Applying for Social Security Disability? Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes

Applying for Social Security Disability? Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes

Every year, thousands of people throughout Alabama apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unfortunately, many of those applications are denied at the initial level.

While some claims are denied because the medical evidence simply does not support a finding of disability, others are denied because important information was never provided to Social Security in the first place.

Over the past 30 years, we have represented thousands of individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits. Although every case is different, we see many of the same mistakes repeated over and over again.  If you are thinking about applying for disability benefits, avoiding these common mistakes may help Social Security better understand how your medical conditions affect your ability to work.

Related Reading: What’s the Difference between SSDI and SSI Benefits?

Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Your “Main” Medical Problem

Many applicants understandably focus on the one medical condition that troubles them the most—a bad back, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or depression; however, Social Security does not evaluate your claim based solely on one diagnosis.  Instead, it considers all of your medically determinable impairments and how those conditions work together to affect your ability to perform full-time work.

For example, a person may have chronic back pain, diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Individually, none of those conditions may qualify someone for disability benefits. Collectively, however, they may significantly limit the person’s ability to work.

Make sure every medical condition that affects your daily functioning is included in your application.

Related Reading: Is My Diagnosis Enough to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Mistake #2: Forgetting to Mention Medication Side Effects

One of the most overlooked parts of a disability claim is the side effects of prescribed medications.  Over the years, we have represented clients who found themselves in what can only be described as a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.

Without medication, their pain, seizures, anxiety, or other medical conditions prevented them from working.

With medication, they experienced drowsiness, slowed thinking, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating that also prevented them from maintaining steady employment.

If Social Security does not know your medication causes significant side effects, it will generally assume that it does not.  Likewise, if you never tell your doctor about those side effects, they are unlikely to appear in your medical records.

Related Reading: Can the Side Effects of My Prescribed Medication Help Prove My Disability Claim?

Mistake #3: Ignoring Depression, Anxiety, or Other Mental Health Conditions

Many people applying for disability benefits focus entirely on their physical medical problems.  What they fail to mention is how those conditions have affected them emotionally.  Honestly, I see this more with our male clients than female

Living with chronic pain, serious illness, or the inability to work often leads to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or difficulty concentrating.  We see this especially among clients who have worked hard their entire lives and suddenly find themselves unable to provide for their families.

Admitting that you are struggling emotionally is not a sign of weakness.

If depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition affects your ability to function, Social Security needs to know about it—and so does your doctor.

Related Reading: Chronic Pain and Psychological Issues.

Mistake #4: Not Telling Your Doctor About All of Your Symptoms

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming that their doctor already knows everything they are experiencing.  Doctors only know what their patients tell them.

If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, dizziness, memory problems, medication side effects, headaches, restless legs, or increasing fatigue, be sure to discuss those issues during your appointments.  Not only may your doctor be able to help, but your medical records should accurately reflect the full extent of your medical problems.

Medical records are among the most important pieces of evidence in a Social Security Disability claim.

Mistake #5: Failing to Discuss Your Work Limitations with Your Doctor

Your doctor may know your diagnosis, that does not necessarily mean they understand how your condition affects your ability to work.

If standing for twenty minutes causes severe pain, tell your doctor.

If you cannot sit for extended periods, explain that.

If you miss work because of your symptoms or find yourself unable to complete a normal workday, discuss those problems as well.

Your medical records should describe not only what condition you have, but how that condition limits your ability to function.

Mistake #6: Assuming Social Security Will Figure Everything Out

Many applicants believe Social Security will automatically gather all of the information needed to approve their claim; unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Social Security evaluates the evidence that is available.  If important medical records are missing, if significant symptoms are never reported, or if functional limitations are poorly documented, those issues can affect the outcome of your claim.

Never assume that someone else will tell your story for you.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Letters or Requests From Social Security

Filing your application is only the beginning of the process.

After your application is submitted, Social Security may ask you to:

• Complete additional questionnaires;
• Fill out a Work History Report;
• Complete a Function Report;
• Attend a consultative examination; or
• Provide additional information.

Do not ignore these requests.  Missing deadlines or failing to cooperate with Social Security can result in your claim being denied regardless of the severity of your medical condition.

Mistake #8: Being Inconsistent

Consistency matters.

The information you provide to Social Security should generally be consistent with:

• your medical records;
• your testimony;
• your work history;
• your Function Reports; and
• what you tell your treating physicians.

That does not mean every day is the same.

Most people with serious medical conditions have good days, bad days and their average days.  The important thing is that your overall description of your limitations remains honest and consistent throughout your claim.

Related Reading: Can Social Security Use My Daily Activities Against Me?

Mistake #9: Believing That a Diagnosis Automatically Means You Will Be Approved

One of the most common misconceptions about Social Security Disability is that having a serious diagnosis automatically qualifies someone for benefits.

It does not.

Social Security is primarily interested in how your medical conditions affect your ability to perform work activities on a regular and continuing basis.  Two people with the same diagnosis may receive completely different decisions because their functional limitations are very different.

Related Reading: What Does It Mean to “Meet a Listing” for Social Security Disability?

Mistake #10: Waiting Too Long to Seek Experienced Legal Help

You have the right to represent yourself throughout the disability process; however, disability law can become increasingly complicated as your claim moves through reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, the Appeals Council, or federal court.

An experienced Social Security Disability attorney cannot create medical evidence that does not exist.

What an attorney can do is identify missing evidence, obtain important medical records, prepare you for your hearing, develop the strongest legal arguments available, and help ensure that Social Security has a complete picture of how your medical conditions affect your ability to work.

Final Thoughts

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits involves much more than proving you have a medical diagnosis.  Your goal is to demonstrate how your medical conditions prevent you from performing full-time work on a regular and continuing basis.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that Social Security has the information it needs to fairly evaluate your claim.

If your application has been denied, or if you have questions about applying for Social Security Disability benefits, the experienced attorneys at Powell & Denny have represented disabled individuals throughout Alabama for more than 30 years, including successful representation before Administrative Law Judges, the Appeals Council, and the federal courts so don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at Powell and Denny today a free consultation; remember. Virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live, and remember-there is no fee unless you win.

Powell & Denny: We Work When You Can’t.