The Fiscal Year 2020 SSA Data has been released by the Social Security Administration and the numbers are astonishing. Clients inquire a lot about what their chances are, or how likely are they to get approved. While each case is different and largely dependent on a variety of factors, including age, medical impairments, and medical records documenting those impairments, the overall percentage is rather low based on the current numbers.
When one files a claim for disability there is an Initial level decision, then, if that is denied, an appeal to the Reconsideration level is made and a decision is issued. If the Reconsideration is denied, the appeal goes to the hearing level, a hearing is held and a decision issued by an Administrative Law Judge. If an unfavorable determination is issued by an Administrative Law Judge, the case can be appealed to the Appeals Council and then to the Federal Court levels.
Per the Social Security Administration’s Fiscal Year 2020 data, the rates of allowance at the Initial level was 39% and denied 61%. At the Reconsideration level there was a 14% allowance rate and denied 86%. The Administrative Law Judge level had allowed 49%, dismissed 14%, and denied 37%. The Appeals Council had an astonishing 1% allowance, dismissed 3%, remanded 14% and denied 82% of the cases appealed. The Federal Court rate was allowed 2%, dismissed 7%, remanded 55%, and denied 36%.
These odds are not in your favor unfortunately, but we here at Gardberg and Kemmerly specialize in disability claims. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance please call our office at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation on your VA and/or SSA claim. Gardberg & Kemmerly specializes in helping the injured and disabled in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.