When you submit an application to the Social Security Administration for SSDI benefits and they deny that claim, it often feels like they are telling you that you do not have a disability. You know that your condition is keeping you from working and that you need the benefits. It can be very frustrating when it feels like the SSA fundamentally disagrees with you.
The thing to remember is that the denial does not necessarily mean they think you are not disabled. It is not a critique of your medical condition. In many cases, the issue is just that you have not provided the proper evidence. The SSA notes that evidence is the cornerstone of its determination, so submitting the correct evidence is a critical component of the process.
In other words, all the denial really means is that they do not have the evidence to approve you for disability benefits at this time. If you can provide additional evidence, you may get them to adjust their decision and grant you access to those benefits.
What type of evidence can you use?
Every case is unique, but evidence can include:
- Medical records from healthcare facilities, such as clinics or hospitals
- Records from your primary care physician
- Documentation demonstrating the results of laboratory tests, MRIs, CT scans and much more
- Statements from medical professionals
Often, the SSA wants to see how severe your disability is, how it affects your ability to work and how long it is projected to last. So a statement from a medical professional noting that you are not able to work at all and that your condition may never improve can go a long way toward securing the benefits you need.
Navigating the system can be complex, which is why it is often helpful to work with an experienced attorney.
