I was denied Social Security disability for the 2nd time... Is it worth continuing to pursue benefits?

Submitted by Maya on

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process is long and cumbersome. And for those who are dealing with a chronic, debilitating condition, completing the everyday tasks of life are challenging enough.

Many applicants who are applying for SSDI are initially denied benefits. If this happens to you, you are able to file an appeal. And, if you are denied Social Security disability benefits for the 2nd time, you can request a hearing and continue the application process for your claim.

What to Do If Denied Disability

When you apply for SSDI or SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA)—which assesses your claim—may not approve it after the initial application. You may think that, because you are unable to work, you will get automatic approval, however, there are many parts of a disability benefits claim that the SSA considers before reaching a decision. Fortunately, after you receive your denial letter, all is not lost as you are given the chance to lodge an appeal.

When you receive the denial letter, there will be a deadline date included for filing an appeal. You must file your apply within the deadline, otherwise you will get no further chance to be considered for disability benefits.

In addition to informing you that you can appeal the initial decision, the denial letter will also state why you were denied. Most often, the reason for initial denial is because you haven’t provided sufficient medical evidence that proves how your medical condition will prevent you from working for at least 12 months.

When you lodge your appeal, you should add more evidence that proves and highlights how you are unfit for work in any type of job for at least the next 12 months. This evidence could include a more detailed doctor’s report, the results of further medical tests and taking part in a Residual Functioning Capacity (RFC) assessment conducted by a medical professional which is often your doctor but it could be a physician appointed by the SSA.

The RFC assesses both your physical and mental capacity such as your ability to walk unaided, to lift and move heavy objects as well as your ability to communicate.

You should speak with a lawyer to help you file an appeal as you will have a far higher chance of winning the appeal than if you filed it on your own.

What If I’m Denied a Disability Benefit and Can’t Work?

Even if you are disabled and cannot work, it still could mean your application for disability benefits may be denied. However, it is important to note that all is not lost as you can lodge an appeal against the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) decision.

Upon learning that you have been denied Social Security disability, there should be an explanation in your denial letter that indicates why you were denied disability and can't work. Oftentimes, an application is denied because the medical evidence provided isn’t sufficient to prove you are so disabled that you cannot work.

Additionally, your medical condition may not exactly match a medical condition in the SSA’s Blue Book. Thus, when you lodge the appeal, you will need to provide more test results and more doctors’ reports to prove your disability will prevent you from working for at least 12 months.

If you haven’t already done so you should ask your doctor to conduct a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation. This determines whether you are disabled and should receive disability benefits. If you have a physical disability, the RFC assessment will include how much you can walk or stand and lift, carry, and push or pull objects. It will also determine how good your hearing is. Your mental capacity may also be assessed which could include the following:

  • how much you understand, remember, and can follow instructions;
  • whether you can maintain attention and concentration for long periods of time.

So, if you are someone who has been denied Social Security disability for the 2nd time, so long as you follow the reasons your disability benefits were denied and provide the evidence requested which supports your disability, you will probably have a higher chance of winning the appeal.

How Many Times Can You Get Denied Disability?

It’s very common for people to have their disability claim denied. The Social Security Administration has a rigorous process for determining disability and if you don’t have as much evidence as they are looking for or if there are other deficiencies your claim can be denied multiple time.

There is no limit to the amount of times that a claim can be denied. But that’s not as disheartening as it sounds because there is also no limit to the number of appeals that you can make. That means that you can appeal every time your claim is denied. You may get your claim approved on appeal after it is denied if you correct whatever made the SSA reject it.

Keep Appealing The Same Claim

You should only file your claim once. If that claim is denied you can make changes to it and file an appeal. Don’t submit multiple claims. That can slow down the process even more. File one claim for disability benefits. If it’s denied, you can work with a disability lawyer who can help you appeal that denial and help you build a case for why they should approve your claim.

When your application for disability benefits is denied the first thing you should do is file a request for a reconsideration. That means asking the SSA to take another look at your claim. You can file a request for reconsideration form online through the SSA’s website. But you can also mail in a request for reconsideration to the SSA.

