Receiving an SSDI denial can feel especially discouraging when your health has continued to decline since you filed your claim. You may wonder whether the worsening condition changes your options or whether the denial means you have reached the end of the process. The answer depends in part on where you are in the appeals process and what your updated medical information shows.
Here are the key points you should know.
An appeal can be filed if your condition worsens
You can continue an appeal after your condition worsens. During reconsideration, SSA conducts a new review of the evidence and considers information about new allegations or worsening impairments.
For example, you may have developed more severe symptoms, experienced new limitations or needed additional treatment since your original claim. Reporting these changes gives SSA updated information about how your condition affects your ability to work.
New medical evidence can show how your condition changed
Updated medical records can help show how your condition has progressed since the original decision. Depending on your circumstances, you may submit:
- Doctor’s notes
- Test results and imaging
- Treatment records
- Medication records
- Statements from treating providers
Providing recent records can help SSA evaluate your claim using information that was not available when it made the original decision.
The appeal deadline still applies
A worsening condition does not automatically extend your deadline to appeal the denial. Federal Social Security rules generally give you 60 days to request an appeal, with SSA generally adding five days for receipt of the decision notice.
Waiting for your condition to worsen before taking action could therefore put your appeal rights at risk. You can report new medical information while pursuing the appeal rather than delaying the appeal itself.
Your updated condition can support your appeal
New information about your health can give SSA additional evidence to consider when reviewing your disability claim. Before filing or continuing your appeal, consider reviewing the denial notice and your recent medical records with an SSDI attorney. They can help you determine how the changes in your condition relate to your claim and what evidence you should submit.