What Is Loss Run
In Social Security disability claims, a loss run is a chronological record of all previous claims you have filed with the SSA. It documents when you applied, what program you applied for (SSDI, SSI, or both), claim statuses, and outcomes. The SSA maintains this record in your file and uses it to track your claim history across multiple applications.
Why It Matters
Your loss run directly affects how the SSA processes your application and how an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) evaluates your case at hearing. If you have filed multiple times, the SSA uses your loss run to identify prior medical evidence, determine whether you have an established "established onset date" from a previous application, and calculate back pay correctly. An inaccurate loss run can delay benefits by months or result in incorrect payment amounts. The SSA receives approximately 2.7 million disability applications annually, and roughly 65% are initially denied, making accurate record-keeping critical for appeals and subsequent applications.
How It Works
- Initial creation: When you file your first claim, the SSA creates a loss run record. Every subsequent application you file is added to it with a new claim number and timestamp.
- ALJ review: If your case reaches an ALJ hearing, the judge reviews your loss run to understand how many times you have applied and what evidence was previously submitted. This prevents you from having to resubmit medical records the SSA already possesses.
- Back pay calculation: Your loss run determines your "alleged onset date" for the current claim and identifies any prior "established onset dates" that affect how much back pay you receive. Back pay is calculated from your established onset date to the month you are approved, less any prior benefits already paid.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): The ALJ uses your loss run to see what RFC decisions were made in prior denials, helping the judge understand whether the SSA's position has changed or remains consistent regarding your work capacity.
Practical Considerations
- Multiple applications: Each new application creates a separate claim number but ties to your loss run. Filing multiple times does not hurt your case, but submitting identical evidence repeatedly wastes time. New medical evidence strengthens subsequent applications.
- Medical evidence gaps: The SSA expects your treating physicians to document your condition consistently. If you file a new claim after a gap in medical treatment, that gap may be used against you to argue your condition improved. Your loss run shows these gaps clearly.
- State agency vs. ALJ review: At the initial and reconsideration stages, state disability examiners review your case using the same loss run the SSA maintains. At the ALJ level, the judge has full access to all prior applications, denials, and medical evidence tied to your loss run.
- Protective filing: You can file a protective filing statement with the SSA to establish an earlier onset date for your claim. This is noted in your loss run and affects back pay calculations if you are later approved.
Common Questions
How do I know what is in my loss run? Request a copy of your "Claim File" from your local SSA office or online at ssa.gov. Your loss run summary will show each application you have filed, the claim numbers, and basic status information.
Can errors in my loss run be corrected? Yes. If the SSA has recorded incorrect dates, claim numbers, or outcomes, contact your local SSA office or request a correction through your representative. Errors can affect back pay calculations, so have supporting documents ready.
Does having a long loss run hurt my chances of approval? No. Multiple applications show persistence and documented disability history. What matters is the medical evidence supporting your current claim, not how many times you have applied. The SSA approval rate for initial claims is approximately 33%, but for cases reaching ALJ hearing, approval rates reach 48% to 60% depending on the ALJ.
Related Concepts
- Claim File contains your complete loss run and all medical records, work history, and decision letters
- Underwriting processes your application using information from your loss run and supporting evidence