Why Social Security Disability Claims Get Denied (And How to Fix It)

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) can be a long and complicated process, and many applicants face an initial denial. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies around 67% of initial disability applications. While this can be discouraging, understanding the most common reasons for denial can help you avoid mistakes and improve your chances of approval.

1. Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence

One of the biggest reasons disability claims are denied is a lack of medical documentation supporting the applicant’s condition. The SSA requires substantial medical evidence to prove that your condition prevents you from working.

How to Avoid It:

• Regularly see your doctor and follow their prescribed treatment plan.
• Keep detailed records of doctor visits, test results, medications, and any ongoing treatments.
• Ensure your doctor provides written statements about how your condition limits your ability to work.

2. Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment

If you do not follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan, the SSA may assume your condition is not as severe as claimed and deny your application.

How to Avoid It:

• Follow all medical advice, including medications, therapy, and treatments.
• If you cannot afford treatment, document your financial hardship or seek assistance programs.
• If a treatment has severe side effects or is ineffective, communicate this to your doctor and get documentation.

3. Earning Too Much Income (Substantial Gainful Activity – SGA)

To qualify for SSDI, you cannot be engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which means earning above a certain income threshold. As of 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals.

How to Avoid It:

• Ensure your work activity does not exceed the SGA limit.
• Be cautious about any side jobs or freelance work while applying.
• If you are working under limited conditions, document how your disability affects your ability to perform tasks.

4. Your Disability Is Not Considered Severe Enough

The SSA requires that your condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death to qualify for benefits. If your condition is deemed temporary or not significantly limiting, your claim will be denied.

How to Avoid It:

• Provide thorough medical records showing how your condition impacts daily activities and work.
• Get supporting letters from doctors explaining the long-term nature of your condition.

5. Lack of Cooperation with the SSA

If you fail to provide requested documents, miss deadlines, or do not attend medical exams scheduled by the SSA, your claim can be denied.

How to Avoid It:

• Respond to SSA requests quickly and keep copies of all submitted documents.
• Attend all required medical exams and provide additional information when requested.
• Work with an attorney to ensure your paperwork is completed accurately and on time.

6. Previous Denials Without Reapplying Properly

Some applicants assume that filing a new claim after a denial is better than appealing. However, filing a new claim often leads to another denial for the same reasons.

How to Avoid It:

• If your claim is denied, file an appeal instead of submitting a new application.
• Seek legal help to strengthen your appeal with additional evidence.

7. Not Meeting the Work Credit Requirements (For SSDI)

SSDI benefits require a certain number of work credits based on your age and work history. If you haven’t worked enough in recent years, you may not qualify.

How to Avoid It:

• Check your Social Security work credits using your mySSA account at gov.

If you don’t qualify for SSDI, consider whether you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead.

How an Attorney Can Help

Navigating the Social Security Disability application process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. An experienced attorney can:

• Ensure all medical and financial documentation is complete.
• Guide you through appeals if you’ve been denied.
• Communicate with the SSA on your behalf.

If your claim has been denied or you’re preparing to apply, Attorney Greg Kornegay can help improve your chances of approval. With over 35 years of experience serving clients in Wilmington, NC, and Southeastern North Carolina, he provides expert guidance through the disability claims process.

Call today for a consultation and take the first step toward securing the benefits you deserve.