COMMON REASONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DENIALS (SSDI)

Most claims are denied due to one of the following factors:

• Technical Denials: About half of all denials occur before medical evidence is even reviewed because the applicant lacks sufficient work credits or earns wages equal to more than the "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) limit (currently $1,690/month for non-blind individuals in 2026). If you work and earn this much, you cannot be disabled under SSA rules.
  

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: Many claims fail because they lack objective medical findings (like MRIs or lab results) or fail to show how a diagnosis specifically prevents all types of work (preventing work functions).
  

• Short Duration of Medical Condition: The SSA requires that your condition has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 consecutive months OR alternatively, to end in death.  There's no short term benefit (for a disability lasting less than 1 year).
  

Factors That Can Improve Your Odds

 

While difficult, certain factors can significantly increase the likelihood of approval:

• Professional Representation: Claimants with a disability attorney or professional advocate are statistically 3 times more likely to be approved. (US Government study)
  
• Age: The burden of proof is higher for those under 50. Once you reach age 50, the SSA uses "Grid Rules" that recognize it is harder for older workers to retrain for new careers. Your lawyer knows how to use these Grid rules to help you win.
  
• Consistent Treatment: Frequent visits to doctors show the SSA that the condition is chronic and severe, and that you are following prescribed medical advice. 

Wait Times:  A Test of Your Endurance

 

The process is often a "test of endurance." An initial decision currently takes an average of 7 to 8 months, and a full appeal through the hearing stage can take 18 months or longer. Those who "hang in" and persist are the ones that often get approved.

Actually, most SSDI claims are awarded as a result of the appeals process, especially with the help of a good disability lawyer.

Charles W. Forsythe (The Forsythe Firm) - Huntsville, AL wins a high percentage of denied Social Security disability claims, our specialty.

• Free consultations and no upfront cost to begin
• We never charge a fee until you win and recover past due money.
• We fight to get you the maximum past due money.
  
• Personal attention to details of your case
  
•  Direct accessibility to your advocate/lawyer at all times
  
•  Assistance with filings, gathering evidence, attending hearings
• Local, compassionate representatives who really talk to you
• Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau (highest rating)
• Read reviews for Charles W. Forsythe, Huntsville--on Google.
  

For a Free Consultation now call (256) 799-0297

 

Email:  ForsytheFirm@gmail.com and tell us about your case.

 

When calling ask for Charles W. Forsythe, personally.

THE 5 YEAR RULE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

To qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) payments, you must have worked at least 5 years recently (out of the past 10 years).  This gives you insured status.

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is earned by earning work credits and paying into the SSDI system through payroll deduction (FICA tax).  

You may earn up to 4 work credits per year by earning a minimum amount of wages (or self-employment income) and paying the FICA tax on earnings.

Most claimants need 40 work credits to apply for SSDI.  So, out of the past 10 years before applying, the claimant must have worked at least 5 years.  It does not have to be full-time work to count.

 In 2026, a worker earns one Social Security credit for every $1,890 in covered earnings, up to a maximum of four credits for the year. A total of $7,560 in earnings (in one year) is required to secure all four credits in 2026, an increase from the $7,240 required in 2025.

Question:  How does someone who has never worked get Social Security disability benefits.  Answer:  They cannot unless they qualify as a survivor or dependent on someone else's work record.  Some who have never worked may get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on financial need; however, this is not a Social Security benefit.

Social Security disability rules are complicated.  If an individual meets the required quarters of coverage rule, here are the other requirements:

•  Must not currently be working at 'Substantial Gainful Activity.'
•   Must have a severe and medically determinable impairment which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months OR to end in death.
• Must be significantly restricted in the ability to work a full-time job.

