When a disabling medical condition prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, in order to qualify, your injury, illness, or impairment must have lasted—or be expected to last—for a minimum of 12 months.
While in some cases it may be possible to conclude that your disability is permanent or sufficiently long-lasting, in others, the prognosis may be less certain.
How Durational Denials Occur
SSDI applications are evaluated by Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiners and medical consultants. If they can’t be sure that your condition is permanent—or they expect it to improve within that yearlong window—you may receive what is known as a durational denial. These are denials based on the duration of your disability—how long the condition is expected to continue. Durational denials are not at all uncommon, especially when applying for SSDI benefits after a serious surgery, car accident, or other trauma where the prognosis involves multiple variables.
Working with an experienced Social Security disability attorney can help ensure that your SSDI application is completed correctly and includes carefully documented medical records and statements from your doctor detailing your disability, its effects, and their outlook.
Request an Initial Consultation
A durational denial isn’t the final word on your SSDI eligibility. These decisions can be questioned, appealed, and often reversed with the help of a skilled disability lawyer. If you applied for SSDI benefits and received a durational denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it’s vital to consult an attorney about your case as soon as possible to begin the appeals process. Don’t waste another minute—contact us today so we can get to work on your behalf.
At O’Connor Law PLLC, our seasoned disability attorneys are dedicated to helping clients secure the SSDI benefits they need and deserve. We can help you prepare your application, appeal a denial, and handle everything in between. Schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to learn more.
