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RED FLAGS IN SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASES

 

RED FLAGS IN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASE

A red flag is something that causes concern or raises a problem in a Social Security disability case.  In short, it’s something that may get the claim denied or cause a big problem.

Here are some of the red flags that we see crop up:

  • ·         Work after the alleged onset date (AOD).  Since the process takes so long, many claimants feel that they are forced to return to work for income.  Social Security often sees this as a sign that the claimant is not disabled.
  • ·         Severe substance abuse.  Chronic and frequent abuse of drugs or alcohol can pose problems.
  • ·         A skimpy work record.  A claimant who has worked very little or has jumped from job to job frequently may not have good credibility.
  • ·         Quitting work for a non-disability reason:  A claimant says he/she stopped working due to transportation problems, a fight with a boss, to take care of a sick loved one,  retirement  or because the company closed down may send a signal that he/she did not stop working due to a disability.

A good attorney/representative will have a hard look at a case to find red flags and solve them, if possible. 

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