Overcoming SSA Claim Denials: 7 Essential Tips for a Successful Social Security Disability Application

When Social Security decides your case, its decision is considered final unless reversed on appeal. If you fail to appeal or fail on appeal, it becomes a settled fact that you were not disabled. Your new application must reflect a change in your condition since the last appeal. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can and often does deny claims under the doctrine of res judicata. In layman’s terms, they will not make a second decision on the same set of facts. While you may feel your condition has not improved, in SSA’s view, it was not disabling before and still is not.

5 Reasons Social Security Disability Claims are Denied

To address this, your new SSA Claim application must include additional care, testing, examinations, or medical documentation showing that your condition has changed. Poor health can wear on us mentally, age can exacerbate orthopedic conditions, and degenerative conditions often continue to deteriorate. Without some change in your condition, SSA may not even consider your claim. Connecting with an experienced disability representative can highlight these changes are paramount to a successful new SSA Claim application.

Talking About Limits in Your Healthcare

Think about how the SSA sees your medical history. If there are gaps where you didn’t get care, didn’t take medications, or avoided medical procedures, they might think you’re not trying hard enough to get better. This isn’t always fair, as it doesn’t consider real-life problems like the high cost of treatments and specialists. Make sure your doctor notes if you can’t afford certain treatments or medications so the SSA understands why you didn’t follow through—it’s not because your condition isn’t severe.

For some people, the idea of surgery is scary, and it doesn’t always work out. Make sure to talk to your doctors about any worries you have about treatments, including surgeries. It’s better if the SSA sees that you’re making careful and sensible choices. Also, tell your doctors about what you’re doing at home to help your condition and your SSA claim. Simple actions like using hot or cold packs, raising your legs, taking warm baths, lying down, using special tables, or meditating all show that you’re actively trying to ease your symptoms every day.

Key Takeaways for a new SSA Claim Application:

1. Highlight Changes in Condition:

Your new application must reflect changes since your last appeal.
SSA will not reconsider the same facts.

2. Document Additional Care:

Include any new medical treatments, tests, or examinations.
Obtain updated medical records from all recent visits.

3. Explain Treatment Gaps:

Communicate any reservations or financial limitations related to your care to your doctors.
Ensure your medical records reflect challenges to accessing care.

4. Show Home Care Efforts:

Document actions you take to manage your symptoms daily.
List home remedies and alternative treatments you have tried.

5. Update Symptom Diary:

Maintain a detailed diary of your symptoms and their impact on daily activities.
Share this diary with your healthcare providers regularly.

6. Provide Comprehensive Medical History:

Ensure your doctor includes detailed notes on your condition and its progression.
Update your file with any new diagnoses or changes in existing conditions.

7. Include Mental Health Support:

Document any mental health issues arising due to your physical condition.
Obtain records from therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists.

By ensuring that your new application addresses these points, you improve your chances of a successful SSA claim. While the process may seem daunting, understanding the intricacies of SSA’s evaluation process and diligently documenting changes can significantly heighten your chances of a successful application. An experienced disability representative can provide crucial guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring your new application is well-prepared and comprehensive. Always ensure to verify all information with an experienced professional for your case-specific strategy.

Here’s How Our Disability Representative Can Help!

As a local representative, our disability advocate, Roy Rickstrew, will know your case from start to finish. We’ll be involved every step of the way, and you’ll speak to the same person every time. Our goal is to make your case the easiest one to approve.

We don’t just fine-tune what you have and put it together in a cut-and-paste format. We’ll meticulously review your case, provide feedback on the weak areas of your application, and offer clear directions on what information we need and where you can find it.

Whether you’ve already begun the application process or are just getting started, we encourage you to schedule a FREE consultation to help determine the best strategy for your case. Our mission is to eliminate the red tape and mountains of paperwork so you can focus on your health and the things that matter.

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