Question of the Month: “With all of my medical problems, how in the world could Social Security deny my disability case?”

January 27, 2025

This is a question we often hear from clients and prospective clients at our disability law firm.

The answer is that to win Social Security Disability benefits, it is not enough to have medical problems, even if you have severe disabling medical problems, and even if you have multiple health issues.

It is not even enough to have your doctor say you are disabled. The same is true for a disability hearing. Winning a disability hearing is not as simple as showing up and explaining your medical problems.

To be awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you must prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your medical condition (or combination of conditions) prevents you from working at your previous occupation or at other jobs, based on your age, education, and work experience.

Even with significant medical issues, Social Security can deny a disability claim  if the agency determines that your conditions do not prevent you from performing “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), meaning working at any job that pays over a set amount ($1,620 gross per month in 2025).

The SSA will review your medical records to assess the severity of your conditions and whether they meet their specific criteria for disability benefits.

Here are common reasons why Social Security might deny your claim despite serious medical problems:

Not Meeting the “Listing of Impairments”

To determine if you are medically eligible for disability benefits, Social Security has a set of procedures in place. These procedures are published in a handbook known as the “Blue Book,” and it includes a list of various disabling conditions known as the listing of impairments that automatically qualify for disability benefits. If your condition doesn’t meet the criteria on this list, your claim may be denied even if you have serious health issues.

Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence

If your medical records are incomplete or don’t adequately document the severity of your conditions and how they may prevent you from working, your claim could be denied.

Disparities in Medical Reports

If there are inconsistencies between different medical or doctors’ reports about your conditions, it can raise doubts about the severity of your limitations.

Not Following Treatment Recommendations

If you are not actively managing your condition by following your doctor’s treatment plan it can be seen as a sign that you may not have as much limitation as you claim.

Ability to Perform Other Work

Even if you can’t perform your past work, if the SSA determines that you can perform any other work in the national economy, your claim may be denied.

What should you do if Social Security Disability denies your claim?

First, don’t give up. In almost every case, you should appeal a denial. Most people don’t appeal their disability denials, even though Social Security approves many claims after appeals and hearings.

But it is critical that you appeal within the time allowed by the Social Security Administration. In most situations you have 60 days from the time you receive notice of denial of your initial claim or your reconsideration.

Our Social Security Disability lawyers find that delaying your appeal and having to file a new application is generally a waste of your time. Waiting too long will force you to go through the whole complicated process again. Your chances are usually much better with appealing the denial of the original claim.

Consider working with a disability attorney to represent you in the appeals process. Statistics show that if you have a disability lawyer, you are more likely to win your benefits case. Chose a lawyer who focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability benefits.

Appeal as quickly as possible or contact a lawyer to file an appeal. The sooner you appeal, the sooner Social Security will schedule a disability hearing, which gives you the best opportunity to explain your work limitations.

Winning disability benefits takes a smart, tough and persistent team. For a free evaluation of your case contact us at Nash Disability Law in Chicago.