For individuals who have disabling physical or mental injuries, conditions or illnesses; every day is filled with obstacles and challenges. From an individual struggling with depression who is overcome by feelings of sadness and hopelessness and unable to think clearly or make decisions to an individual who is in constant pain due to a debilitating back injury, for many individuals their disabilities make it difficult to impossible to work.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration's Social Security Disability Insurance program provides qualifying individuals with much-needed financial assistance in the form of monthly SSDI benefits. Unfortunately, according to the SSA, only roughly 28 percent of first time SSDI applicants are awarded benefits.
In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits an individual must have been formally diagnosed with one of the SSA's qualifying impairments. However, in some cases, even the applications of those individuals who should qualify are denied. For example a claim may be denied on the basis that an individual failed to provide sufficient documentation or medical evidence about one's injury or condition. In other cases, an SSDI claim may be denied on the basis that an injury or condition isn't deemed severe enough in nature.
For individuals who are struggling with a physical injury or mental condition, the denial of SSDI benefits can be devastating. Thankfully, the SSA does allow an individual to appeal his or her claim. When doing so, it may be wise to turn to an attorney who handles SSDI appeals.
In our next post, we'll continue to discuss the process of appealing a denied SSDI claim and discuss some tactics that may be useful in improving an individual's chances of winning an appeal.