Navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process can be challenging. At Tabak Law, we recognize that behind each case there is a person facing difficult circumstances. It’s frustrating to know that most initial SSDI applications are denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Understanding the reasons for these denials and taking the necessary steps to a successful appeal is essential to securing the benefits that you deserve.

Our mission is simple: to provide our clients with hope through effective legal services. We do this with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. With over $300 million in assets recovered and more than 10,000 clients served, we are proud to be here to help those who need us.

The Strict Definition of “Disability”

The SSA does not provide benefits for partial or short-term disabilities. To be eligible, you must meet very strict legal criteria. According to SSA guidelines, your condition must:

• Be severe: It must significantly limit your ability to perform essential work activities.
• Last long: It must have lasted or be expected to last for at least one year, or result in death.
• Prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA): It must prevent you from performing any substantial work, taking into account your age, education, and work experience.

Many applications are denied because the medical evidence provided by the applicant does not sufficiently prove the three core elements required by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Top Reasons for SSDI Denials in 2025

Insufficient Medical Evidence

This is the most common reason for denial. The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs detailed, objective medical records from credible treatment providers that document the severity and duration of your condition. Notes from doctors who lack specific clinical findings or are based primarily on subjective symptoms are often not enough.

Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment

The SSA may reject a claim if you have not followed your doctor’s recommended treatment plan for good reason. They will need to determine whether, had you followed the treatment, your ability to work would have been restored.

The Applicant Can Perform Past Work

A disability examiner may determine, based on your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), whether you are still able to perform the duties of a job you held within the last 15 years.

The Applicant Can Adjust to Other Work

Even if you are unable to perform your previous job, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses medical-vocational guidelines (often referred to as “the grid”) to determine whether you could transition to other types of work based on your age, educational background, and skill set. If they conclude that you are not able to, your claim will be denied.

Technical Denials (Especially for SSDI)

Your medical condition may not be reviewed if you do not meet the non-medical requirements for SSDI. This typically means that you do not have enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. You can check your credits on the SSA’s official website.

The Power of the Appeal: Turning a Denial Into an Approval

A denial is not the end of the journey. In fact, many successful claims are eventually approved after the appeal process. The process consists of four main stages:

• Reconsideration: A complete review of your case by a new reviewer.
• Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): This is the most important stage. You can appear in front of a judge, explain your limitations, and present new evidence. With strong legal representation, the chances of approval increase significantly.
• Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ rejects your claim, you may request a review from the Social Security Appeals Council.
• Federal Court Review: The final stage is filing a lawsuit in a U.S. federal district court.

How to Build a Successful Appeal with Tabak Law

A successful appeal depends on building a strong, evidence-based case. Our Milwaukee SSDI attorneys focus on:

• Strengthening your medical file: We help you obtain all necessary records, including clinical notes, lab results, and imaging reports. We also help you secure a thorough Medical Source Statement from your treating physician, describing your functional limitations. The opinion of a doctor who has seen you for a long time carries significant weight with the ALJ.
• Developing a robust RFC assessment: We work with your physicians and, if needed, medical experts, to create a detailed RFC that accurately represents your physical and mental limitations. This prevents a return to previous work or adaptation to new work.
• Preparing you for the hearing: We carefully prepare you to present your case clearly and convincingly. We make sure that your struggles and how they prevent you from working are fully understood. We cross-examine any experts the SSA might use to ensure that your limitations are taken into account.
• Mastering the “Grid Rules”: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the medical-vocational guidelines and know how to present your specific combination of age, RFC (functional capacity), education, and work experience in such a way that it mandates a finding of disability under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) own rules.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

The appeal process can be complex and challenging. Having an experienced professional who understands the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) procedures can make a significant difference between receiving lifetime benefits and another rejection.

If your SSDI application has been denied, contact experienced SSDI lawyers at Tabak Law for a free consultation. We have the experience and resources necessary to fight for your rights and help you get the benefits you deserve.