Appealing the First Denial

 

When an initial disability application is denied, you can submit a request for reconsideration. In your denial letter, you will likely find out (1) why your claim was denied as well as (2) when you must file your appeal by. If you do not file your request for reconsideration by the time limit provided in your letter (which is typically 60 days), then your appeal will automatically be denied.

Many claims are initially denied because they cannot prove that they have a valid claim. It is likely that you were not able to demonstrate that you meet the Blue Book listing, medically qualifying you for benefits. Because of this, when filing an appeal, you should submit more evidence, if possible.

 

Use your denial letter and the Blue Book as a guide for your appeal. Make sure you can prove you meet the listing. Ask doctors, caretakers, and/or employers for letters, explaining your condition and how it impacts your ability to work and earn a living wage.

 

If your claim was denied due because you do not meet a Blue Book listing, you may still be able to qualify under a Medical Vocational Allowance. To do so, you can request to have a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form completed by a doctor. An RFC will explain in detail how the disabling condition you are experiencing impacts your ability to work.

 

If you are still unable to demonstrate that you qualify for disability benefits, you appeal may be denied for a second time.

Learn More: Appealing After A Denial

Denied a Second Time

If you were denied Social Security disability for the second time (because your request for reconsideration is denied), but you still believe you should qualify for benefits, then you can request a hearing. This hearing will be held in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

A hearing with an ALJ will be held in person. Like a judge in court, an ALJ will hear your testimony, as well as testimony of experts and witnesses to your disabling condition. An ALJ may ask you questions about your condition and allow you to submit new evidence. The ALJ will then make a final decision for your Social Security disability claim based on both the evidence and testimony you provide.

Denied Twice

When attending a hearing, it can be hard to prepare on your own. A disability attorney or advocate may be extremely helpful during this stage. A lawyer may be able to help you prepare for a judge’s questionings. In addition, a disability lawyer can help represent you during a hearing.

It is easy to become frustrated with obtaining the financial assistance that you so desperately need. However, it’s important to remember that the approval process is designed to ensure that those individuals who need the benefits the most have access to them.

What are the five stages of the disability claims process?

    1. Initial Claim

Filing an initial claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA) occurs when an applicant feels that their diagnosed physical or mental condition prohibits them from earning income that would support them. This initial step involves filling out the appropriate application paperwork, discussing your plan with your physician, and obtaining all of the relevant medical evidence.

It can take anywhere from 3-6 months to obtain a decision on your initial application. According to the SSA, the average national rate of approval for initial disability claims is approximately 36 percent. This means that nearly two-thirds of applications are initially denied.

If your claim is denied at the initial stage, you have the right to appeal the decision. And you will have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration.

Denied Twice

    2. Reconsideration

If you are denied due to medical reasons in your initial claim, you can request a reconsideration depending on the state in which you live. A reconsideration is the first step in the appeals process and involves your case being re-evaluated by a different disability claims examiner.

Some states have eliminated the reconsideration process. If you live in such a state, and your initial disability claim was denied, your appeal would go directly to a hearing.

Your chances of being approved at the reconsideration appeal level are lowest at this stage compared to all the other stages. According to the SSA, only 13 percent of claimants win their approval at the reconsideration level. So, unless you have submitted both new and substantial medical evidence, the odds of being approved at this level are extremely low. If you are one of the majority who has not been approved during a reconsideration, you can request an appeals hearing. Once again, you must request a hearing within 60 days of your denial.

    3. Hearing

If you have been denied Social Security disability for the 2nd time—meaning that your disability claim has been denied at both the initial level and the reconsideration level—you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At the hearing, you will have an opportunity to answer questions about your condition, as well as present any new and/or relevant information that you feel is important for the judge to be aware of. As you prepare for your hearing, new medical evidence can be submitted to the ALJ.

Your chances of being approved for SSDI benefits dramatically improve once you reach a hearing with an ALJ. In fact, the SSA estimates that approximately 50% of disability awards are granted at the appeals hearing. So, if you have been denied Social Security disability for the 2nd time, you should consider requesting an ALJ hearing as this would give you the best chance of getting the disability benefits you may need and deserve.

