Common mistakes can easily lead to a denial of a Social Security disability claim, especially when the application is rushed or missing important information. Many people fail to get consistent medical treatment, leaving gaps in their records that make it hard for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to understand the severity of their condition. Others miss deadlines, submit incomplete forms, or unintentionally make statements that seem to contradict their limitations. Some applicants also fail to provide enough detail about how their condition affects daily activities and work-related tasks. These errors can cause the SSA to conclude that a person is still capable of working, even when they are not.
Our Cincinnati social security disability lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can handle the entire process for you to avoid these pitfalls. We gather medical documentation, organize your application, and make sure deadlines are met. If your claim is denied, we also manage every stage of the appeals process to strengthen your case and pursue the benefits to which you are entitled.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation, please call our office headquarters at (513) 224-5461 or contact us online right away.
Fast Facts: Social Security Disability Claim Denials
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are available only to individuals with a medically documented condition that prevents them from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Eligibility also requires sufficient work credits earned through jobs that paid Social Security taxes, along with meeting the SSA’s “recent work” requirements.
• Many initial claims are denied not because the applicant is ineligible, but because the application lacks clear medical evidence, contains errors, or fails to explain how the condition limits work abilities.
• Common mistakes include missing deadlines, skipping medical appointments, providing incomplete records, or making statements that seem inconsistent with the severity of the impairment.
• If your claim is denied, you have several appeal options, including a Request for Reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, a request for Appeals Council review, and ultimately filing a federal court lawsuit.
• Each stage of the appeal process allows you to submit additional evidence, clarify limitations, and address the SSA’s reasons for the denial.
• Our SSDI lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can manage your entire claim from the beginning, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and supported by strong medical documentation.
• We track deadlines, organize records, and present your condition clearly to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
• If your claim is denied, we handle every step of the appeals process, prepare you for hearings, and work to strengthen your case at each level.
• With professional guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and pursue the full disability benefits you may be entitled to receive.
Medical Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity. It means your condition must be severe enough to keep you from maintaining regular, full-time employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that your impairment last — or be expected to last — at least 12 consecutive months or result in death. Short-term or partial disabilities do not meet this standard.
Your medical records must clearly show how your condition limits your ability to perform basic work activities, such as walking, lifting, concentrating, or interacting with others. Diagnostic tests, treatment notes, and statements from your healthcare providers are all essential pieces of evidence. If your condition appears in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, the evaluation process may be faster, but many people still qualify even if their exact diagnosis is not listed, as long as they can show severe functional limitations.
Work History Requirements
Eligibility for SSDI also depends on your work history. To receive benefits, you must have earned enough work credits through jobs that required you to pay Social Security taxes. Most workers earn four credits per year, and the number of credits needed varies based on the age at which you became disabled. Generally, younger workers need fewer credits, while older workers need more to qualify.
In addition to earning enough total credits, you must also meet a “recent work” requirement. This rule ensures that you were actively participating in the workforce before the onset of your disability. If you have not worked within a certain number of years before becoming disabled, you may not be considered “insured” under the SSDI program.
When both the medical and work criteria are satisfied, and your evidence clearly demonstrates an inability to return to your past work or adjust to any other work, you may be approved for SSDI benefits.
Mistakes that Can Result in a Social Security Disability Claim Denial
Common mistakes can significantly increase the chances of a Social Security disability claim being denied, and many applicants are unaware of how easily these errors can occur.
- One of the biggest mistakes is missing important deadlines. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets strict time limits for submitting appeals, providing documents, and responding to requests for information. Even a short delay can cause your claim to be dismissed, forcing you to start the entire process over again. Staying organized and keeping track of every deadline is crucial to keeping your claim on track.
- Another common mistake is not getting sufficient medical treatment. The SSA relies heavily on medical evidence to determine whether your condition is severe and long-lasting. When applicants skip appointments, fail to follow up with specialists, or go long periods without treatment, the SSA may assume their condition is improving or not severe enough to prevent work. Regular treatment creates a clear medical record showing how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to hold a job.
- A third mistake is saying the wrong thing to the SSA. Many applicants unintentionally minimize their symptoms or describe their daily activities in a way that suggests they are capable of more than they truly are. Even simple statements—such as saying you “do okay most days”—can be taken out of context and used to deny a claim. It is essential to be honest, specific, and consistent when speaking with SSA employees or completing forms.
- A fourth mistake involves not submitting enough evidence about how your condition affects your ability to work. Some applicants provide medical records but fail to explain their functional limitations, such as trouble standing, concentrating, or completing tasks on time. Without this information, the SSA may decide you can still perform certain jobs. Detailed explanations from both you and your doctors are critical.
