If you are unable to work in Las Vegas due to a disability, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability. Unfortunately, common SSD application mistakes lead to a denial of applications. Many SSD benefits allow those with disabilities to pay their bills and take care of themselves and their families. Thousands of Las Vegas residents rely on SSD benefits every year.
Understanding the common SSD application mistakes will help you avoid those mistakes in your application. While it is possible to submit your SSD application on your own, hiring a lawyer to assist you through the process can be invaluable. We can help you correct any SSD application mistakes you may have in your application before submitting it. If your claim has already been denied, we can represent you through the appeal process. At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we’ve helped thousands of Las Vegas clients obtain SSD benefits. Contact our Las Vegas SSD law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Common SSD Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for Benefits While You Are Still Working
Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your current work situation first. If you are still working full time, the SSA will deny your SSD application. We recommend waiting until you are not working before submitting your application. Those applicants who are working full time, or receiving payment for a significant amount of contract work will not qualify for SSD benefits. If you earn a meager amount of pay due to working part-time, the SSA will not automatically deny your SSD claim.
The SSA defines disability as the “inability to perform the substantial gainful activity” (SGA). Currently, an SSD applicant cannot make more than $1,260 per month when they are under the full retirement age. Blind applicants cannot make more than $2,110 per month. If the applicant’s income, including alimony, child support, interest, or any other passive income, you won’t be eligible for benefits because the SSA will consider you able to engage in competitive employment in the national economy.
Depending on the Consultative Exam Doctor to Prove You Are Disabled
The Social Security Administration decides after the physician, and the claim examiner consults with each other regarding your claim. The SSA trains all of their claims examiners on applicant laws and regulations. The examiners, not the consulting doctor, will ultimately decide whether or not to grant your benefits.
Many applicants assume that the medical examiner who conducts their consultative exam will tell the claims examiner that they are disabled. Doing so is a common mistake. You will need to provide supporting medical evidence, test results, and other relevant evidence to bolster your claim. The more evidence you offer, provide regarding how your disability impacts your daily life and prevents you from working, the better. One of the main reasons for a denial of SSD claims is the chance of claim approval. The report submitted by a consultative doctor through your SSD application is not enough to secure your SSD benefits. At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we have an in-depth understanding of what types of evidence applicants need to prove that they have a qualifying disability.
Applying for Benefits Before Your Doctor Confirms You’ll Be Out of Work
Before you can receive SSD benefits, you will need to prove that your disability will prevent you from working for at least one year, or that your disability will result in death. It is not worth taking the time to apply for SSD benefits until your doctor confirms that you meet these criteria. SSD claims processors always hope that you will recover from your disability and rejoin the workplace. Our legal team can help you receive the documentation you need from a medical doctor to confirm that your disability is permanent enough to qualify for SSD benefits.
Missing Appointments, Treatments, or Not Getting Your Prescriptions Filled
When you receive your consultative exam letter, you must confirm your appointment. You also must be on time for your consultative exam appointment. Failure to show up for your exam will result in a denial of your claim. SSA claims processors always check to ensure that the applicant is following all of his or her doctor’s orders. They will look at your prescriptions and whether or not you fulfilled them. They will also look to see if you’ve made all of your recommended follow-up appointments, such as physical therapy appointments.
When applicants do not show up to appointments or do not take their medications, claims adjusters assume that their disability may not be as severe as the applicant claims. They assume that if the applicant follows the doctor’s orders, he or she could see an improvement in her condition. As an applicant, your credibility hinges on your choice to follow your doctor’s treatment plan for your disability.
Not Getting Professional Help With Your SSD Claims
Technically, you can complete your SSD application on your own, without the help of professionals, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. SSD applications are incredibly complicated and require a significant amount of detail. SSD applications also take a considerable amount of time to process. By hiring an experienced SSD lawyer, you can ensure that your application is free of any common mistakes that will lead to an automatic rejection by the SSA.
Avoid These Common SSD Application Mistakes by Contacting Our Experienced Las Vegas SSD Lawyers
Your chances of approval are higher when you hire a lawyer to help you. While it is always possible to appeal a denial of your SSD denial, the best method is to hire a lawyer to increase your chances of approval of your initial application. The SSD process is incredibly confusing, and hiring a lawyer will save you time and stress. Contact our experienced SSD lawyers at Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you. We focus our entire practice on assisting clients to recover Social Security benefits, and we are here and ready to help you.