If you receive a Social Security Disability Denial quickly does that mean the case is weak?No, the speed at which a Social Security Disability or SSI claim is decided really has nothing to do with the strength of the case. When it comes to disability applications and reconsideration appeals (a reconsideration is the first appeal a claimant can file), these decisions are made by disability examiners who work at DDS, a.k.a. disability determination services. DDS disability examiners do not process cases according to deadlines or even according to how long they have had a particular case in their caseload (though, to some extent, examiners are rated according to how "aged" their caseload is). Instead, they really try to close all cases as quickly as possible. And how fast an SSD or SSI disability claim can be closed depends almost entirely on how long it takes for the disability examiner to obtain a claimant's medical records. If the records come in quickly, the disability examiner may make a faster decision. If the records take longer, so will the disability decision. Of course, the wait for records is something that is largely beyond the disability examiner's control. One of the very first things that a disability examiner will do in processing a disability claim will be to send out medical record request letters to all the various medical treatment sources that were listed at the time of application (or appeal). Many doctors and hospitals will comply with these requests fairly quickly. However, very often it will quite a number of weeks for one treatment provider or another to send in the requested records. And, generally, unless the records that have already been received are extremely strong and persuasive, the disability examiner will be forced to wait for the remaining medical records to arrive. There are other factors that may delay a decision on a Social Security Disability case, but the basic point is that the processing time for a case usually has little to do with the outcome of a case, and will not indicate whether the decision will be an approval or denial. 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: How long do I have to be off work before I can apply for disability in North Carolina? How to Appeal a disability claim denial from Social Security Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits What is a Social Security Disability Denial based on? Are there ways to avoid being denied for SSI or Social Security Disability? What does a Disability Denial Letter from Social Security say? Reconsideration of a Social Security Disability denial- what does it involve? What to do if you receive notification of a Social Security Disability or SSI claim denial If you receive a Social Security Disability Denial quickly does that mean the case is weak? What happens if my SSI or Social Security Disability Application is denied? Social Security Disability Denied? The Reasons Why (medical denials) If I get approved for disability on the second application What medical conditions get you approved for disability? Social Security Disability qualifications How to claim disability benefits If you apply for disability in Virginia Will I qualify for disability Benefits in Virginia? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Virginia |
