Do I Have a Strong SSDI Claim?
When you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your whole life can feel like it’s on hold. And as you deal with the maze of the system, you may wonder if you have a strong SSDI claim… or if all this work might just lead to disappointment.
Not all SSDI claims are created equal. Some are strong and well-supported, while others are missing key information. And that can lead to a denial, even if you genuinely can’t work.
So let’s break down what makes a claim strong versus a weak one, and how to apply with the best possible chance of success.
What Makes a Strong SSDI Claim?
A strong SSDI claim clearly shows the Social Security Administration (SSA) three things:
- You have a serious medical condition,
- Your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death, and
- The condition stops you from working full time.
A strong claim proves these facts with clear, consistent evidence.
Evidence in a Strong SSDI Claim
The SSA wants to see detailed records that connect the dots between your condition and your ability – or inability – to work. That means your file should include more than just a diagnosis or medication list.
A strong claim will often contain:
- Test results, scans, or lab work confirming your condition
- Reports from specialists
- A history of consistent medical care and treatment attempts
- A clear statement from your doctor about your work limitations
When you present this information clearly and organize it well, the SSA has a much easier time understanding your situation and approving your claim.
What Weakens an SSDI Claim?
On the other hand, a weak SSDI claim is often vague, incomplete, or confusing.
This doesn’t mean your disability isn’t real. It just means the SSA doesn’t have the documentation it needs to say yes.
Some common issues that weaken SSDI claims include:
- Medical records that just list a diagnosis and don’t describe your limitations
- Doctors who write too general a statement, without explaining your limitations
- Gaps in treatment history or missed appointments
- A lack of specialist evaluations for complex conditions
More than any other issue, people struggle to show exactly how their condition actually affects their ability to do a job. The SSA won’t automatically know that your back pain keeps you from standing more than 10 minutes, or that your fatigue from chemotherapy leaves you in bed most days.
You, or your legal representative, have to make that connection clear.
What Happens If Your Claim Is Weak?
If your SSDI application is weak, there’s a high chance it will be denied. In fact, most people are denied the first time they apply, and many of those denials are because of missing or unclear information.
You may still have a good case, but the SSA can only make a decision based on the evidence in front of them. That’s why getting it right the first time can save you months or years of stress.
Fortunately, you do have options. If you’ve already applied and been denied, don’t panic. You have 60 days to appeal, and many claims are approved during the appeals process – especially when a great SSDI lawyer helps strengthen the case.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Build a Stronger Claim
This is where we come in. As SSDI lawyers based in Memphis, we know exactly what the SSA is looking for and how to help you present the strongest possible case. Our award winning team can:
- Review your existing records and identify what’s missing
- Contact your doctors to get clearer, more useful medical opinions
- Help you write a personal statement that explains how your condition affects your work
- Prepare you for any hearings and represent you throughout the appeal
We don’t expect you to have all the right paperwork or know how to talk to government agencies. That’s our job – and we do it with compassion, professionalism, and decades of big results.
And what’s more: we don’t make a penny until we win your case. Even then, it’s just a fraction of your past-due benefits. You keep everything moving forward.
You Deserve a Fair Shot
A strong SSDI claim can make all the difference. And you don’t have to build it alone.
If you’re just starting your application or already facing a denial, reach out to our office for a free consultation.
We’ll take the time to understand your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
The system may be tough, but you don’t have to face it by yourself. We’re here to fight for you and help you build the strongest case possible.