Why can the state deny you disability in South Carolina? It can be hard enough to suffer a debilitating injury. But when you find out that you can no longer work, it is devastating. Some people think that going out on disability in South Carolina is like a permanent vacation. The truth is that most of our clients would gladly trade places with someone who is able to go to work every day. Our Greenville disability lawyers meet with people every week who are in tears about their physical disability. All they want to do is get back to the way life was before their injury or illness. Unfortunately, this is not always an option. This is why it can be so disheartening to find out that your claim for disability in South Carolina has been denied.
Not that it’s very comforting but having your initial application for disability be denied is not uncommon. In fact, more than 65% of all initial claims are rejected. This is why it’s a good idea to hire a disability lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina long before you actually submit your application. You only have one chance to submit your initial claim properly. You should have a legal professional there to help you do this. One simple mistake can jeopardize your entire claim for disability in South Carolina. You don’t want to fall into that 65%. Take the time and resources necessary to gather the evidence needed to satisfy the requirements for disability in South Carolina. Avail yourself of the knowledge and experience of a seasoned Greenville disability lawyer as well.
More Than 65% of All Initial Applications for Disability in South Carolina are Denied
If your initial disability claim is denied, don’t feel too bad. The Social Security Administration denies about 65% of all initial claims. Even as claims move through the appeals process, not all that many more are approved. This is why it’s critical why you get your claim filed perfectly the first time.
As we discuss the reasons why so many claims are denied, take notes. If you feel that one of these may apply to your claim, write it down. This way, you can discuss this with your disability lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina when you first meet. This way, they know ahead of time what kind of evidence they need to gather to solidify your claim.
You Failed to Submit the Necessary Medical Evidence
One reason why a lot of disability claims are denied is because there isn’t enough medical evidence to prove you’re disabled. In order to qualify for disability, you need medical documentation that shows you’ll be unable to work for at least one full year. Your doctor will have to make a note of this in your file. They’ll also need to certify this fact when they sign off on your disability application.
If the SSA doesn’t believe you have a qualifying medical condition, they’re going to deny your claim. For example, if you claim that you can’t work because you have spinal stenosis and your diagnosis is only for a herniated disc, they may deny your claim.
You Refuse to Comply with Necessary Medical Treatment
Some of our clients wonder why their disability claim is denied despite the fact that they didn’t comply with their treatment plan. When your doctor designs your care plan, they’re looking out for your best interest. If you refuse to participate in your own care, why would the SSA approve you for disability benefits? Before they approve a claim, they want to know that you’ve done whatever you can to recover from your medical condition.
Your Greenville Disability Lawyer Advises You That You Make Too Much Money
Even if you don’t technically work, your claim could be denied due to income levels. As of 2022, you were not allowed to make more than $1,350 per month if you wanted to be approved for disability benefits. This income includes any and all of the following:
- Investment interest
- Pension
- Social security payments from self or spouse
- Rental income
- Loans from family and friends
- Any other passive income
If $1,350 sounds like a lot of money, think again. This amount of money doesn’t even pay a person’s rent these days. Before you apply for disability, make sure you make note of all passive and active income you have coming in every month. If it’s dangerously close (or above) this threshold, your claim is not going to be approved. And don’t think the SSA won’t discover a source of income. They have access to all of your records. They can also request copies of your bank accounts, retirement accounts, savings accounts, and other possible accounts.
You Aren’t Cooperating with the Social Security Administration
One of the most frustrating things your Greenville disability lawyer can find out is that you’re not cooperating with the SSA. For example, if you ignore their letters, calls, and emails, or refuse to attend scheduled medical exams, your claim will be denied. How can you expect your attorney to take your claim seriously if you don’t do the same thing? At a certain point, the SSA will simply dismiss your claim for lack of prosecution.
Contact an Experienced Disability Lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina
If your initial disability claim has been denied, you’re not alone. Our disability lawyers in Greenville, South Carolina meet with people every week whose claim has been denied. Our goal is to help these clients appeal their claim so they can receive the disability benefits they deserve. While this isn’t always easy, it is worth the time and effort. For many of our clients, it will mean the difference between having money to pay their bills and not surviving on the little income they may have.
We recommend that you contact our office before you file your initial disability claim. Just call and speak with one of our friendly staff so they can schedule your free, initial consultation. The time you spend with your Greenville disability lawyer will pay itself back in spades. Since you only get one chance to get your initial claim approved, you want to make sure it’s accurate, complete, and filed in a timely manner.
