Does Social Security turn down every disability case the first time?The answer to this question is no. The social security administration does not turn down every case the first time, though this is a commonly held assumption that you tend to read in many forums and which has grown into something of a myth. In actuality, there is no set number of times that a Social Security Disability or SSI claim has to be denied for an allowance (i.e. an approval) to be granted, nor is every disability claim automatically turned down the first time. Some individuals have medical conditions that immediately meet the medical disability criteria for something known as a disability listing (in the social security administration's list of impairments, often referred to as the blue book). In these cases, the medical evidence that has been gathered for a claimant's case is particularly strong and allows the disability examiner working on the case to quickly determine that their accumulated evidence satisfies the listing--such as the listing for bipolar disorder--referred to by SSA as bipolar syndrome--or one of the musculoskeletal listings, such as disorders of the spine. In most other cases, the combination of medical evidence and work history information will point to medical, vocational, education, and age factors sufficient enough to establish that the claimant's condition prevents them from returning to work activity. And this conclusion would result in an approval on an initial claim. Actually, the statistical data for many years suggests that about thirty percent of all initial claims are allowed (i.e. approved for disability benefits) on a national average. This flies in the face of the assumption that social security turns down all cases on the first disability application. It does mean, however, that seventy percent of all applications for disability are denied. Meaning that the majority of individuals who are seeking to receive Social Security Disability or SSI disability benefits will probably have to appeal their denial and, possibly, obtain representation from a disability attorney. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Apply for Disability in Henderson, North Carolina If I Get Denied Twice For SSD or SSI Disability, What Do I Do? What Are The Reasons For Social Security Disability Cases Being Denied? What happens if you get denied for Social Security Disability three times? Why Will A Social Security Disability Application Get Denied? How Many Times Will Social Security Disability Deny You before You Get Approved for Disability? Can You Avoid Being Denied on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim? What happens if a reconsideration for Social Security Disability or SSI is denied? What should be done if your disability is denied? How do you appeal if you are denied for Social Security Disability or SSI? Should you get Help from a Disability Attorney before the Claim has been Denied? Turned down at my disability hearing: should I appeal or refile? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Minnesota Will I need a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Michigan? |
