Should you appeal a disability denial if your condition is improving ?

Should you appeal a denial of your social security disability or SSI claim even if your medical or mental condition is improving? With disability claims, its sometimes difficult to answer questions in a general fashion---this is especially true when it comes to payment scenarios since there are usually a large number of variables and the likelihood for miscommunication is high (when it comes to payment issues, you should contact your local social security office).

However, with regard to this specific question, the answer will almost always be...yes.

And here's why. Many claimants who file for disability benefits have conditions that exacerbate and remiss. That is, they get better and then they get worse, and sometimes this cycle keeps repeating. This is often true of cases involving fibromyalgia, back complaints, lupus, MS, depression, etc.

Because of the alternating nature (exacerbation and remission) of certain impairments, disability claimants should really think twice about giving up on an SSD or SSI claim when it seems as though their condition is improving---for the simple reason that their condition may unexpectedly get worse later.

What happens if you choose not to file an appeal on a claim within the time frame allotted (you have 60 days to file an appeal from the date of your last denial)? You will be forced to start over with a brand new application, which may needlessly consume several more months of waiting.




Return to the Social Security Disability SSI Benefits Blog




Other Posts

Choosing a social security attorney
Reasons to Apply for Disability
Will I get approved for disability if my doctor supports my claim ?