Social Security Disability Denied 3 Times or More? Understanding the Possible Reasons and Next Steps

If you have been denied Social Security Disability three times or more, dealing with repeated denials for benefits you know you are entitled to can be incredibly frustrating. The more denials you receive, the more time is wasted, and the longer you wait to receive your benefits. This can interfere with your accessing the care and treatments you require to manage your disability. The experience is even more difficult when you’re over 50 and facing financial uncertainties. If you have experienced the disappointment of being denied SSD three times, you might decide to give up.

However, without knowing why this has happened and whether there are further steps you should take, it’s not time to give up just yet. Here we explain the common reasons behind SSD denials and provide guidance on how to strengthen your case to increase your chance of approval.

Social Security Disability Denied 3 Times? How Many Times Can You Be Denied?

This is the most important question in cases of being denied the 2nd time or more. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply or be denied SSD.

Social Security Disability Denied 3 Times: Common Reasons

It helps to understand if there is a legitimate reason your claim keeps being denied. Some common reasons social security denies disability benefits include:

I got denied for social security disability due to a Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence

Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) bases its decisions on how your disability impacts your ability to retain employment, it makes sense that one of the primary reasons for SSD denials is the lack of strong medical evidence. The SSA requires comprehensive medical documentation, including diagnoses, treatment records, test results, and statements from healthcare professionals.

These records are the only way the SSA can establish the severity and impact of your condition. If you have not collected all of your records or are uncertain about exactly what medical evidence you should include after multiple denials, you should consult a disability advocate. They can review your case to determine what information is missing and even advise whether they feel you can or cannot qualify based on the evidence they see. For example, if you were denied social security disability for PTSD, it would help to share witness statements, groups you have participated in, or counseling you have undergone.

I was denied social security disability because I failed to Meet the Listing Criteria

Next, the SSA must determine if your medical evidence aligns with their listing criteria. They maintain a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book,” which outlines specific criteria for various disabling conditions. If your medical evidence does not meet or closely match the criteria outlined in the Blue Book, your claim may be denied. However, the listing criteria can be quite complicated and difficult to understand, which means you might benefit from the assistance of a disability advocate.

They are familiar with the listing criteria and can consider your medical evidence, whether it can align with other listing criteria, and what other medical evidence you can provide to demonstrate your disability. Also, you either need the presence of an impairment that meets the criteria in the Listing of Impairments OR that is of equal severity to qualify. An advocate can help ensure that should you suffer from equal severity, your medical evidence helps prove this.

Social Security denied disability because my information was Incomplete or Inconsistent

The SSA also denies SSD benefits to applicants with inaccurate or incomplete information. Their job is to determine if they feel information shared on the application is legitimate and therefore look for inconsistencies in your medical records, work history, or daily activities that raise doubts about the credibility of your disability claim. You can review what was said on your form, the questionnaires you completed, and the medical records provided by medical professionals to try to spot discrepancies and inaccuracies. However, you might not know what to look for. A disability advocate can review the application and determine if clarification of your information might help the next time around.

I was denied social security disability: Not enough credits

Another common reason cases are denied is not having enough work credits. To qualify for SSD, you must have accumulated a specific number of work credits based on your age and work history. If you have not earned enough work credits, you may be denied SSD benefits.

Social Security Disability Denied 3 Times: What to Do After Three Denials or More

When you are denied social security disability appealing the decision is an option. If you have received three SSD denials or more, it’s important to understand what avenues you can take to pursue your application further. You can take the following steps to ensure the decision was just and final:

• Seek Out a Reputable Disability Advocate: Because the process is so complex, an advocate can review your case and determine if it makes sense to pursue the appeals process. They have expertise in SSD cases and can review your case, identify any weaknesses, and guide you through the next steps.
• Request a Hearing: After three denials, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is an opportunity to present your case, provide additional evidence, and explain your situation in person, which can often help override the SSA’s decision.
• Gather Strong Medical Evidence: As mentioned above, the SSA relies on medical evidence when making its decisions. To ensure you have strong medical evidence, work closely with your healthcare providers to ensure you have comprehensive medical documentation that supports the severity and limitations of your condition. Obtain updated medical records, test results, and expert opinions to strengthen your case.
• Prepare for the Hearing: Your advocate can help you prepare for your hearing, including the gathering of supporting documentation, helping prepare testimony, and addressing any potential concerns or inconsistencies in your case to help see the best possible outcomes.

Social Security Disability Denied 3 Times: Patience and Persistence

Although it can be very discouraging to be refused again and again, remember the SSD application and appeals process tends to be lengthy and challenging. You’ll need to muster up all your patience and be persistent in your efforts to receive the benefits you deserve. If you are feeling the strain or about to give up, get in touch with an Advocate who will understand your journey best. Keep track of deadlines, maintain open communication with your advocate, and follow up on any requests from the SSA promptly to increase your chances of being approved.

Social Security Disability Denied 3 Times? Call for Assistance

The disability advocates at Princeton Disability can help you get the benefits you deserve. Whether social security disability was denied the first time or you were denied social security disability after a hearing or appeal, they are ready to fight for your rights. Click here to set up your free consultation.