Suppose you’ve suffered an injury or disability that prevents you from working. In that case, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To navigate this complex system successfully, contacting experienced Oklahoma Social Security attorneys like the Social Security Law Center is essential.
We Are Your Advocates for the Benefits You Deserve
Social Security Disability benefits, often referred to as SSD or SSDI, provide support to individuals who have contributed to the workforce but find themselves unable to work due to physical or mental impairments. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a similar program offering assistance to those with low income or who are 65 and older.
To ensure you receive the benefits you deserve, contact the Social Security Law Center in Oklahoma City, where our skilled attorneys can guide you through the process. With our expertise, you can avoid common pitfalls that might lead to a denied SSD or SSI claim.
Qualifying Disabilities and Medical Conditions for SSDI
While blindness is a recognized disability, each case is assessed individually. Specific criteria must be met, including the inability to work for at least 12 months due to the condition. Some common disabilities and medical conditions that often lead to SSD benefits include:
- Blindness
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart Disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Paralysis
- Reflex sympathetic Dystrophy
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Stroke
- Severed limbs
Challenges of SSDI Claim Denials
Many individuals need help with the SSDI application and appeals process, leading to frequent claim denials. With over 2.5 million applications received annually, most initial applicants are denied benefits. If your claim is rejected, keep hope.
An attorney familiar with the system can assist you in assembling crucial documents, adhering to deadlines, and preparing for an SSDI hearing. Their expertise can help you determine the types and amounts of benefits you qualify for.
Common Reasons for Claim Denials
Delaying your disability claim can decrease its chances of acceptance. Some reasons for the premature denial of disability benefits include:
- The agency’s determination of full recovery
- Misrepresentation of the seriousness of the injury
- An inaccurate diagnosis
- The belief that the expected recovery period has ended
- The assertion that you can return to work despite your condition
Avoiding Application Mistakes
Statistics show that claimants without legal representation at their administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing are twice as likely to be denied. To avoid common application mistakes when seeking Social Security Disability benefits, it is advisable to engage an expert Social Security lawyer.
Typical errors in Social Security Disability applications include:
- Inadequate documentation of medical evidence
- Doctor’s reports that don’t align with Social Security regulations defining disability
- Insufficient documentation of the inability to work or loss of vocational aptitude
- Incorrect or incomplete form submissions or missing deadlines
- Filing forms and documentation at the wrong office
The Value of Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer
An attorney can help you avoid application errors, potentially expediting benefit approval without the need for reconsideration or hearings. In the event of a hearing, your attorney will prepare thoroughly.
Your attorney may take the following steps to support your claim:
- Collect medical evidence to establish the severity of your injury or condition.
- Object to improper evidence and procedures to ensure a fair hearing.
- Obtain a doctor’s report in line with Social Security regulations.
- Address questions from the ALJ regarding additional medical opinions.
- Cross-examines a vocational expert to assess your ability to work.
- Retrieve essential documents from your file and review SSA actions.
- Request subpoenas to secure crucial witnesses for your hearing.
- Cross-examine witnesses from the Social Security Administration.
- Ensure correct benefit calculations if you win.
- Seek a review of the Hearing Decision by the SSA Appeals Council if you lose.
Contact the Social Security Law Center for an Expert Attorney Today
Claimants without representation at administrative law judge hearings face a higher likelihood of denial. We strongly recommend contacting an Oklahoma SSD lawyer at the Social Security Law Center today. Call us at 918.388.7752 or contact us today to start your journey toward securing the benefits you deserve.
Recent Comments