Warning Signs That You May Be Denied Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews all applications very carefully before making a determination. Common signs that may result in a denial of benefits include incorrect information, missing medical evidence, and failure to meet the SSA’s eligibility criteria.

The Disability Insurance Application Process

The disability insurance application process can be intimidating, especially if you are experiencing a difficult health issue and trying to apply for benefits at the same time. Navigating the bureaucratic steps, trying to understand how eligibility works, and deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer to help with the process are all important decisions to make. Unfortunately, every case is different and there is no one-size-fits-all answer that applies across the board.

On one hand, some applicants take on the disability insurance application process themselves. Although this can be somewhat difficult and time consuming, it can be done with the help of online resources and patient service representatives who walk you through the paperwork. On the other hand, those who decide to hire a disability attorney can have an easier time. A qualified disability attorney will have specialized experience in personal injury law, have an in-depth understanding of what qualifies as a “disability” according to Social Security Administration protocols, and know the best approach to take in order to get your application approved once and for all.

The most important takeaway is that no matter which route you choose for your disability insurance appliction process, it’s important to remain informed about each step. Making sure that you understand each part of the application process will increase your chances of success when applying for benefits.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the disability insurance application process, let’s move on to discussing how Social Security decides if an applicant is eligible for benefits and what sort of warnings signs they may look out for during their determination process.

How Does Social Security Determine Eligibility?

When applying for disability benefits, many applicants are unsure about the eligibility requirements and how their case is evaluated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In order to understand when and why an application may be denied, it’s important to understand how the SSA determines eligibility for disability benefits.

The SSA evaluates disability applications based on both medical and non-medical criteria. To prove that you have a disability, the SSA must consider whether you have a medically determined physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity and has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months. Additionally, to qualify for disability benefits, your symptoms must be so severe that they prevent you from performing basic work activities such as walking, sitting, standing, lifting, speaking, remembering and concentrating.

Applicants must provide evidence of his/her condition to prove their eligibility. Once they meet these criteria, the SSA considers other factors such as the applicant’s age, education level, and past work experience. For a person over 55 who can no longer perform their previous job due to their disability may be more likely to be approved than a younger person with the same medical condition who doesn’t have much work experience.

It’s important to keep in mind that each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there are always exceptions to every rule. The bottom line is that if you are unable to work due to a medically documented condition which has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months, then you should consider filing an application with the SSA.

Now that we’ve discussed how Social Security determines eligibility let’s move on to the next section: Symptoms and Diagnosis.

• According to the Social Security Administration, over 2 million disability claims were filed in 2019 with an overall rejection rate of almost 70%.
• A study conducted by Allsup found that in 2019, approximately 60% of denied SSD applications were a result of insufficient medical evidence.
• The same study estimated that the odds of being approved for disability benefits increase by 15% when a disability lawyer is involved.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

When applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the most important factor when making a determination is your diagnosis. In order to properly diagnose a condition, it is important to identify any symptoms or signs you may be exhibiting that are related to your disability. While there is no one definitive test or set of symptoms to determine if someone has a disability, there are certain warning signs that may be interpreted as possible indicators of an individual’s inability to work due to a medical condition.

In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, individuals must meet certain criteria in regards to their diagnosis and the severity of their disabilities. Generally speaking, an individual’s diagnosis must have lasted at least 12 months or be expected to last a minimum of 12 months. Additionally, the diagnosis must result in medically documented mental or physical limitations that prevent the individual from working gainfully.

The SSA will use a medical evaluation along with other evidence such as medical opinions and/or reports in order to make a decision on an applicant’s eligibility for benefits. Any symptoms exhibited during these evaluations can help provide insight into whether or not an individual may be eligible for benefits based on disability status. Some of these symptoms include: weakness, fatigue, dizziness, depression, anxiety, difficulty with physical activities like walking or lifting objects, and difficulty concentrating for extended periods of time.

It is important to note that no singular symptom is enough by itself to qualify an individual for disability benefits. Rather it is the combination of medical documentation verifying an individual’s diagnosis and limitations combined with any potential symptoms that are taken into consideration when determining whether or not an applicant qualifies for Social Security Disability coverage.

In order to make sure applicants receive full credit for any issues related to their disability, it is crucial that they provide sufficient medical documentation along with their application. Without proper documentation, it can be difficult for the SSA to make a determination about an individual’s eligibility for benefits based solely on symptoms that cannot be medically verified through various tests. This brings us into our next section about necessary “Medical Tests”.

Necessary Medical Tests

If you are applying for disability benefits, you may need to undergo medical tests to prove the severity and extent of your disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) often requests that applicants take certain tests to confirm their level of impairment or diagnose a condition. Examples of medical tests commonly requested by the SSA include X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs and EMGs. These tests help the SSA determine if an applicant is eligible for disability benefits due to physical impairments (like an injured leg).

It’s important to note that medical tests sometimes don’t provide conclusive evidence of a disability. For example, a test could show that an applicant has sustained permanent damage from a particular injury but may not have resulted in total paralysis or amputation. In situations like these, additional evaluations may be necessary in order to verify whether or not an individual qualifies for benefits.

On the other hand, it’s also possible for individuals who don’t meet the criteria for medically determinable impairments to still be approved for benefits. This is because the SSA takes various factors into consideration when determining one’s eligibility. These factors may include age, education and work experience. In other words, if you don’t meet the requirements needed to qualify based on medical conditions alone, there may still be other ways in which you can prove that your disability prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

For those with disabilities who are applying for benefits, it’s important to understand both what types of tests are necessary and how they can affect your outcome. While medical tests alone aren’t always enough to secure disability benefits, they do play an important role in the final decision-making process. With this in mind, it’s essential to ensure that all necessary tests are completed prior to submitting your application—and remain aware of warning signs that could indicate you will be denied disability benefits based on your medical results.

Moving forward, we will now look at another component crucial for securing disability benefits: required documentation.

Required Documentation

In order to be considered for disability benefits, you will need to provide documentation that supports your claim. This documentation should include any medical evidence (such as test results, diagnosis from a doctor, etc.) that can help establish a physical or psychological disability. You may also need to provide proof of income, depending on the type of benefits being applied for.

The amount and type of evidence required will vary depending on the disability in question. As such, it is important that you contact your local Social Security Administration office beforehand in order to determine the exact documents they require. Doing so will prevent delays in processing your application and getting a decision made quickly.

It is also important to note that providing false or incomplete information on an application can result in denial of benefits. If you are found to have provided fraudulent information, your benefits could be revoked at any time, leaving you without coverage until a new application is submitted with accurate information. As such, honesty and accuracy are paramount when submitting documents and applications for disability benefits.

Finally, make sure that all the documents you submit are up-to-date and valid. Outdated paperwork could delay the decision-making process and potentially lead to a denial of benefits if more recent information is needed to assess your condition.

Having the necessary documents ready in advance can help ensure a faster decision from the Social Security Administration and save you time and stress down the road. The next section will discuss the importance of having most recent physicals when applying for disability benefits.

Most Recent Physicals

When deciding whether or not to award disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will often look at a claimant’s most recent physicals. In general, the SSA prefers claimants who have had an up-to-date medical examination. This physical should have been completed by a healthcare professional within the 90 days prior to applying for disability benefits. The purpose of this exam is to evaluate the severity of the injury or illness and to verify whether it has caused any decline in functioning or overall prognosis.

However, this requirement can be waived if a claimant has experienced a significant decline in functioning since their last physical exam. In addition, if a claimant can demonstrate that they will incur financial hardship due to the cost of obtaining a new physical, then that may also be taken into consideration. Ultimately, the prevalence and accuracy of one’s most recent physicals will help determine how successful someone’s disability claim will be.

Therefore, it is important for claimants to try and stay up-to-date on their most recent physicals so that they can accurately demonstrate how much their disability has affected them both mentally and physically. Doing so can potentially increase their chances of being approved for disability benefits.

Lastly, additional requirements may need to be met when applying for disability benefits, such as providing proof of income and employment history. To learn more about these additional requirements and how they impact eligibility for disability benefits, please read the following section.

Additional Requirements

In addition to meeting the criteria for eligibility, individuals seeking disability benefits must provide sufficient evidence when filing a claim. Individuals claiming sickness or injury should have an official diagnosis from a medical provider. There should also be evidence of treatment and the degree to which it has been effective in managing their condition. This may include providing proof of medications used, surgeries performed, hospital treatments, or doctor visits related to the disability.

Individuals may also be required to produce evidence of information regarding their past occupations and salary as well as any employment history related to the disabling condition that they are claiming. Furthermore, applicants may need to prove social security payments; however not all disability benefit applications require this evidence.

Those with physical or mental impairments or serious injuries due to work-related accidents will likely be requested to provide additional documents such as medical release forms, employer verification forms, and other relevant materials requested by the Social Security Administration at its discretion. Depending on the individual’s situation, receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to their condition may also by necessary for settlement considerations.

The requirements for documentation can vary greatly depending on an individual’s particular circumstance. It is important for those considering applying for disability benefits to make sure that they understand which documents they need before filing a claim in order to avoid being denied based on insufficient supporting evidence.

Acknowledgement of the additional requirements mentioned above is only part of a successful application process; proper evaluation and follow up treatment will also be necessary in order for applicants to be eligible for disability benefits. This is discussed in further detail in the next section about “Appropriate Treatments”.

Appropriate Treatments

Individuals seeking disability benefits are required to show that they have sought appropriate medical treatments for their condition in order for their claim to be approved. It is important for claimants to be able to identify the correct treatment, and to follow through with the course of treatment prescribed by their physicians. Treatments can be divided into two categories: treatments that are suitable for a particular illness or injury, and treatments that aren’t necessarily required but which may benefit the claimant in some way.

In regards to suitable treatments, applicants must take care to ensure that the treatment prescribed by their physician is appropriate for their condition and that it follows recognized standards of care. For example, if an individual is suffering from a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression, they should seek out appropriate counseling or therapy services. If an individual has a physical injury or ailment, such as a broken bone or chronic pain, they should receive treatment from a qualified medical provider in order to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery time.

