Garza Law Firm: Facing the System

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Denied benefits. Lost hope. Here’s why it happens­—and how you can fight back with confidence with the help of the Garza Law Firm

By Michael Bock

I

magine this: you’ve worked hard your entire life, consistently showing up day in and day out. But now, after a serious accident or years of living with a chronic condition, your body simply can’t keep up and you can no longer work. 

So, you file a claim for the Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits that you’ve paid into over the years and are rightfully entitled to. Then comes the letter in the mail informing you your claim has been denied. 

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), yes, you have some limitations, but not enough. They’ve decided your condition isn’t “severe” enough to prevent you from working and that, based on their assessment, you could adjust to other work. It’s frustrating, disheartening, infuriating even. 

In Tennessee, this happens all too often. The SSA recently released their Fiscal Year 2024 Disability Decisions “waterfall” chart. The data presented included approvals, dismissals and denials for the various stages throughout the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) determination process. 

The chart illustrates that, nationwide, the majority of claims get denied with an allowance rate of only 38% at the Initial Level and only 16% at Reconsideration. Unfortunately, the statistics in Tennessee are somewhat grimmer. Tennessee’s allowance rate for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income is the third lowest in the nation.

Given these numbers, it is no surprise that one of the most common questions we get is “Why on earth is my claim being denied?”

Here are the top three reasons Social Security Disability claims get denied:

1. Lack of Strong Medical Evidence: One of the most common reasons for denial is simply not having enough detailed, consistent medical documentation to prove that your condition is severe and long-lasting enough to prevent you from working.

2. SSA Believes You Can Do Other Work: Even if your condition keeps you from doing your previous job, Social Security may decide you’re still capable of adjusting to other types of work – regardless of whether those jobs are realistically available to you.

3. Errors or Incomplete Applications: Missing paperwork, inconsistent statements, or not responding promptly to SSA requests can quickly lead to a denial, even if you otherwise meet the requirements for benefits.

At Garza Law, we’re here to help you steer clear of these pitfalls. 

Improving Your Chance of Success

We help you build a solid medical record by working closely with your doctors to gather thorough, detailed medical evidence that clearly supports your disability. We have handled hundreds of cases and know what Social Security is looking for and know how to present it in the strongest possible light.

But we also help you challenge Social Security’s assumptions about your ability to work. If Social Security claims you can adjust to other work, we gather and present vocational evidence, expert opinions and other evidence to demonstrate why that is not realistic or medically feasible in your case.

Our goal is to ensure a complete and error-free application. From the outset, we help you complete every form, meet deadlines and respond promptly to Social Security’s requests for additional information which minimizes the risk of technical denials due to missing or incorrect information.

In today’s climate of reduced Social Security staffing due to DOGE-driven cuts, navigating a disability claim has become more difficult than ever. With longer wait times, increased procedural errors, and shifting SSA policies, having experienced legal representation isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. An attorney can ensure your application is accurate, complete, and strategically presented, significantly improving your chances of success. 

At Garza Law Firm, we understand the evolving challenges within the SSA and are committed to guiding clients through every stage of the process, from initial filing to appeal. Don’t face the system alone, let us help you secure the benefits you deserve.

Garza Law Firm
550 W. Main Street, Suite 340
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-830-1843
garzalaw.com