SSD Approved in 4 Months

Initial approval of Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits is becoming increasingly rare with each passing year. Initial approvals are usually reserved for claimants who are over 55 years of age, meet a listing, or qualify as a compassionate allowance. I represent a claimant who fit none of those criteria.

I represent a 43 year old former delivery truck driver with severe back problems, whose SSD application was approved in only four months. This case stood out though for a couple of reasons. 

First, we submitted a very favorable workers compensation (“WC”) IME report. While the SSA always states that it is not bound by anyone else’s decision, the SSA finds WC IME reports more credible than treating specialists’ opinions. 

Second, we submitted a great number of electrodiagnostic test data, surgical reports, along with treatment records from numerous examining sources. While there is no quantitative requirement, the SSA tends to find it easier to justify approving a voluminous file.