Defining Disability in Alpharetta Veterans’ SSDI Claims

A vital part of any Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim is proving that an individual suffers from a condition which prevents them from working. An attorney in Alpharetta could help veterans better understand the legal concept of a disability and how to qualify under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition. In the event of a denied SSDI claim, our team of disability representatives can help determine whether insufficient evidence contributed to a former servicemember’s rejection and gather the medical records necessary to prove their qualifications.

What is the SSA’s Definition of Disability?

Proving that a veteran suffers from a disabling condition is an important part of any SSDI claim. According to the SSA, a disabled person is defined as someone who is unable to work a full time job due to one or more disabling condition. Certain diagnoses automatically meet the SSA’s definition of a qualifying disability, so it is advisable for former servicemembers to meet with a local advocate for the disabled before submitting an application for SSDI.

However, it is far more likely that a veteran’s condition does not fall under this umbrella. Regardless, the SSA may still approve a disabled vet if they are able to prove through medical evidence and testimony from others that their condition effectively prevents them from holding gainful employment. Otherwise, a former servicemember who cannot adequately prove that they meet the SSA’s definition of disabled will likely see their claim denied.

How an Attorney Could Help Veterans Prove their Disability

Because of the SSA’s strict definition of disability, it is essential to be meticulous in gathering medical evidence to proves your medical eligibility. In the event of an SSDI claim denial, the law gives veterans only 60 days to file a request for reconsideration with the SSA. To this end, one of our disability representatives in Alpharetta can contact doctors’ offices and obtain the medical records necessary to pursue a more effective appeal on a former servicemember’s behalf.

If a request for reconsideration results in a subsequent denial, a disabled vet will earn the right to request an administrative hearing. For many veterans, a hearing is their best opportunity to receive SSDI benefits. Only by presenting a judge with a complete medical record will it be possible to demonstrate that a former servicemember meets the SSA’s definition of disabled and therefore qualifies for SSDI benefits.

Ask an Alpharetta Attorney about Meeting the Definition of Disability in Veterans’ SSDI Claims

Former servicemembers in Alpharetta can only collect SSDI benefits if they suffer from a medical condition (mental, physical, or a combination of both) that prevents them from participating in substantially gainful activity. Veterans must also fulfill the SSA’s work credit requirements to receive SSDI payments.

Reaching out to an attorney in Alpharetta could help you better understand how to meet the SSA’s definition of disability in veterans’ SSDI claims. If you have received a denial on an application because the SSA doesn’t believe that you met this standard, one of our disability representatives can help you pursue an appeal to get your SSDI claim back on track.