The number of injured people appealing the federal government's denial of their claim for Social Security disability insurance is higher than ever. The Social Security Administration went through nearly 3.4 million initial claims and rejected around two-thirds of them. Those rejections led to 859,514 appeals, a procedure known as a hearing request.

Many people in Washington State who can no longer work to support themselves due to an illness or injury become frustrated after SSI rejects their claim, but that rejection is not the end of the road. There are steps you can take to possibly get that rejection overturned. But first you have to avoid the mistakes that applicants, inexperienced in SSDI law, often make. Here is a list of common mistakes applicants make after their claim is denied:

• Not appealing. The process of applying for SSDI benefits is complicated, but as the numbers above imply, appeals are very common and can lead to receiving benefits. Remember that when you paid into the SSDI system when you worked, so you have the right to draw benefits when you are unable to work due to disability.

• Not providing enough information. Common examples include failing to provide details about all the doctors who examined you or specific information about how your condition affects your ability to work.

• Not keeping the state Disability Determination Services informed. Like in all states, Washington has a DDS office that helps SSI determine whether an applicant is disabled for SSDI purposes. It is important to keep DDS up to date on doctors' visits and test results.

Source: Houston Chronicle, "Social Security Disability Appeals Reached New Record in 2011," Feb. 7, 2012