If you are unable to work because of medical problems, you might want to file a claim for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two disability programs that provide monthly financial benefits to disabled workers who meet specific medical criteria.

The SSA uses a medical guide, which is called the Blue Book, to determine if an individual is disabled. Most disability claims are denied on the initial consideration. An appeal can be filed to have the claim reconsidered.

After reconsideration of the claim and another denial, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

While there are many reasons that disability claims are denied, some more common reasons for claim denial include a lack of convincing medical evidence that shows the severity of the condition and how it affects the individual.

You must have medical evidence that shows your diagnosis, the severity of your condition and any limitations or restrictions. Disability Determination Services must be able to see how your medical problems limit your ability to function so they can decide if you should receive disability benefits.

Other reasons for claim denials include the claimant earning enough to surpass the limit for substantial gainful activity or failing to continue with follow-up medical care.

In Idaho, 34.2% of disability claims are approved after the initial review while 12.5% are approved after reconsideration and 59.6% are approved on the hearing level.

Visiting the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Idaho

If a claim is reconsidered but also denied on that level, you can file an appeal and request a hearing before an ALJ. These hearings take place at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). In Idaho, it takes an average of 331 days for a hearing to be set.

That is about 18 days less than the national average. During the hearing, the claimant is questioned by the ALJ as well as a vocational expert so it can be determined what kind of work, if any, can be done by the individual.

Your educational background, work history, work skills, age, and medical problems will all be considered during this aspect of the reconsideration process.

In Idaho, there is no ODAR. Instead, there are two ODARs serving the area and both in Washington State. The regional office is in Columbia Tower, Suite 2900 at 701 Fifth Street, M/S 904 in Seattle while the local hearing office is at 714 North Iron Bridge Way in Spokane.

When you have a hearing, your odds of being approved for benefits do increase. With the help of a disability attorney, your approval chances increase even more. Your attorney will help you prepare for the questioning you will undergo at the ODAR.

Getting Help From A Disability Attorney

As mentioned before, disability claims are challenging and many of them get denied. With the help of a Social Security Disability attorney, your odds of a successful claim improve significantly. An attorney will help you get documents ready for review by Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Physician notes, surgical notes, x-ray reports, scans, lab reports, physician records and treatment records are all compiled for easy access. This way, DDS can understand your restrictions and limitations.

Your lawyer can go to the local SSA office to check your file and make sure all documentation is available and in order. Your attorney can also act as a liaison and handle communications with the SSA representatives. You need an attorney for any appeals that need to be filed. There are several SSA offices in Idaho.

Social Security Administration
2196 Channing Way
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Social Security Administration
1249 Vinnell Way #101
Boise, ID 83709
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Social Security Administration
1118 S Kimball Avenue
Caldwell, ID 83605
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

If you are ready to pursue a claim for disability benefits, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page. Your information will be shared with a disability attorney who can help you get your claim on the right track today.

Additional Resources

Idaho Social Security Disability
Boise Social Security Disability