Looking at Social Security Disability Claims Allowance and Denial Rates

Herndon and Loudoun disability lawyer Doug Landau is often asked, “How many cases does Social Security actually approve at the first 2 levels before I have to go before an Administrative Law Judge ?”  “What are the National, Regional and Middle Atlantic States’ averages ?”  “Doesn’t the Federal Government just deny every case ?” “Must you have a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury in order to win a Social Security case ?” The Virginia disability lawyer notes that not every single claim is denied by the Federal Government at the initial and reconsideration levels.  While it is true that most claims are denied at the initial level, and the percentage of claims allowed at the reconsideration level is only about 14% nationally, there are a number of claimants who receive benefits at these levels.  According to the “Social Security Forum,” the Social Security Disability & Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) Disability Claims Allowance Rates for the fiscal year 2009 for our area were as follows: Initial Level        Reconsideration Level

• NATION                36.9%        13.8%
• REGION (Philadelphia)     36.4        13.9
• STATE:
• Delaware            42.9        10.1
• Washington, D.C.        40.5        17.0
• Maryland            38.7        18.9
• Pennsylvania            35.3
• Virginia                40.4        14.3
• West Virginia            26.4        8.2

It has become apparent to the ABRAMS LANDAU disability team that a claimant’s best chance of getting their full Federal Disability Income benefits is at the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) level.   That is why it is important to get an experienced Social Security lawyer involved EARLY in the process.  Federal Disability forms filled out late or incorrectly can be fatal to a case.  If you or someone you know is permanently disabled, please e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555)