Social security disability applications are a complex process, that requires a lot of evidence-based documentation to prove disability. One of these metrics is the Disability Onset Date, or the DOD.
The DOD is the date that the applicant in question met the requirements for disability that qualify for payments under social security disability. There are several scenarios in which the DOD can sway the case made for their disability application.
Establishing and Amending the DOD
Establishing the Disability Onset Date is essential for claimants as an accurate DOD will get them the exact benefits they deserve. For example, a DOD after the age of 50 for the claimant can make a disability claim easier to validate.
On the other hand, if the DOD happens to be established during a time period when the claimant was uninsured, the claim will not qualify for social security disability benefits.
These details are usually determined by the last date the claimant is able to work. So, the DOD is actually not the exact time when the disability occurred or was diagnosed, but rather the exact date that the disability prevented them from working.
Amendments to the DOD may be made, if you and your social security and disability lawyer feel that such a change can help create favorable conditions for acceptance of your claim. The key here may be to convince the administrative law judge of the reasons for the amendment.
The farther back your DOD is, the larger the disability amount will be, due to back payments. However, there are situations where a DOD amendment may be out of your control.
Partially Favorable Decisions
The SSA may disagree with your claimed DOD, amending it to a later date, thus causing you to lose out on back payments that you feel you may deserve. Partially favorable decisions usually say that the SSA agrees that you fit the requirements of disability, but that the alleged DOD you claimed was inaccurate.
This may happen because of a new injury, side effect of treatment or a clear worsening of the disability. Once the SSA has changed your DOD, you may challenge the decision by filing an appeal.
However, you should be aware that if you challenge the decision, the SSA may alter its decision and reconsider giving you disability status at all. This means that your social security status may change.
If this is a conflict that you’re dealing with, reach out to me for professional, experienced legal help. My time as a disability and auto accident lawyer in Little Rock, AR has given me the insight I need to ascertain and assess the facts of your case. Call me at (501) 798-0004 to set up an appointment!
