There are three stages of the social security application process. If your initial application is denied, you can then enter into the appeals process. This is the route that a majority of the applicants will take as 70% of initial applications are denied.
If your application is denied this does not mean you will not receive benefits. It also doesn’t mean that you have to start the process over. However, there are a few things that can be done to increase the success of your appeal.
Tips for a Successful Appeal
The most important step to take for an appeal is to make sure that you have an attorney on your side. Hiring an attorney will dramatically increase your chance of success when compared to doing all of the work by yourself.
In addition it is important to review all of the paperwork that was submitted and make sure that you have included all of the required evidence. Sometimes a denial can come down to something as simple as a missing form.
Lastly, make sure that you are using the guidelines that the SSA has laid out in the Blue Book. For each condition that they have listed, there is specific medical criteria that must be met. Make sure that the evidence that you submit is tailored directly to the Blue Book. If you can not meet the criteria listed in the blue book, you may be able to submit a Residual Functional Capacity test. An RFC is form that can be filled out by your doctor to explain exactly what you can and cannot do on the job.
For additional help making your appeal with a specific condition, follow the links below:
