Insufficient Medical Evidence

One of the leading reasons for SSD denial is insufficient medical evidence. To qualify for Social Security Disability, you must prove that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. Without strong medical documentation, the Social Security Administration (SSA) cannot confirm that your condition meets their strict definition of disability.

• What to do: Ensure you have complete medical records from your doctor, including test results, treatment history, and any other relevant documentation. Additionally, ask your treating physician to write a detailed letter explaining how your condition impacts your ability to work.

Failure to Meet the SSA’s Definition of Disability

The SSA has a strict definition of what qualifies as a disability. To be considered disabled by the SSA, you must be unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your condition. If your disability is not severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work, your claim may be denied.

• What to do: Make sure you can demonstrate how your condition impacts your ability to work and function on a daily basis. This includes both physical and mental limitations, as well as the extent of your impairment.

You Are Still Able to Work (Substantial Gainful Activity)

If you are working or earning more than a certain amount of money, the SSA may find that you are not disabled. The SSA defines a threshold income limit, known as substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you are working and earning more than this limit, you may be denied for not meeting the criteria for SSD.

• What to do: If you are working but your condition limits your ability to work, make sure you document how your disability affects your job performance. Additionally, ensure your earnings do not exceed the SSA’s limit for SGA (for 2025, the monthly limit is $1,470 for non-blind applicants).

Your Condition Is Not on the SSA’s List of Impairments (The Blue Book)

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments (also known as the “Blue Book”), which outlines the medical conditions that qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. If your condition does not meet the specific criteria listed, your application may be denied, even if it is a serious condition.

• What to do: If your condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you will need to provide strong medical evidence to prove that your condition is equal in severity to a listed impairment. This is where detailed medical records and a supporting statement from your doctor can be crucial.

Incomplete or Incorrect Application

An incomplete or incorrectly filled-out application can lead to a denial. If you fail to provide all the required information, such as medical records, work history, or personal details, the SSA may not be able to evaluate your case accurately.

• What to do: Double-check your application to ensure all fields are complete and accurate. Make sure to submit all required documentation and keep copies of everything you send to the SSA.

Failure to Follow Treatment Recommendations

If the SSA finds that you have not been following prescribed treatments or doctor recommendations, they may assume that your condition is not as severe as you claim. They may also view this as a sign that you are not making an effort to improve your health or function.

• What to do: Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the best of your ability. If you cannot follow a treatment plan for a valid reason (e.g., financial limitations, side effects), make sure to document this and explain the situation to the SSA.

Short Work History or Insufficient Work Credits

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid into Social Security for a sufficient number of years. If you don’t meet the required number of work credits, your application will be denied. Generally, you need to have worked at least five of the last 10 years to qualify for SSDI benefits.

• What to do: If you don’t meet the work history requirements for SSDI, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need and does not require a work history.

Lack of Cooperation with the SSA

The SSA may deny your application if you fail to cooperate with their requests for information or appointments. For example, if you don’t attend a consultative exam or don’t provide additional medical records when asked, the SSA might not have enough information to process your claim.

• What to do: Always respond promptly to any requests from the SSA. If you cannot attend a required medical exam, notify them in advance and try to reschedule.

Your Disability Is Expected to Improve

If your disability is temporary or expected to improve within a year, your claim may be denied. The SSA typically only approves SSD claims if the condition is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

• What to do: If your disability is expected to improve, but you still cannot work, provide medical evidence supporting the ongoing severity of your condition, even if it’s improving.