Your best bet for handling the complex Social Security disability claim or appeal is to get an experienced Social Security disability lawyer.  Look for a layer who has

• extensive experience in Social Security disability
• a good knowledge of Social Security rules and regulations
• time to devote to your case
• a willingness to work closely with you to win your claim or appeal

 For questions about qualifying for Social Security disability please contact

THE FORSYTHE FIRM, HUNTSVILLE, AL

Phone (256) 799-0297

Email:  ForsytheFirm@gmail.com          Free Consultations

 

 

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RECENTLY? YOU HAVE OPTIONS!

"Going before a judge to get your Social Security disability benefits is not unusual; it's the norm."

The usual result of a Social Security disability application is DENIAL.  The common reason given:  "You are not disabled under our rules."

But, if you act within 60 days of denial, you DO have options to be approved.

That first decision is made after a rather sloppy review by a state run agency called the Disability Determination Service (DDS, for short).  The DDS is a a "weeding out" process, approving only the most certain disability cases that meet all the obvious markers for disability.--while denying 8 out of 10 claims.

 A denied claimant should look at the Grid Rules, the Listings and the Compassionate Allowance guidelines when undertaking an appeal.

If you are at least 50 years of age and have done no sedentary work in the past 5 years, the Grids may approve you.  This can happen in the appeal process, especially in the phase where your case comes before an Administrative Law Judge.

Of course, it's possible that Social Security didn't have sufficient evidence to approve your case the first time around.  You and your lawyer should find additional medical and vocational evidence to support your claim on appeal. 

The Administrative Law Judge who eventually hears your case will reconsider all important evidence, including new evidence, and give you a brand new decision.

My firm recently won a case that had denied twice by Social Security.  We asked for a hearing before a judge and asked for payment of past due benefits.

This claimant was approved  and recovered about $80,000 in past due benefits or "back pay."  The attorney received a fee of $9,200 while the claimant kept $70,800.  She will receive a monthly benefit of about $3,500.

The moral:  Never accept Social Security's first denial.  Most likely, it's entirely wrong and can be overturned in appeals.

The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville is Alabama's specialist in legal representation for denied Social Security disability benefits.  Never a fee unless you win and recover the past due benefits to which you are entitled.  Absolutely free consultations and case evaluations.  Don't accept defeat.  Turn that denied claim into cash.  Contact Charles W. Forsythe, Sr. Partner at The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville......

PHONE (256) 799-0297

Email:  ForsytheFirm@gmail.com

"We Never Ask You for Money."

 

 

HOW TO WIN SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY IN ALABAMA AND TENNESSEE

ESSENTIALS OF WINNING SSDI CLAIMS IN ALABAMA & TENNESSEE 

By Charles W. Forsythe - The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL

 To win a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim in Huntsville, AL, you will need 

• strong, recent  medical evidence proving your severe condition prevents work for 12+ months,

• meet work credit requirements; most claimants need to have worked at least 5 years out of the 10 year period before filing for disability.
  

• apply diligently, and commit to the long haul; SSDI claims are often denied and will require two appeals before they are paid  This is the rule, not the exception.
  

• Use an experienced local disability lawyer who understands Alabama / Tennessee SSA  technical regulations and office standards and helps you build a thorough case with detailed records, RFC assessments, and clear testimony.

 What is an RFC assessment?  RFC stands for "Residual Functional Capacity."  It refers to how much work potential you have left, in spite of your impairments.  This RFC assessment should come from one of your treating doctors.  However, if you don't get one from your doctor, Social Security will make up an RFC for you (often not favorable to you).  Your lawyer will know how to obtain an RFC from one or more of your treating physicians.  (This is not a letter from the doctor).

Charles W. Forsythe of The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL has more than a quarter century of successful Social Security disability representation, having recovered millions of dollars in denied SSDI benefits for claimants.  There is no fee for his service until you have been approved and received the back pay to which you are entitled.  Consultations are absolutely free with no obligation and no pressure.  We work for you to obtain the most Social Security disability benefits in the shortest time possible.

Reach The Forsythe Firm at (256) 799-0297 or email us:  ForsytheFirm@gmail.com