If you Social Security Disability claim in Tennessee has been denied, you are not alone. Most disability claims are denied. When a claim is denied, you will need to file an appeal.
When your claim is denied, you will receive a letter that explains the reasons for the denial, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will include concise instructions regarding the appeals process.
It will detail how to file an appeal, include paperwork to fill out, and give you deadlines. These documents will help you know what is needed for claims approval.
Why are Social Security Disability Claims Denied in Tennessee?
Disability claims are denied for various reasons. Some reasons, however, are much more commonplace than others. Here are just some of the leading causes for disability claims being denied.
- The main reason that disability claims are denied is there is a failure to provide Disability Determination Services (DDS) with hard medical evidence. DDS wants to be able to understand the severity of your conditions, the symptoms you suffer, your treatments and those side effects, and how you are affected by all those combined. Any restrictions or limitations must be clearly notated in your medical records.
- Another mistake that is made is people refiling a claim after having a claim denied. Don’t make that mistake because you will likely be providing the same information again, which will result in your claim being denied again. Also, you will need to be able to correct the problems that were notated when your claim was denied. By filing an appeal, you will not lose your rights to backpay from the date of the original filing, which is something that you would lose when you refile.
- Many applicants make the mistake of continuing to work part-time while seeking benefits. If your income exceeds the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limits, your claim will automatically be denied regardless of the severity of your condition. As of 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for individuals who are not blind and $2,590 per month for those who are blind.
- iThe SSA needs proof that your condition is not improving. Failing to continue with follow-up care is a leading cause for claims being denied. Follow-up visits will show if your condition has improved, worsened, or stayed the same. Without continuous care, there is not enough hard evidence to make an accurate determination.
- Another leading cause of claim denials is the failure to cooperate. The SSA might ask for additional information or documentation. They will send you a request clearly indicating what they want and the deadline to send it to them. If you have any questions, you should contact DDS. Send out the requested information by the deadline, so they can decide with that information included in the process.
The disability claims process can be complicated. You will need the help of a Social Security attorney in Tennessee to successfully appeal any claim denials.
Where are the Tennessee ODARs?
When your claim has been denied twice and you have appealed both times, you will request a hearing before an administrative law judge. These hearings are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Here are some of the ODARs serving the state of Tennessee:
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Nashville ODAR
221 Cumberland Bend
Nashville, TN 37228 -
Memphis ODAR
309 Monroe Street
Memphis, TN 38103 -
Knoxville ODAR
135 Circle Lane
Knoxville, TN 37919
It can take several months to be scheduled for a hearing. Most of the time, you will be notified of the judge’s decision within a few weeks after the hearing.
How A Social Security Attorney in Tennessee Can Help Your Disability Claim
Disability claims are challenging, and most are denied at least once. To file a successful appeal or to prevail on the hearing level, you will need a Social Security attorney in Tennessee. An attorney will ensure all paperwork and evidence are properly gathered and made accessible to the SSA.
Your attorney will ensure everything is filed in a timely manner and will file all appeals and other documents. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, especially if you have had your claim denied in Tennessee.
