Why was I denied my Social Security disability in Arkansas? Harrison Social Security Lawyers
Just about everyone knows someone who is receiving disability benefits for a mental or physical impairment that prevents them from working. Many people also claim that they know a neighbor, an old coworker, a cousin or a friend-of-a-friend who is getting disability benefits but there is nothing wrong with him or her.
The Social Security Administration uses many different tests and criteria to determine whether someone is disabled. The rules they use to determine if you’re disabled may be different than the rules they were required to use for your neighbor. When determining if you are disabled, SSA will look at your age, education and work history. There are special rules for those over 50. If you are under 50, you have to meet a strict criteria and effectively show there is no work that you could do.
If you are over 50 your past work is much more relevant. An example 50 year old who has worked in a factory for the past 15 years, and now has bad hips that prevent him from standing would likely be found disabled.
It get easier to qualify when you turn 55. A 55 year old who did a lot of heavy lifting at their job and can now only lift 20 pounds because of a shoulder injury, but has no problems with his hips would still be found disabled. If you saw either of these individuals mowing their lawn, grocery shopping, or doing any other routine daily activities, you may question why they are collecting disability benefits, however, under Social Security rules, they would be found disabled based on their age and their past work.
This is why it is so important for people over 50 to get the help of an attorney when applying.
“Well, what about my younger neighbor who gets benefits for a bad back and I see him mow the lawn and shovel snow?” Why was I denied my Social Security disability in Arkansas?
Again if you are under 50, SSA will look at your case very differently. Another rule SSA follows is that they will consider a person disabled if they cannot sustain work for 8-hours a day, 5 days a week without accommodation. Frankly this is what allows most folks to qualify. Not being able to be at work all day everyday .
So you might see your neighbor outside once a week for an hour mowing the lawn, but you don’t know what happens after he mows the lawn. He might need to lay down for a few hours or a few days afterwards and ice his back. If he needs the rest of the day to recuperate from a one hour task, it is unlikely that he would be able to perform work duties on a regular basis 8-hours a day, 5 days a week.
The most important thing to remember is that Social Security makes decisions based on medical records. You have no way of knowing what is contained in someone’s medical records and how their condition might impact their ability to hold a 40-hour a week job. This is especially true for a physical impairment, or more likely, a mental impairment that you are probably not aware of during your brief encounters with such an individual. Be careful not to judge those about whom you may actually know so little other than what you see.
Free Social Security disability evaluation for Missouri and Arkansas residents.
Think you may qualify for disability in Missouri or Arkansas? Would you like a free evaluation to know your chances from one of the top Harrison Social Security lawyers? Want answers on what you can do to benefit your family?
The Krebs Law Firm LLC offers a free case evaluation if you have questions about your Social Security disability claim. Many people may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for a Missouri disability lawyer or Northwest Arkansas Social Security disability lawyer, but we only handle Social Security cases on a contingent fee basis.
In other words, there is no fee unless we are successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve. If you would like to speak to Jason Krebs simply call (417) 883-5886 or Toll Free 1 800 345-0535 for your free case evaluation or to discuss your appeal today! Do not delay as you only have 60 days to ask for a reconsideration if you live in Arkansas and 60 days to appeal in Missouri.
Please note that filing out this form does not mean my office has accepted representation and no attorney client relationship is formed by submitting this form.
Also filing out this review form is not filing your appeal and this website in no way related to the Social Security Administration.