According to new data, administrative law judges presiding over Social Security Disability cases have become more selective in the claims they approve, forcing more and more claimants to file suit in federal court in order to receive the benefits they deserve. If you believe you are entitled to SSDI benefits from the Social Security Administration, contact our knowledgeable attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak to discuss your legal options. Our law firm is located in Atlanta, and our lawyers have extensive experience protecting the rights of disabled individuals throughout Georgia. With our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers on your side, you can protect your legal rights and pursue the benefits you deserve for your physical or mental disability.
SSDI Claims and Denials
In 2001, about 35% of SSDI claims were approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) during the initial claims level, with 4% of claims being approved on reconsideration, and 16% of claims being awarded after the hearings and Appeals Council phase. By 2010, these numbers had dropped significantly, with initial awards coming in at only 23%, reconsideration awards at less than 2%, and hearings and Appeals Council awards at just over 3%. Today, more stringent SSDI benefit restrictions implemented by the SSA and other factors have led to an even higher number of claim denials, causing a spike in the number of SSDI claims appeals filed in federal courts.
Cards Stacked Against Individuals with Disabilities
Officials with the SSA claim that the higher denial rate is due in part to an increase in filings due to the struggling economy, which historically results in more people with marginal disabilities pursuing benefits. SSDI attorneys throughout the country, however, are concerned that the Social Security Disability program has become increasingly stacked against claimants who are unable to work because of a legitimate disability. When their initial claim is denied by the SSA, claimants can request a reconsideration, followed by a hearing by an administrative law judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and so on. If the denied claim is upheld by the Appeals Council, the claimant can then choose to file suit in federal court.
SSDI Attorneys for Denied Disability Claims
Pursuing SSDI benefits from the SSA can be an exhausting and frustrating process, especially for claimants struggling with a debilitating physical or mental condition that prevents them from earning an income. If you have suffered from a disability that you believe entitles you to SSDI benefits from the Social Security Administration, consult our reputable lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak as soon as possible. Far too often, legitimate SSDI claims are denied by the SSA and many discouraged claimants never follow up with an appeal. If your application for SSDI benefits has been rejected by the Social Security Administration, consult our skilled lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak to discuss the best course of action for your situation.
Source: http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2011/charts-text.html#chart11
