If medical problems have caused you to be disabled and you can no longer work, you might be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. However, the claims approval process is very complex and can be challenging. Most claims are denied in Washington, so you may need the help of a Social Security Disability attorney. With the help of a lawyer, your odds of a successful claim increase significantly. There are several things that you can do to help improve your odds of getting your claim denial approved.
Why are Social Security Disability Claims Denied in Washington?
There are countless reasons that disability claims are denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While some of these reasons are rather self-explanatory, there are others that might be more challenging to address. Here are a few of the more common reasons for disability claims being denied by the SSA. These are common causes that can also be avoided or corrected with the help of a disability attorney in Washington.
- The leading cause for disability claims being denied in Washington is the failure to supply hard medical evidence that supports the claim. This is medical evidence that not only confirms your diagnosis, but also shows all your limitations and restrictions. Disability Determination Services (DDS) needs to understand your condition, its severity, your treatments, your symptoms and side effects, your limitations, your restrictions, and how all these features combined impact your ability to work.
- Many people make the mistake of turning around and reapplying after a claim has been denied. When you receive a claim denial, it will tell you what information was lacking and why your claim was denied. It will also give you instructions for filing an appeal. When you file an appeal, you can correct the problems and provide the additional information. Just refiling with the same information will lead to another claim denial.
- Working and earning more than the limits for substantial gainful activity (SGA) will automatically result in a claim being denied. The SGA changes annually, so check to find out those figures.
- Failing to continue with your medical care and go to follow-up visits will result in claim denial. Disability Determination Services (DDS) needs to know if your condition has improved, stayed the same, or progressed. If you don’t continue seeking medical care, DDS doesn’t have the latest details on your health.
- Failure to cooperate with the SSA will also lead to a claim being denied. Sometimes DDS will ask for additional information to support your claim, so they can decide about your claim. If you don’t understand what they are asking for you should contact them right away. Otherwise, get them the requested information by the deadline, so they can give your claim full consideration.
If you have faced a claim being denied in Washington, consult with a disability lawyer who can help you get your claim on the right track and improve your odds of winning your appeal and being awarded benefits.
Where are the ODARs in Washington?
If your claim has been denied twice and you appealed both times, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. These hearings are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). There are offices that serve each state. Here are some Washington ODARs.
Seattle ODAR Office
300 5th Ave, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-3389
Spokane ODAR Office
714 N Iron Bridge Way, Ste 200
Spokane, Washington 99202-4929
Tacoma ODAR Office
2413 Pacific Avenue, Suite 200
Tacoma, Washington 98402
Your disability attorney in Washington can help you get your disability appeal on the right track.
How A Social Security Attorney in Washington Can Help You With Your Claim Denial
Disability claims are challenging. With the help of a disability attorney in Washington, you can improve your chances of being approved for benefits during the appeals process. An attorney will know which information is needed to show the severity of your condition. Also, a lawyer will be almost a necessity at the hearing level. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to get your claim on the right track and get closer to benefits approval.
