There are many reasons why your Social Security Disability Insurance claim may be denied. In 2015, less than 1/3 of all applications were awarded benefits in 2015. The reasons for denial may be technical or medical. In recent years, technical denials have been increasing, but 20% of all claims still end with a medical denial. Below are 5 common medical conditions that are typically denied SSDI benefits.
Depression
Although depression is the most common, non-fatal medical cause of disability, it is still a rarely accepted condition for benefits and requires evidence of severe impairment. For some, their depression may be so severe that it can inhibit their ability to function in everyday life. This can include family and work activities. The SSA provides a list of symptoms. If an individual with severe depression also experiences at least four of the listed symptoms on a recurring basis, they may be approved for SSDI benefits. However, most cases are not severe enough to qualify someone for disability benefits.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not usually a qualifying disability for SSDI benefits. Even for individuals who perform manual labor and may be more at risk. The primary reason for this is because many cases of hypertension can be controlled with drugs. The drugs lower blood pressure to normal risk levels. Therefore, the impairment is not typically considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI. There may be certain cases that do qualify. For example, if a patient does not respond to treatments or they are unable to take the normally prescribed medication due to other complications.
Impaired Vision
Nearsightedness and farsightedness, while potentially disabling, are both usually correctable with glasses or contact lenses. Therefore, they would not usually qualify for SSDI. However, the causes of vision impairment can vary widely. Certain complications, like severe macular degeneration or other retinal diseases that can’t be improved with corrective lenses, may be awarded SSDI benefits.
Adult Eating Disorders
Adult eating disorders can be a serious affliction, and they affect millions of Americans each year. However, in most cases, adult eating disorders do not qualify for SSDI even though both anorexia and bulimia are listed as disability conditions for those under 18. In some cases, an adult may qualify if their eating disorder causes severe symptoms similar to other qualifying disabilities. For instance, adult eating disorders can cause other problems such as heart failure and arrhythmia, or lead to increased fractures or broken bones. These conditions may allow someone to be awarded benefits. Additionally, someone may qualify for an equal disability listing such as weight loss due to a digestive disorder. However, usually because it is not technically a digestive disorder, it is usually not accepted on its own. It typically requires that the applicant is currently seeking treatment.
Short-term Injuries
One of the main qualifying factors for SSDI is the length of time your disability will last. For example, someone with severe anxiety or depression may qualify for disability because it can be an ongoing disability. On the other hand, an individual with a severe injury, such as a broken neck or spine, may not qualify for disability if they are expected to recover in 12 months or less. Even if the individual was in a hospital for a few months and was unable to attend work, they may not be considered sufficiently disabled to receive benefits.
