work. The SSA now places more emphasis on:
- Objective medical evidence, including test results, clinical findings, and physician notes
- Longitudinal treatment records to establish the severity and duration of the condition
- Work history analysis to assess whether the applicant can perform past or alternative work
- Credibility assessments based on consistency across all submitted materials
Even minor errors or omissions can lead to a denial, forcing applicants to enter a lengthy appeals process that can take months or even years.
How an Experienced SSD Attorney Can Help
Navigating the SSD system alone can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a debilitating physical or mental condition. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney can make a critical difference by:
- Evaluating your eligibility through a free case consultation
- Gathering and organizing medical records and evidence that clearly demonstrate the severity of your condition
- Communicating with your doctors to ensure supportive documentation is included
- Filing your application accurately and on time to reduce the risk of denial due to technical errors
- Representing you during appeals and hearings if your claim is initially denied
SSD attorneys understand the legal standards the SSA uses to evaluate claims and how to present your case in a way that meets those standards. Most importantly, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and they only get paid if you win your case.
Start With a Free Case Evaluation
Given the increased scrutiny on Social Security Disability applications and the high rate of initial denials, it’s essential to get professional legal help early in the process. A skilled SSD attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls, strengthen your application, and advocate for the benefits you deserve.
If you’re thinking about applying for SSDI or your initial claim has been denied, don’t wait. Contact Attorney Chris Sharry, a trusted Social Security Disability attorney, to schedule a free case evaluation and take the first step toward securing the support you need.