- The fifth common mistake is trying to handle the entire process alone without seeking guidance. Many applicants struggle with the complexity of forms, medical documentation, and the appeals process. The knowledgeable SSDI attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help avoid errors, gather vital evidence, and present your case more effectively, improving your chances of being approved.
Legal Options if Your Social Security Disability Claim Gets Denied
If your Social Security disability claim is denied, you still have several legal options available, and understanding each stage of the appeals process can significantly improve your chances of ultimately receiving benefits. A denial does not mean the SSA believes you are not disabled. Often, it means the agency needs more information or did not consider the evidence you submitted to be strong enough. The key is to respond promptly and follow the proper steps, since the appeals process is structured and time-sensitive.
The first and most common option is to file a Request for Reconsideration. It must be submitted within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. During reconsideration, a different SSA reviewer evaluates your entire file, along with any new evidence you submit. It is your chance to address any weaknesses in your original application. You can provide updated medical records, additional test results, or new statements from doctors that explain your limitations more clearly. Many claims that were initially denied are approved at this stage when stronger documentation is provided.
If your reconsideration is denied, your next legal option is to request a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. It is often considered the most crucial step because it gives you the opportunity to explain your condition in person. The judge will review your medical evidence, listen to your testimony, and may also hear from vocational experts who evaluate whether you can perform any work. The hearing allows you to fully describe how your condition affects your daily life, something that the written application alone cannot always capture.
If the judge denies your claim, you can move on to the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council does not hold a new hearing; instead, it reviews the judge’s decision to determine whether it followed proper procedures and if any vital evidence was overlooked. The Council may affirm the denial, reverse it, or send the case back to the judge for another hearing.
If the Appeals Council also denies your claim, your final legal option is to file a lawsuit in federal district court. It is not a new disability evaluation but a review of whether the SSA made errors when deciding your case. Although this stage is more formal and complex, it provides one last opportunity to challenge an unfair denial.
How Our Lawyers Can Handle Your Social Security Disability Claim for You
Comprehensive Guidance Through the SSDI Application Process
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our legal team can handle every step of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim to ensure your application is as strong and complete as possible. Filing for disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with serious medical issues that limit your ability to work. Our team reviews your medical records, gathers missing documents, and presents your condition clearly and accurately. We also explain how your impairments affect your daily abilities, work history, and overall functioning—details that the Social Security Administration (SSA) carefully evaluates when deciding whether to approve a claim.
From the beginning, we help avoid common mistakes that often lead to delays or denials, such as incomplete paperwork, missed deadlines, or inconsistent statements about your symptoms. Our team stays organized on your behalf, monitoring all SSA requests and ensuring that your application is submitted correctly and supported by solid evidence. By thoroughly preparing your claim, we aim to provide you with the strongest possible foundation for approval at the earliest stage.
Support When Your Claim Is Denied
If your initial application is denied, our team can step in to handle the appeals process, which often requires even more detailed documentation and a persuasive explanation. The first appeal step, the Request for Reconsideration, allows us to update your file with new medical evidence, correct any gaps in your initial application, and address the reasons the SSA provided for the denial. Many claims are approved at this stage when the evidence is clearly organized and presented.
If reconsideration is unsuccessful, we can prepare your case for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This stage involves crafting a straightforward narrative of your limitations, preparing you to answer questions, and organizing all medical and vocational evidence, so the judge understands exactly how your condition prevents you from working. Our team also continues guiding you through later appeals, including the Appeals Council and, if necessary, a lawsuit in federal court.
Through every stage, O’Connor, Acciani & Levy provides steady guidance, ensures deadlines are met, and works to give you the best chance of securing the disability benefits you need.
FAQs: Social Security Disability Claim Denials
What makes someone eligible for Social Security disability benefits?
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from performing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You also need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical evidence, work history, and functional limitations before making a decision.
What are the common reasons disability claims get denied?
Claims are often denied due to missing deadlines, not receiving consistent medical treatment, incomplete documentation, or statements that appear inconsistent with the severity of your condition. Many denials occur simply because the SSA does not have enough evidence to understand how your disability limits your ability to work.
What can I do if my claim is denied?
You can appeal through several stages: a Request for Reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, review by the Appeals Council, and finally, a federal court lawsuit. Each level allows you to provide more evidence and clarify any issues that led to the initial denial.
How can your lawyers help with my SSDI claim?
Our legal team at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can prepare your initial application, gather medical records, avoid errors, and present a clear picture of your limitations. If your claim is denied, we handle the entire appeals process, organize evidence, prepare you for hearings, and ensure that all deadlines are met. Our goal is to strengthen your claim at every stage and pursue the benefits you need.
Talk to an Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our attorneys can guide you through every step of your Social Security Disability claim, and if necessary, take the appropriate steps to appeal a claim denial.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Cincinnati personal injury attorney, please call our office at (513) 224-5461 or contact us online.
