Filing a Social Security Disability Claim? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Applying for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits is a long and arduous process that’s almost always riddled with hurdles. While much of your claim’s trajectory will be out of your hands, however, you’re not necessarily powerless. By making sure to avoid all the most common mistakes, for example, you can prevent a host of complications that might otherwise extend the proceedings (or result in a denial).

Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes claimants tend to make, so you know what not to do:

1. Discontinuing Medical Treatment

When you’re unable to work, covering the bare essentials like housing, food, and transportation can become incredibly challenging. While it may be necessary to cut back on various expenditures just to make ends meet, however, you should not stop seeing your doctor.

Discontinuing treatment could seriously hurt your chances of securing the benefits you deserve. The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to see that your condition has not improved despite following all medical advice. Naturally, they won’t be able to confirm as much if you stop getting care.

2. Submitting an Incomplete Claim

Failing to fill out the SSD forms accurately or thoroughly will inevitably result in a denial. While completing the application before submitting it may seem easy enough, you’ll quickly realize why so many people accidentally submit unfinished forms upon seeing all that they entail.

This is why it’s advisable to consult a professional. A knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney will review your application and all corresponding documentation line by line to ensure it meets the SSA’s standards before you submit it.

3. Overlooking Mental Disabilities

When reviewing SSD applications, the SSA considers all medically verifiable conditions that have the potential to impact a claimant’s earning capacity. This includes mental disabilities.

If you have any documented mental health conditions, it’s probably wise to include them in your claim. Even if they are not the primary reason why you’re applying for benefits, they could ultimately influence your eligibility. If the SSA feels your main disability does not qualify, for example, but you have additional conditions that ultimately render you unable to work, you may be able to secure benefits after all.

4. Filling a New Claim After Receiving a Denial

Roughly 2 out of 3 initial SSD claims are denied, though it’s not necessarily because 2 out of 3 claimants are ineligible. More often than not, there are issues within the application that result in an automatic rejection.

Put another way, if your claim is denied, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not entitled to benefits. It’s important that you file an appeal, however, instead of merely submitting another claim. This will preserve your initial filing date, so if your claim is eventually approved, the compensation will be backdated further.

Discuss Your Case with a Social Security Disability Attorney in Stuart

For help with every aspect of your SSD claim, turn to the compassionate team at Donaldson & Weston. We have counseled hundreds of clients in various aspects of personal injury law, and we know what it takes to help them secure the compensation they deserve. You can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Social Security disability lawyers in Stuart by calling 772-266-5555 or by submitting our Online Contact Form.