How does SSA determine if a claim will be a denial or an approval?   Someone recently submitted the following question which is paraphrased here: How does SSA determine a denial or an approval? If you have You have to meet the criteria as well. The other way of getting approved is a medical vocational allowance. This is where a disability examiner or a judge will review the medical records and the work history of an adult claimant to see what their past work demands were, what their skills are, and what kinds of mental and/or physical limitations they might have as a result of their condition or conditions. To get approved this way, it would have to be shown that the person cannot go back to their past work and cannot also switch to some type of other work. This is usually how a person gets approved for disability benefits. As for disability applications, currently the national average for denials is about 77 percent. Very high. However, it has been at least 70 percent for at least the last 20 years. Meaning the system has always been hard. A high percentage of people who are denied and decide to file appeals, at least as far as to the level of a hearing, will be approved. So, that basically shows that there are large flaws in the system if so many individuals are initially denied but are later approved after having to endure very long waits and appeals. It also means that anyone filing for disability should prepare to file appeals and not give up on their claim because the long-range chances of winning are actually not bad. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How long does it take to be approved for disability? How does a person get approved for disability benefits How Often Does Social Security Approve Disability The First Time You Apply? What is the process for approving a Social Security Disability claim? How does SSA determine if a claim will be a denial or an approval? Do you have to quit your job before filing for disability? Can you qualify for Social Security Disability on the basis of fibromyalgia? What are the requirements and criteria for Social Security Disability? Can you get disability if you are younger age? Disability at age 50 or older Social Security Disability SSI and proving you can't work How Residual Functional Capacity affects Social Security Disability and SSI claims If I am waiting for a Disability Hearing, how often should I see my doctor? Calling Social Security about a Disability Exam that was scheduled How does social security decide your disability claim? These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida