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DENIAL IS NOT THE END, JUST THE BEGINNING

A denial of federal disability benefits is not the end of your journey, it is only the beginning.

In today's economy, about 75 percent of persons who eventually get Social Security disability benefits have to appeal at least one denial and most end up at a hearing before being awarded benefits.

In the last 3 years there has been a tremendous push back by Social Security, under pressure from Congress, to keep award rates low.  The hearing office where I frequently practice has an average approval/award rate of 38 percent.  Across the United States, award rates are the lowest point in the history of the disability program.

Should This Discourage You From Applying for Benefits?

Absolutely not.  However, it should cause you to think through your claim carefully and be smarter as you wade into the process. You should have a clear view of your burden of proof and a solid theory about why you qualify for federal disability benefits. Applications and supporting documents should be prepared meticulously.  Supporting medical evidence must be thorough and complete.  Nothing can be taken for granted.  Your doctor needs to be involved in the process, as difficult as that may be to achieve.

At my firm, we are spending more time than ever in preparing and administering claims. And it costs more than ever.  

Your journey to a successful Social Security disability claim will probably not be quick or easy.  As I said at the beginning, "a denial of benefits is not the end of your journey, it is only the beginning."
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