Unfortunately, many disability claims are delayed or denied due to preventable errors. Understanding these mistakes before you begin your claim or application can help you build a stronger SSD or VA disability case from the start.
Here are the top 5 mistakes that can affect your disability claim:
GAPS IN MEDICAL TREATMENT
If you’re not receiving consistent medical care, decision-makers may question the severity of your disability. SSA doesn’t just look at the diagnosis, but the ongoing impact each diagnosis has on your ability to work & complete activities of daily living. Regular, documented treatment helps support your claim and reflects your commitment to the situation.
IGNORING DOCTOR RECOMMENDATIONS
If your doctor orders that you go to physical therapy, take medication, or follow a treatment plan – and you don’t – it may be used against you. SSA may assume that if you’re not following a documented treatment plan, your condition must not be that limiting or disabling. If you have a valid reason (side effects, cost, etc.) for deviating from the recommended treatment, this must also be documented.
LACK OF DETAIL ABOUT YOUR LIMITATIONS
Your documentation must explain what you can and cannot do, as well as how these limitations affect your daily life. For example, If you have migraines that require you to lie down in darkness for hours, thus making performing work impossible, this must be documented clearly. Be honest and specific about pain levels, good and bad days. This is imperative for both SSD and VA disability claims.
MISSING DEADLINES
Applications and document submissions have strict timelines. Missing a deadline may not only delay your claim; it may force you to start the process over again.
WORKING (OR APPEARING ABLE TO WORK) BEYOND LIMITS
This one can be tricky because it’s not just about whether you work – it’s about whether your daily activities line up with the limitations you’ve reported. With SSD, there are strict income thresholds, so earning over a certain amount can automatically disqualify you. Aside from that, in cases involving VA Disability Compensation, decision-makers look closely at your functional capacity. If your records say you cannot stand for more than 10 minutes, but there’s evidence (medical notes, employer feedback, or even social media) suggesting that you’re regularly active, lifting, traveling, or doing side work, it creates a credibility issue. This does not mean that you have to be inactive – but your documented limitations, reported symptoms, and real-life activities need to tell a consistent story.
Now that we have identified these mistakes, let’s talk about how you can avoid making them.
- Stay consistent with treatment. Attending scheduled appointments helps create a clear record of how your condition impacts your daily life over time. Even if your symptoms fluctuate, ongoing documentation helps establish credibility and severity.
- Keep detailed personal notes. Yes, your medical provider will document your visits. What we are talking about here are personal notes that you document how you are affected at home, changes in medication, responses to or results of therapies, or prescription changes, and more.
- Follow your provider’s recommendations whenever possible. If a treatment isn’t working or isn’t accessible, communicate that openly with your doctor, so it’s reflected in your medical records. This shows that you’re actively trying to manage your condition – not ignoring it.
- Stay organized. (Insert organized image) Keep track of appointments, paperwork, and important deadlines. Missing an appeal deadline can delay your case significantly or require you to start over.
Following these steps can significantly improve your chances of receiving a favorable decision. Even better is to contact the legal team at Parmele Disability Advocates and schedule your no-cost consultation: 866-815-5244. Together, they will review your situation, answer your questions, and help determine the next steps.
Parmele Disability Advocates. Helping you get the benefits you deserve.