Although not necessary to secure disability insurance benefits, claimants may choose to pursue additional treatments in order to bolster their claim. This could include seeking advice from experts in their field such as occupational therapists or vocational rehabilitation specialists; taking part in adaptive sports programs; enrolling in vocational training programs; traveling for specialized treatments; or engaging in other therapies designed to improve symptoms and improve overall health. These treatments may be beneficial in increasing the chance of an approval, but applicants should remember that simply undertaking these activities does not guarantee success.

When selecting treatments, both necessary and non-necessary ones, individuals should also consider the potential risks involved and speak with healthcare providers if they have any questions or concerns before beginning a course of action.

By considering all their options and remaining knowledgeable on suitable treatments when applying disability benefits, claimants increase their chances of securing adequate coverage without undue delay or struggle. To continue with this topic further, the following section will discuss denial of disability insurance claims.

Denial of Disability Insurance Claims

It is possible for disability insurance claims to be denied, even if a person has submitted all the necessary paperwork. Reasons for denial vary, but typically it comes down to whether the claim meets the policy specifications and if there is enough evidence to support the claim.

Reasons for Denial

A common reason for a disability insurance claim being denied is that an individual did not accurately define their work duties or income level in the initial application process. Companies may also deny claims if they believe the claimant misrepresented information on the application such as relevant medical history, past job duties and expected income at the time of filing for disability. Other common reasons for denial include:

• Not meeting the definition of disability listed in the policy

• Inability to provide accurate evidence of a disability

• Underlying medical condition does not meet requirements laid out by the policy

• Claim was filed too late

• The claimant failed to accurately state certain facts when applying for benefits

In some cases, a company may choose to deny a disability insurance claim due to lack of sufficient evidence or inability to prove that there is a medically-defined disability with substantial proof. This can happen if there are discrepancies between doctor’s notes, exams and testing results or if information provided by medical professionals is inconsistent with one another. Additionally, companies may consider any recent improvements in one’s condition which could cause them to think that their health has improved or that they no longer require disability benefits. It is also possible for disability claims to be denied due to pre-existing conditions which were known prior to filing for benefits, even if the insurance company was aware of this beforehand.

Appealing Denials

If a person’s disability insurance claim is denied, it does not necessarily mean that their case is closed. It is possible to appeal denials as long as certain criteria are met. Typically companies allow multiple levels of appeal from an independent third-party review (which involves looking over all application materials) up to court action if needed. In order to successfully appeal a denial, claimants must have clear evidence supporting their case, including medical records and documentation from witnesses who can attest to their condition and ability to work. Further, individuals should ensure that their application packet has been filled out correctly and fully and that any discrepancies in paperwork have been addressed and explained.



When appealing denials, it is important for individuals to remain informed and proactive throughout the entire process as well as monitor communications from their insurance company in order address issues quickly and effectively. Additionally, it is important that claimants understand their rights under both state and federal laws so they can address any violations during an appeal hearing if necessary.

Common Questions

How can I increase my chances of being approved for disability benefits?

There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of being approved for disability benefits. Firstly, you should seek out the advice of an experienced attorney; they will likely be able to give you a better chance of success as they understand how disability benefit claims are assessed and approved. Secondly, make sure you provide accurate and complete information on your disability claim application. Asking for help in completing forms or making sure all supporting documents are included can help ensure that your medical conditions are correctly and accurately documented. Finally, do your research and make sure you understand eligibility requirements and how the process works. Knowing the criteria for eligibility and what evidence is typically required can help give your claim the best chance for approval.

What are the top reasons why someone may be denied disability benefits?

The top reasons why someone may be denied disability benefits include:

1. Insufficient Evidence of Disability: To qualify for disability benefits, claimants must provide sufficient evidence that their disabilities limit the ability to engage in substantial gainful activity. Without such proof, the claim may be denied.

2. Failure to Follow Treatment Plan: If a claimant is prescribed a treatment plan by their doctor and they fail to follow it, they may be denied disability benefits.

3. Financial Refusal: If a claimant has sufficient financial resources available to them, they may be denied disability benefits. This can include income from employment (even if existing on a part-time basis) or spouse’s earnings.

4. Worker’s Compensation Benefits: If someone is receiving worker’s compensation benefits, these must be exhausted before claiming Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Therefore, if a claimant is already claiming worker’s compensation and fails to exhaust those benefits first, their claim for SSDI may be denied.

5. Inability to Follow Instructions: If a claimant fails to provide accurate information or fails to return requested paperwork within the specified timeline, their application can be denied.

What evidence do I need to provide to qualify for disability benefits?

In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must provide evidence that demonstrates a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits your ability to complete major life activities. This evidence can include medical records, test results, doctor’s reports, hospital discharge summaries, and other documents that establish the severity and duration of your disability. Additionally, if you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must also provide evidence of a qualifying work history. The Social Security Administration generally requires documentation of at least five years of employment in the last 10 years prior to becoming disabled. If this requirement is unclear or you are facing any other doubts about your application for disability benefits, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a qualified attorney.