It's not uncommon for those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to end up being denied. It can be distressing because you likely were counting on those benefits after having to quit your job. Fortunately, denied applicants are entitled to take their case before an appeals officer and they can also get an attorney to help them. Read on to find out more about denials and how a disability attorney can set things right.

The SSA Notice

The Social Security Administration (SSA), which oversees SSDI and other benefit programs, notifies claimants by mail for all communications including the denial notice. In the letter, the reasons for the denial will be noted. The letter includes information about your medical conditions and what the SSA used when considering your claim. For example, if they relied on your medical records for information, that will be noted. Finally, the SSA will include an explanation for the denial.

The Rationale for the Denial

This section of the denial letter goes into detail about the reasons for the denial. Some applicants may not be sent the rationale, but they can request it from the SSA. It's very important to understand why you were denied because that is what must be addressed at your appeal hearing.

Unfortunately, the explanations contained in the letter are often full of unfamiliar terms and are difficult for most people to understand. For instance, the SSA might go into detail about the RFC, or the residual functional capacity. This mouthful describes how the SSA determines how close you can come to performing the tasks of your previous job. Then it examines whether you can, based on your RFC, perform at an alternate job.

Speak to Your Lawyer

Your SSA lawyer is skilled in understanding what the SSA is saying in the letter, and they can interpret it for you. They will also know what must be done to rectify the situation. For instance, if the SSA notes that you failed to have certain diagnostic tests performed, your lawyer will arrange for you to have updated medical treatment and tests for your condition. A very common reason for a denial is that the claimant is determined to be able to perform at other jobs. However, many cannot because of physical limitations that might not have been mentioned in the application.

The appeal hearing is your chance to deal with the reasons for the denial and many claimants end up being approved for benefits after the hearing. Speak to a Social Security lawyer and find out about the ways they can help you get your benefits approved.