If you are denied benefits at the appeals hearing level, you can either file a new claim for disability or you can request an appeals council review.

Denied Twice

    4. Appeals Council

If you have been denied SSDI benefits at an appeals hearing, you have 60 days to request an appeals council review. The Social Security appeals council (AC) will not review your actual case, but instead will assess whether or not the ALJ’s decision was made according to law. The council typically upholds the conclusion of the ALJ, unless it is determined that there was an error in judgment.

Only 1 percent of the cases heard by an appeals council is overturned. Approximately 13 percent are sent back to a hearing with a new Administrative Law Judge. If you are one of the majority to be denied benefits at this stage, you have 60 days to appeal the decision.

    5. Federal District Court Appeal

If you have been denied Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) thus far, you have the right to file a civil complaint with the US District Court in your state. This is the last level of the Social Security disability appeals process. While very few cases make it to federal court, some deserving individuals have been successful at winning disability awards at this level.

I've already been denied disability benefits twice

How Many Times Can You Get Denied Disability?

It is very common for people to have their disability claim denied. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a rigorous process for determining disability, and if you don’t have as much evidence as they are looking for, or if there are other deficiencies, your claim can be denied multiple times.

There is no limit to the amount of times that a claim can be denied. But that’s not as disheartening as it sounds because there is also no limit to the number of appeals that you can make. That means that you can appeal every time your claim is denied. You may get your claim approved on appeal after it is denied if you correct whatever made the SSA reject it in the first place.

Keep Appealing The Same Claim

You should only file your claim once. If that claim is denied, you can make changes to it and file an appeal. Do not submit multiple claims. That can slow down the process even more. This is why you should file one claim for disability benefits. If you one claim is denied, you can work with a disability lawyer who can help you appeal that denial and help you build a case for why they should approve your claim.

When your application for disability benefits is denied, the first thing you should do is file a request for a reconsideration. That means asking the SSA to take another look at your claim. You can file a request for reconsideration form online through the SSA’s website. But you can also mail in a request for reconsideration to the SSA.

Why Do I Keep Getting Denied For Disability?

It can be very frustrating when you keep getting denied for disability. But usually the problem is something that can be easily fixed. Talking to a disability attorney before you apply can help you avoid denial. But if you are denied you should definitely talk to a disability attorney who may be able to you figure out why you were denied and what you can do about that. The most common reasons people are denied for disability are:

Not Enough Medical Evidence

It’s critically important that you include as much medical evidence as you can with your application. You must be able to show the SSA that you meet all the medical requirements for disability. And you must be able to show them how your medical condition keeps you from working. If you’re not sure if you included enough medical documentation that best thing you can do is speak to an attorney that specializes in disability cases to get their opinion.

Not Seeing A Doctor

You must keep up with all of your doctor appointments and treatment to show that you are continuing to get treatment for your medical condition. The Social Security Administration will not approve any application for benefits that doesn’t include a letter of diagnosis and proof of disability from medical professionals. And you must also show that you are following the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.

Not Filling Out The Application Correctly
Even small errors on the application form can result in a denial. If you find the application confusing or hard to fill out you can have a friend or family member fill it out for you. Or you can get help from a disability attorney.

Should I Hire an Attorney or an Advocate to Help Me Win My Claim if I Have Already Been Denied?

 

When applying for SSDI benefits, there are many steps in the process. And it is not uncommon to be denied benefits at several points along the way. So, if you are someone who was denied Social Security disability for the 2nd time, it is probably worth considering hiring and working with an attorney. The good news is that it is never too late to hire a disability lawyer or disability advocate to assist you with the process.

 

Through your appeals process, whether it’s from your first or second denial, a lawyer can help you demonstrate that you qualify for disability benefits. A lawyer may be able to help you gather missing medical evidence, get letters for support from doctors, have expert witnesses and represent you in court. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get in touch with a participating attorney in our network that takes cases in your area.

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