Although it isn't mentioned in the statistics or this discussion, one of the reason claims are denied is that some claimants are just not disabled. And the front line employee has to take the same claim from whoever wants to file for whatever reason. Claimants for disability benefits include people can't find a job, don't want to work, don't like to work, don't have the job skills to get anything but entry level, have a bad attitude about employers, have never worked much and is afraid to try, like to make their own decisions and not be restricted by an employer's expectation, choose to live in a depressed job market city, and of course, those who have severe physical and mental medical conditions that are documented by medical records.

It is highly possible that states with high denial rates for SSDI are those in which the population files claims for benefits that they have no possiblity in qualifying for. Many people who file claims for disability are NOT disabled. And get denied. Factor that into your evaluation about denial rates.

Then there are claims for benefits filed by people who either have very little medical evidence or don't provide enough information about their existing evidence and expect that SSA will look long and hard to find it. Claims are often filed without addresses of treating sources; without dates of exams. The responsibility for proving you are disabled it ultimately yours. SSA employees want to make the right decision AND get the case off their desk. Factor that into your evaluation about denial rates as well.