If medical reasons have made it unable for you to work, you might want to pursue a Social Security Disability claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the disability programs. To qualify for disability benefits, the SSA has very specific medical criteria that must be met.

The Blue Book, which is a medical guide, is used to determine whether an individual is disabled. Most disability claims are denied. It can be a challenge to get approved for benefits, but after a claim is denied you can file an appeal to get a reconsideration.

If you are once again denied benefits on the reconsideration level, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

Some of the more common causes of claims being denied include a lack of hard medical evidence that shows the severity of the condition and its limitations. If you fail to continue with your medical care or get follow-up treatment so Disability Determination Services (DDS) can see how your condition is progressing.

If you are continuing to work and your income exceeds the mark for substantial gainful activity (SGA), your claim will also be denied. In Iowa, you have a 25% to 30% chance of having a claim approved during the initial consideration. On the reconsideration level, 9.4% of applications are approved.

When the case reaches the hearing level, the state has a 57.9% approval rate.

Visiting the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Iowa

If your claim is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. Hearings take place at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). In Iowa, there are several ODARs. At the hearing, you will be questioned by the ALJ and by a vocational expert.

This is to determine if you can perform any kind of work. In addition to your medical problems, your age, educational background, work experience, work skills, and other factors are all given consideration.

This allows the ALJ to have an overall look at your ability to function, your limitations, and your restrictions. Your overall picture is considered at the hearing level.

There is one ODAR in the State of Iowa. Located in West Des Moines, it has 10 judges and there is a 19.5-month wait for a hearing. It takes an average of 622 days to process a claim in Iowa. On the hearing level, about 49% of claims are approved compared to 45% on the national level.

An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing by getting you ready for questioning as he or she will know what kinds of questions you could expect with your condition. You definitely need legal representation to help you on this level.

Getting Help From A Disability Attorney

Disability claims are very challenging and many are denied. A Social Security lawyer can increase your odds of being approved for benefits. Your attorney can gather up your medical records and documentation so Disability Determination Services (DDS) can accurately assess your condition.

Your attorney can go with you to the local SSA office and review your file to make sure everything is in order so you can get fairly assessed. Your lawyer will also communicate with SSA representatives regarding your case.

All your medical records, including physician notes, x-rays, scans, lab results, and so forth must be in order for a fair review. Your attorney can handle any appeals when claims are denied. There are several SSA offices scattered throughout the state.

• Social Security Administration
  455 SW 5th Street F
  Des Moines, IA 50309
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Social Security Administration
  20 Arena Way Suite 1
  Council Bluffs, IA 51501
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Social Security Administration
  3165 Williams Blvd SW
  Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

If you are considering the pursuit of disability benefits, you should speak with a Social Security attorney right away. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page so you can be put into contact with an attorney near you.

Additional Resources

Iowa Social Security Disability
Des Moines Social Security Disability