Are you worried about your chances of being approved for disability benefits? Filing a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unable to work. However, there are certain signs that suggest a higher likelihood of claim approval. Whether you’re applying for SSDI or looking for signs that you will be approved for SSI disability, understanding these indicators can help you assess your situation.
Continue reading to learn more about what increases your chances of obtaining SSD benefits.
6 Signs That You Will Be Approved for Disability
1. Substantial Work Credits That Support Your SSDI Claim
One of the first signs that you will be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is having enough work credits. These credits come from your years of working and paying into Social Security.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at both your total credits and how recently you earned them. Younger workers may need fewer credits than older individuals to receive benefits. Having a solid work history with consistent earnings can significantly strengthen your SSDI claim.
2. Consistent Medical Treatment
A strong history of medical treatment strengthens your chances of claim approval. This shows the SSA you’re committed to improving your condition and potentially getting back to work. It also shows whether or not your disability is responsive to treatment.
Your medical care history includes evidence of kept appointments, prescribed treatments, and regular communication with your healthcare team. Medical documentation should reflect an ongoing assessment of your condition and clear tracking of how treatments affect your day-to-day symptoms.
3. Unable To Perform Prior Work or Sedentary Work
Your chances of getting approved for disability increase when you can prove you’re unable to perform not just previous work, but sedentary work. This means showing that a full-time desk job or something similar would be impossible due to your condition. This may include evidence that you can’t sit for long periods, need frequent breaks, or can’t maintain concentration because of your symptoms. When your medical evidence clearly shows such limitations, it strengthens your claim considerably.
4. Limited Education & Transferable Skills
Having limited education or job skills can improve your chances of claim approval. The SSA recognizes that workers with limited work experience face greater challenges in transitioning to other jobs. If you lack an advanced degree and your work history consists mainly of unskilled labor, these factors could work in your favor.
5. Stong Medical Evidence
Comprehensive medical evidence is essential for disability claim approval. Your medical records should tell a clear story about your condition and its impact on your life. This includes detailed documentation of:
- Your treatment history
- Test results
- Imaging results
- Symptoms over time
- How your condition affects your daily activities
- Your doctor’s professional opinion about your work limitations
- Responses to prescribed treatments
- Treatment/medication side effects
It also helps to have non-medical evidence, such as statements from coworkers, friends, or family that describe how your disability impacts your life.
6. Your Condition Clearly Meets the SSA’s Requirements
When looking for signs your disability claim will be approved, consider how closely your condition aligns with the SSA’s eligibility criteria. The Social Security Administration references the Blue Book, a guide of qualifying conditions, when reviewing claims. Your chances of approval increase when your condition matches a listing and your medical evidence meets the listed criteria.
You must also prove that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
It is possible to qualify for benefits with an unlisted medical condition that prevents you from working. However, the process is more straightforward with a prequalifying disability.
Understanding Your Disability Claim
While the signs listed above can suggest a positive outcome in your case, remember that each claim is unique. Not seeing all these positive indicators doesn’t mean your claim will be denied. Many approved claims show only some of these favorable signs. The key is having strong medical evidence that clearly demonstrates how your condition prevents you from working.
Contact Our Skilled Disability Attorney
Understanding the signs that you will likely be approved for disability can be hard. At Grundy Disability Group, we help Kansas City area residents evaluate and strengthen their disability claims. Our experience helps us identify potential issues early and improve your chances of success.
Want to learn more about filing for SSD? Are you concerned you’re facing signs that you will be denied disability? Call us at (913) 444-9009 for a free case evaluation. We’ll review your claim and help you understand your chances of being approved for Social Security Disability benefits.