Of the Florida applicants that file for Social Security disability benefits this year, only an estimated 27 percent will be approved. For those that appeal, only 9 percent will successfully earn benefits. Unfortunately, numerous cases of fraud and a disparaging proportion of able workers to disabled claimants make the application process an increasingly difficult and tiresome chore. Many rely on disability lawyers in Orlando, FL to help navigate the various complexities and frustrations of the application process.
Communication and Cooperation.
The greatest benefit to hiring a disability attorney in Orlando is having an expert to handle the burden of heavy paperwork involved in the application process. It is crucial that the SSA be able to contact and communicate with you regularly. If a single document is overlooked or an appointment is missed for any reason your entire case could be thrown out and dismissed
It is equally important to be entirely cooperative with the application process. An inability to share medical documents or provide prompt, accurate responses can be adequate cause for dismissal. Again, a professional representation can help avoid common communication mishaps and bring a level of ease to the process.
Failure to Provide Medical Evidence
It takes more than a doctor’s diagnosis to qualify for disability. You must be able to prove two key facts:
- That your impairment is severe enough to prevent you from maintaining gainful employment
- That your impairment will affect you for at least 12 months, if not the rest of your life
Proving both the severity and length of your condition requires substantial medical evidence. You will need to back your claims with a history of medical documents and detailed evaluations. In some cases, an additional and mandatory consultative exam may be requested.
Even if you do not have access to a primary physician, it is important to have consistent documentation of your disability. ER visits, free clinics, and prescription receipts can help. Many disability lawyers in Orlando can recommend clinics that use a sliding scale method for pay, so you can afford a necessary visit even on a low income.
Failure to Follow Doctor’s Orders
A common cause for SSI claims denial is any finding that you have failed to continue with prescribed medications and follow through on recommended treatment. The expectation is of course that you must be trying to achieve a healthy condition. However, exceptions can be made if you are simply unable to comply with doctor’s orders, due to mental illness, lack of assistance, or affordable treatment.
A case can also be made if another doctor disagrees with recommended treatment or if your treatment will not necessarily make you able to work again. There are numerous factors to consider with every disability, so guidance from a qualified disability attorney in Orlando can make an appreciable difference.
Failed Proof of Income
If you are able to earn more than $1,130 a month from working, then you are above the Social Security limit for Substantial Gainful Activity. Also, any discrepancies in reporting your income to Social Security can result in a denied claim. In fact, any prior history of fraud can count against you, even if the mistake was unintentional. Always be completely transparent of all your assets and ensure accurate reports.
Keep Trying
Disability lawyers in Orlando can provide a thorough review of your disability claim and recommend action after you have been denied. It is important not to give up immediately because in many cases it is a negligible oversight that causes your denial. If need be, obtain help, gather evidence, and try again.
