If you are unable to work because of medical issues, you might be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is a monthly disability benefits program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It can be a difficult and time-consuming process if you don’t seek the help of a Social Security attorney in Wisconsin. Most claims are denied, so with the help of a lawyer, you can improve your odds of being approved for benefits.
Why are Social Security Disability Claims Denied in Wisconsin?
If your disability claim was denied in Wisconsin, you are not alone. Most claims are denied. There are literally countless reasons that claims get denied, but some reasons seem to stand out as they are much more common than others. These are all things that can be avoided with the help of a disability attorney in Wisconsin. Here are some of those common causes for claim denials.
Hard medical evidence – Without hard medical evidence, Disability Determination Services (DDS) cannot accurately assess your condition. Hard medical evidence includes more than a confirmed diagnosis. It includes your treatment plan details, the severity of your condition and limitations and restrictions. It will also indicate how your condition keeps you from working.
Reapplying – If your claim has been denied, you will be notified as to why it was denied, and you will be told what to do to file an appeal. That is exactly what you should do. File an appeal. Just filing another application with the same information will lead to your claim being denied again. Don’t make this mistake.
Exceeding the SGA – Many claimants continue working part-time after they apply, assuming this will not hurt their claim. If your income exceeds the limits for substantial gainful activity (SGA), your claim will automatically be denied because DDS will assume you can work enough to make a living and that you are not disabled.
Lack of Follow-up Care – DDS needs to get updates on your condition. Has it improved? Has it stayed the same? Has it worsened? Without records from follow-up medical care, they cannot assess your health and make a fair determination. Be sure to continue with your medical care to show the severity of your condition.
Lack of Cooperation – The SSA might contact you to request additional information to help with the decision-making process. If you don’t provide those details by the deadline, your claim will be denied. Be cooperative. If you have questions about the request, contact DDS right away to get clarification.
With the help of a Social Security Disability attorney in Wisconsin, you can avoid these pitfalls and improve your odds of a successful disability claim.
Where are the ODARs in Wisconsin?
After two claim denials and appeals, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge for a ruling. Hearings are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). ODARs are in each state. In Wisconsin, it takes an average of 20 months to get a hearing date. The state has an average 627-day processing time for claims. Here are some ODARs in the state.
Madison ODAR Office
2501 W. Beltline Highway, Suite 305
Madison, Wisconsin 53713
Milwaukee ODAR Office
310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Room 300W
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
Your disability attorney in Wisconsin will help you prepare for your hearing. With the help of a lawyer, you are much more likely to be approved for benefits on the hearing level.
How a Social Security Attorney in Wisconsin Can Help You With Your Claim Denial
Claims being denied in Wisconsin are very common. Because of the complexity of these claims and the need to provide hard evidence that shows your condition and how it affects you, you will need the help of a disability lawyer.
Disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose since your lawyer will not be paid until your benefits are approved. Your odds of approval jump significantly when you enlist the help of an attorney in Wisconsin. Complete the Free Case Evaluation form on this page to get your claim on the right track today, so you can get the benefits you need.