Many people believe that working as long as possible proves strength and responsibility. Unfortunately, SSA sometimes uses that effort against them.
Working through pain does not disqualify SSDI. It often explains delayed application and worsened disability.
Why SSA Penalizes Perseverance
SSA may assume:
- You could have continued working
- Symptoms were manageable
- Disability began later than it actually did
Without explanation, perseverance looks like capacity.
The Importance of the Correct Onset Date
Onset date determines:
- Back pay
- Eligibility
- Strength of medical timeline
Working through pain often requires careful onset analysis to show when work became unsustainable.
Failed Work Attempts Matter
Many claimants:
- Reduced hours
- Took extended breaks
- Used excessive sick leave
- Required accommodations
These are signs of decline, not ability.
How Attorneys Reframe These Cases
Winning cases show:
- Gradual loss of endurance
- Increasing absences
- Escalating symptoms
- Medical escalation during employment
Judges respect effort when evidence shows collapse, not choice.
Final Takeaway
Trying to work through pain does not defeat SSDI. It often explains why disability was inevitable.
Call to Action
If you pushed yourself until you could not anymore, your SSDI claim deserves careful onset analysis.
Call for a free onset date review.
We protect the benefits you earned.
No fees unless you win.
