Top Reasons Why Disability Claims Get Denied
- Royce Nunley
- May 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 5
With Tips On How To Avoid Them From An Experienced Metro Detroit Disability Lawyer
If you’ve received a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA, you’re not alone. In fact, according to recent SSA data, approximately 67% of initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications are denied.
For many Metro Detroit residents struggling with serious health conditions and financial hardship, a denial can feel like the end of the road—but it doesn’t have to be. At The Nunley Law Group, we help individuals and families across Southeast Michigan understand why claims are denied and what steps can be taken to improve the odds of approval on appeal or even during the initial filing process.
The Most Common (and Often Avoidable) Reasons Disability Claims Get Denied
1. Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence
Your disability must be supported by strong medical documentation. The SSA needs to see detailed records that show how your condition affects your ability to work.
Common mistake: Not submitting test results, treatment records, or consistent physician notes that clearly explain the severity of your symptoms.
How a lawyer helps: We help collect and organize the right evidence to demonstrate how your condition meets SSA criteria, especially for clients throughout Michigan, including Wayne Country, Oakland County, Macomb County and surrounding areas.
2. Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition but haven’t followed the doctor’s recommended treatment plan, the SSA may assume your condition isn’t as limiting as claimed.
Common mistake: Stopping medication or skipping therapy sessions without documented reasons.
Tip: If there’s a legitimate reason for discontinuing treatment (e.g., side effects, financial hardship), your disability attorney can help explain this to the SSA.
3. Earning Too Much Money While Applying
The SSA uses the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if you're capable of working. In 2025, earning more than $1,550/month (or $2,590/month if you're blind) can disqualify you.
Avoidable error: Continuing part-time or freelance work without realizing it exceeds SGA limits.
4. Your Condition Isn’t Considered “Severe” Enough
SSA examiners are trained to assess whether your disability significantly limits your ability to perform basic work-related activities.
Common mistake: Applying too early or without a clearly documented history of limitations.
What a top disability attorney does: At The Nunley Law Group, we work with your doctors to clearly articulate the functional impact of your condition on your day-to-day life and job performance.
5. Previous Denials Without New Evidence
Reapplying with the same information after a denial often leads to another denial. The SSA looks for new and material evidence to reconsider a claim.
Avoidable mistake: Submitting a repeat application without addressing what went wrong the first time.
Legal support helps: We review your denial letter and strengthen your case with new medical reports, functional assessments, and legal arguments.
6. Missing Deadlines or Incomplete Paperwork
The SSDI process has strict deadlines and a mountain of forms. A single missed form or missed deadline can derail your case.
Avoidable mistake: Not responding to SSA requests for more information, or missing the 60-day appeal window.
Our legal team ensures: Every form is submitted correctly and on time—especially important in high-volume SSA offices across Metro Detroit.
How an Experienced Disability Attorney Improves Your Chances
Hiring an experienced SSDI attorney can increase your chances of approval by as much as threefold, according to the Government Accountability Office. At The Nunley Law Group, we offer:
Step-by-step guidance from application through appeals
Help gathering the right medical and vocational evidence
Strong legal representation at hearings and appeals
Local expertise with Michigan SSA offices and administrative judges
Don’t Let a Denial Stop You—Let’s Get It Right the First Time
A denied SSDI claim doesn’t mean your case is over—it means it’s time to get help. At The Nunley Law Group, we’ve helped countless clients throughout Metro Detroit get the benefits they deserve by correcting avoidable mistakes and building stronger cases.
If you made you're way here wondering why disability claims get denied, Contact us today for a free consultation with a top disability attorney in Detroit, and let’s talk about how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Other Helpful Resources
| About the Author
Email. Royce@nunleylawgroup.com
Tel. 586-778-4555
Royce Nunley is the founder and lead attorney at The Nunley Law Group, where he represents clients in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defense, Social Security Disability, and Personal Injury. Known for his client-focused approach and legal insight, Royce is deeply committed to delivering personalized legal solutions tailored to each individual's needs.
Royce earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, Cum Laude, from Wayne State University, and continued his education at Wayne State University Law School, where he received his Juris Doctorate, also Cum Laude. His academic excellence laid a strong foundation for a career marked by both compassion and tenacity in the courtroom.
Royce has been recognized for his outstanding work in Family Law, earning the distinction of Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for six consecutive years—2019 through 2024—an honor reserved for only the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
With a reputation for taking the time to truly understand his clients and their legal challenges, Royce ensures that every person who walks through his door receives the respect, transparency, and tireless advocacy they deserve.
Comments