Social Security Disability at The Initial Level: The Factors

A study of the initial level allowance rates for Social Security Disability has shown that several factors that are outside the control of Disability Determination Services (DDS) may explain difference in allowance rates from one DDS to another.

Results from the examination show that the following factors affect the likelihood that a claim will be allowed at the initial level of disability:

Older individuals are more likely than children to receive a favorable decision at the initial level.

Those with a musculoskeletal diagnosis are less likely to receive a favorable decision than applicants with other primary diagnoses.

Applicants with intellectual disabilities, neoplasms, and genitourinary diagnoses are more likely to receive a favorable decision.

There is a direct association with high state unemployment rate and decrease in allowance rate at the initial level. With deteriorating labor market conditions, SSA is able to draw in and screen out those applicants who are only marginally qualified.

The differences between states explains much of the variation between allowance rates at the initial level. However, these factors do not account for about 16 to 27 percent of the overall variation.

To increase your chances of winning your Social Security Disability claim it is important for you to hire an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to get you the Social Security Disability help you deserve. Please call us at 1-800-882-5500 or fill out a form on our website for a FREE claim evaluation.