If you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Columbia, Missouri, you already know the process is not easy.
Many people in Boone County who can no longer work are denied benefits the first time they apply.
As a Columbia MO Social Security Disability law firm, we’ve seen first-hand how a few common mistakes can sink a case before it has a chance.
While there are many reasons a claim might be denied, these top three problems come up again and again:
- Inconsistent medical evidence
- Activities that don’t match your claims
- Lack of credibility in your testimony
If you understand these top three pitfalls—and how to avoid them—you can greatly improve your chances of approval, whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial in Boone County.
Reason #1: Inconsistent Medical Evidence
The number one reason disability claims in Columbia and throughout Mid-Missouri get denied is that the medical records don’t match the symptoms you claim.
When you testify to the judge that your condition is severe, but your medical file describes only mild symptoms, that raises red flags. Boone County judges rely heavily on what’s in your treatment records—not just what you say at your disability hearing.
Example: Diabetes Case
We reviewed a case (not one of ours) where the claimant said she had serious diabetes that caused among other things frequent bathroom trips.
On paper, that could be a winning claim in Columbia, MO.
But the judge noted that her medical records told a different story:
- She regularly told her doctors she had no abdominal pain and no diarrhea.
- Her diabetes was described as “without complications.”
- She only had routine, conservative treatment—mostly medication refills.
- Her prescription dosage never changed, and no new treatments were tried.
From the judge’s point of view, if her condition was truly severe and worsening, her doctors would have adjusted her medication or tried different treatments.
Because the records didn’t match her testimony, the judge denied the case.
Tip for Columbia residents: Be honest and complete when describing symptoms to your doctor.
If you understate your problems during appointments at MU Health Care, Boone Health, or any other Columbia medical provider, your records won’t reflect the real severity of your condition.
Reason #2: Activities That Don’t Match Your Claims
Another common reason Boone County disability cases are denied is when your daily activities contradict your claimed limitations. Judges in Columbia expect your lifestyle to match your testimony.
For example, we’ve had clients tell the judge they have severe back pain but also mention that they:
- Ride motorcycles on weekend trips through Mid-Missouri
- Drive long distances to visit relatives out of state
- Hunt, fish or camp
- Spend hours gardening or doing heavy yardwork in Columbia’s summer heat
- Take care of young children or grandchildren
- Walk large dogs for miles on the MKT Trail
If you say you can’t sit for long, but your doctor notes that you recently drove to Kansas City (other than for medical care) and back, then that’s going to hurt your case.
Judges might not believe your limitations are as serious as you say.
Tip: You don’t have to stay home all day, but your activities should be consistent with the limitations you describe.
Remember—anything you tell your doctor about your activities at Stephens Lake Park, Rock Bridge State Park, or elsewhere in Columbia can end up in your medical record and in front of the judge.
Reason #3: Lack of Credibility
The third major reason Social Security Disability cases in Columbia, MO are denied is when the judge simply doesn’t believe the claimant.
This often happens when someone exaggerates their symptoms.
If you tell the judge every single condition is “10 out of 10” in severity, all day every day, it’s not believable.
Even with serious medical problems, most people have good days and bad days.
A better approach is to explain that you have flare-ups several times a week, or that certain activities make symptoms worse.
Columbia MO disability Judges respect honesty and realistic descriptions far more than extreme claims.
Tip: Be specific. Share how often bad days happen, what triggers them, and what you can still do on a good day.
This builds credibility and helps your Columbia MO disability lawyer present a stronger case.
How These Top Three Issues Can Sink a Columbia Disability Case
The Social Security Administration looks at the whole picture when deciding if you qualify for benefits.
That means:
- Your medical records from Columbia or Boone County providers must support your claims.
- Your daily activities in and around Columbia should match your stated limitations.
- Your testimony at the hearing must be believable and consistent.
If you have inconsistent evidence, activities that don’t make sense for your claimed condition, or unbelievable testimony, your Columbia, MO SSD claim is much more likely to be denied.
How to Strengthen Your Boone County Disability Claim
If you want to improve your chances of getting approved for disability benefits in Columbia:
- Document everything. Keep notes about your symptoms, flare-ups, and limitations. Share them with your doctors so they’re in your MU Health Care or Boone Health records.
- Be consistent. Your testimony, medical records, and reported activities should all tell the same story.
- Avoid exaggeration. Judges prefer realistic accounts of your limitations over extreme claims.
- Work with a local Columbia MO Social Security Disability lawyer. An attorney familiar with the local judges and SSA hearing offices can help you present the strongest possible case.
Why Choose The Krebs Law Firm for Your Columbia SSD Case
At The Krebs Law Firm, we have years of experience helping Mid-Missouri residents—from Columbia to Jefferson City to Moberly—win Social Security Disability benefits.
We know the Boone County hearing process, the local medical providers, and the judges who decide these cases.
If you’ve been denied, or you want to start your application the right way, getting legal help early can make a big difference.
We’ll help you:
- Review your Columbia medical records for consistency
- Prepare credible testimony for your hearing
- Avoid activities that could undermine your case
- Navigate the appeals process if your claim has already been denied
Free Resources and Case Evaluation
We offer a free Disability Survival Kit and free case evaluations for people in Columbia, Boone County, and surrounding Mid-Missouri communities.
Call The Krebs Law Firm today or visit KrebsLawOffice.com to download your free guide and request your case review.
Don’t let small mistakes cost you the benefits you’ve earned.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or need a Columbia Missouri SSD appeal attorney, we’re here to help.
Need Help With Your Columbia Missouri Social Security Disability Case?
If you’re overwhelmed by Social Security Disability rules, you’re not alone. We help hardworking people like you get the benefits they’ve earned.
Call today for a free consultation with a disability lawyer who understands what you’re going through.
Let’s talk about how your medical problems affect your ability to work—and how we can prove it to Social Security.
The right legal guidance can alleviate stress and ensure your medical records accurately reflect your real-world limitations, greatly improving your chances of a successful outcome.
If you need help fighting for your Social Security disability rights, The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations. We can review your situation, help you determine the best course of action, and if you have a solid case, fight alongside you. You can reach our office at 573-886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
You could try to get your benefits on your own, but the odds of successfully combatting a denial are higher with the help of a Social Security disability lawyer in Columbia Missouri.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay. You can reach our office locally at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
A Social Security disability lawyer in Columbia Missouri can help make the process of getting the full amount you’re owed much easier. The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations, and all it takes is giving us a call today.
Whether you’re making an initial Social Security Disability claim or striving to make an appeal, The Krebs Law Firm knows the ins and outs of the application process and offers free consultations to potential clients. You have nothing to lose by contacting us and everything to gain.
If you seek the help of a Social Security Disability attorney in Columbia Missouri with your claim, The Krebs Law Firm has years of experience in helping our clients receive the full amount of Social Security Disability benefits that they rightly deserve in as timely a manner as possible.
Call us for a free consultation at 573-886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.