Applying for disability benefits can be challenging. If health problems have left you unable to work, you might qualify for the monthly benefits. If your disability claim was denied in Vermont, you are one of many. Most disability applicants get a denial notice.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send a written notification that explains their findings and why the claim was denied. There will also be instructions filing an appeal, so you can work to get the decision changed.
Why are Social Security Disability Claims Denied in Vermont?
There are literally dozens of reasons for Social Security Disability claims to be denied. If your claim has been denied in Vermont , you are one of many facing the same challenge. While there are many reasons a claim can be denied, here are a few of the main reasons that claimants are denied benefits. Take care to make sure these are not your problems as well.
- Disability Determination Service (DDS) needs hard medical evidence to support your claim. This evidence must show more than just your diagnosis, but also your symptoms, treatments, and side effects. It should also show all your limitations and restrictions, so they can determine that you are disabled. Physician notes and similar documentation play a major role in the overall outcome of your case. A lack of hard evidence is the main reason disability claims are denied.
- Applicants reapplying after a previous case denial is another reason that claims are denied. If your claim is denied, you should file an appeal and try to address the issues. If your claim is denied then you reapply with the same information, you will just get another denial. Gather up additional documentation that shows the information the SSA needed to approve your claim. Your claim denial will detail the findings and what you did and did not prove with the initial application.
- Working enough to exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limits will lead to a claim denial. Those limits, as of 2023, are $1,550 per month for a non-blind person and $2,590 for someone who is blind. Make sure you don’t exceed those limits.
- Not continuing with medical care is another reason for claims being denied. Follow-up care is necessary for Disability Determination Services (DDS) to determine if you are disabled. Without you continuing with medical care, DDS will not be able to determine if your condition has improved or worsened.
- And, numerous claims are denied because the applicants fail to cooperate. If the SSA asks for additional information or documentation, you should supply it by the deadline. If you have questions about what they are asking for, then you need to contact them and ask for clarification.
A Social Security attorney in Vermont will help you get your claim on the right track, so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Where are the ODARs in Vermont?
If your claim has been denied twice and you filed appeals, you will request a hearing before an administrative law judge. These hearings are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) and might take several months to be scheduled. Vermont residents go to the ODAR in New Hampshire.
Manchester ODAR
1750 Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03104
Your attorney in Vermont will help you prepare for the hearing and will ensure all evidence is in order, so it can be reviewed by the judge.
How a Social Security Attorney in Vermont Can Help You With Your Claim Denial
Applying for disability benefits can be challenging and the claims process can be complicated. A Social Security disability lawyer in Vermont will know what documentation your claim lacks and will be able to effectively pursue your claim with the SSA. You will need an attorney to represent you when you go before the judge. Don’t risk being unprepared.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today, so your case can be reviewed by a disability attorney in Vermont. Disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. If your claim was denied in Vermont, a disability attorney in Vermont can help you get your claim on track.
