Why most SS Disability Claims are Denied in Texas   Recent statistics indicate that as many as 77 percent of all initial claims for Social Security (SS) disability are denied, more than eighty percent of all reconsideration appeals are denied, and many individuals are even denied at the administrative law judge hearing. Why are so many Social Security claims in Texas denied? There are many reasons why SS disability claims are denied. The less common reasons for being denied 1. Many long-term disability companies insist that individuals apply for Social Security Disability as a basis of offsetting any benefits they are required to pay the beneficiaries. This requirement causes many unnecessary claims to be filed with the Social Security Administration, thus increasing the amount of overall Social Security Disability denials. 2. In addition to long-term disability companies clogging the system with claims that are unnecessary, many state social services offices will promote the idea that an individual should file for Social Security Disability even if they are working at a level considered to be substantial work activity. Of course, these disability claims are denied for SGA. 3. Still other disability claims are denied for reasons totally unrelated to medical conditions or work activity. Some individuals who file for disability do not follow through with the requirements of their disability claim. Many claimants do not provide disability examiners with requested information or fail to attend scheduled consultative examinations; each of these may result in a Social Security Disability claim denial. A more common reason for being denied (though not the most common) Often an individual files a disability claim due to traumatic injuries such as workplace injuries, car accidents, or even sudden onset medical conditions (stroke or heart attack). While these injuries or medical accidents may be disabling initially, they often are expected to improve over the course of twelve months (remember that the definition of Social Security Disability requires that an individual must be disabled and unable to work for twelve months or be expected to be disabled and unable to work for twelve months). If Social Security feels that an individual's condition will improve to a level that leaves an individual able to perform substantial work activity (this activity does not have to be the individual's usual line of work), there is a possibility that the claim will be denied for durational concerns (not expected to last for twelve months) or even denied on the basis that an individual can return to their usual line of work or other work if the claimant's residual functional capacity allows (residual functional capacity is what an individual is able to do in spite of their medical and/or mental conditions). The reason most claims are denied in Texas The most common reason for being denied in Texas is failing to satisfy the SSA definition of disability by proving that you have a condition that A) is severe, B) will be disabling for at least one full year, C) may meet or equal the criteria of a listed condition, and D) keeps you from being able to work and earn an SGA level income while doing your relevant past work or doing suitable other work. Pages that provide additional detail on these topics: 1. What is the Social Security definition of disability? 2. What does social security mean by past work? 3. What Does Social Security Disability and SSI Include As Your Past Work? 4. What Does It Mean If you Are Denied For Disability Because You can do Other Work? 5. How are Social Security Disability cases decided? - the Process Social Security takes many things into consideration when they make a determination to approve or deny Social Security benefits. For example, disability examiners consider an individual's age, education, and medical condition when determining if an individual has the capacity to perform other work or even to be retrained to do other types of work. As you can see, much of the disability determination is based upon what the disability examiner determines your residual function capacity to be, in addition to your ability to be retrained for other types of work that you are able to perform in spite of your impairments. Consequently, an individual may go through the Social Security Disability process many times prior to being approved for disability benefits. In fact, there is no guarantee that an individual will ever meet the criteria for Social Security Disability (though it should be pointed out that individuals who are denied and appeal their case all the way to the level of the disability hearing will stand approximately a sixty percent chance of being approved if they have representation). 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? 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These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits What to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits Applying for disability benefits, SSI and SSDI What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability? How does back pay for Social Security Disability work? Social Security Disability And SSI Qualifications Permanent Disability Qualifications for SSD and SSI Status of your Social Security Disability or SSI case Disability lawyer representation, finding lawyers What is qualifying for disability based on? How to qualify for disability, qualifying for Benefits Qualifications for Disability Benefits How long does it take to get disability after applying? Disability application, how to file in Texas Texas disability requirements Eligibility and qualifying for disability in Texas What are the qualifications for disability in Texas? Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in Texas? Getting a Texas disability lawyer, attorney, or advocate