Isn’t my diagnosis enough to be awarded Social Security Disability Benefits?

Isn’t my diagnosis enough to be awarded Social Security Disability Benefits?

Isn’t my diagnosis enough? Through the years, we have spoken with numerous disabled persons who were mad that they were denied Social Security Disability or SSI benefits because, in their opinion, their diagnosis alone should be sufficient for a finding that they are truly disabled.

While it is true that the Administration has set forth many conditions (classified as Compassionate Allowances) where, if the person has a diagnosis of a specific disease, a finding of disabled is almost guaranteed, no diagnosis in and of itself promises a quick finding in your favor.  The reason for this is that the Administration is more interested in how your medical problem(s) affect you than in what it is called.  Cystic fibrosis is a horrible condition which will eventually kill the person who has the condition, but that does not mean that at the outset of the condition they are entitled to disability benefits.  A diagnosis of cancer can chill the most hardened heart-but the diagnosis alone does not mean you cannot maintain steady employment.    The effect of the condition on your ability to perform substantial gainful activity in a consistent manner is what the Social Security Administration is looking at.

With this in mind, if you are just applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, be sure to explain in detail how your condition(s) affect you, including the side effects of any medication you take.

If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits in Alabama+ but you believe that you meet the legal definition of disabled, or if you just have questions about your application, don’t hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced Alabama Disability Attorneys at Powell and Denny for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available via Zoom from wherever you live.

Powell and Denny: We Work When You Can’t

Offices in Birmingham, Alabama and Huntsville, AL

Alabama Disability Attorneys

Birmingham Social Security Disability Attorneys

Huntsville Social Security Disability Attorneys

Powell and Denny have been selected as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report for each of the last 7 years, have been selected as one of Birmingham’s Top Lawyers by B-Metro Magazine for the last 3 years, have been selected by The National Advocates as one of the Top 20 Workers’ Compensation Firms (plaintiffs) and Powell and Denny, P.C.-has been selected as one of the “Best of the Best” law firms by The American Registry.

+ Powell and Denny have successfully represented disabled workers from Birmingham, Huntsville, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Athens, Decatur, Town Creek Ardmore, Hartselle, Madison, Toney, Scottsboro, Ft. Payne, New Hope, Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz, Ashville, Anniston, Gadsden, Cullman, Jasper, Gardendale, Morris, Kimberly, Centerpoint, Leeds, Tarrant City, Fairfield, Hueytown, Bessemer, Adger, Tuscaloosa, Cordova, Alabaster, Pelham, Harpersville, Opelika, Phenix City, Montgomery, Clanton, Calera, Enterprise, Monroeville, Mobile, Evergreen and towns and cities in between.

Mr. Denny is AV rated by Martindale Hubbard (the highest rating possible) and Mr. Powell has been rated as Superior by The National Registry

Isn’t my diagnosis enough to be awarded Social Security Disability Benefits?